Posted on 08/16/2008 11:59:35 AM PDT by XR7
LAKE FOREST, Calif. — When John McCain and Barack Obama appear on the same stage today, they will vividly demonstrate the reach that has made the Rev. Rick Warren among the most significant evangelists of his generation.
He's a megastar who leads the nation's fourth-largest church and reaches thousands of ministers through the Internet and crusades against poverty and AIDS. That globe-trotting work and his successful book — "The Purpose-Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?" — puts him at the vanguard of a movement that inspires young, socially conscious Christians.
But his willingness to soft-pedal political issues once central to U.S. evangelicals, such as opposition to abortion, has opened him to criticism that he has strayed from his calling to spread the Gospel.
Today's forum also is a sign of religion's importance in the 2008 presidential campaign, and the emergence of a new style of evangelical leadership on the national stage that is not tied to a single party and has broadened its social agenda beyond that of the religious right.
"This is absolutely a changing of the guard, and it suggests that the new guard of the evangelical movement is able to generate the attention and focus of both parties," said D. Michael Lindsay, a sociologist at Rice University and author of "Faith in the Halls of Power: How Evangelicals Joined the American Elite."
Warren personally invited the two candidates — "friends of mine" — via their cellphones. His event at the Saddleback Church will be broadcast live on CNN and Fox News Channel and streamed on the Web. It has among its aims "helping the church regain credibility and encouraging our society to return to civility," he said.
It's likely that fans and critics will be watching closely...
(Excerpt) Read more at seattletimes.nwsource.com ...
So, this man, the O, is not up to ONE HOUR of discussion of his beliefs, because he has been on VACATION???
Give me one super big break! What in the hell does he and his backers think being the POTUS is like? EASY???
(Not yelling at you, tol, but that is absolutely stupid)
MOgirl
“I became a McCain liker tonight!
No nose holding neccessary after his performance tonight!”
I am very pleased with McCain’s performance as well! Bet Rush will have some very good things to say about it on Monday! :)
Gergen is the ultimate RINO, remember he worked for Clinton.
Had CSPAN on briefly. An Independent came on and was upset because it appeared McCain had been given the questions in advance. I guess she thought his answers were too good.
Keys has never won a state or national election and never will.
In the world of reaqlity, it is McCain or Obama.
McCain Conservative or Obama the Marxist
Anyone who votes third party, does a write in or sits at home only helps Obama.
I still have my Hunter bumper sign on my back window
and NO mccain signs yet...
Hunter for VP works for me...
Mccain has not invited him to anything though...
Given the option he is still my 1st choice,
then Eric Cantor etc
Hunter for POTUS in 2012 with Cantor as VP
I didn’t hear it; it’s over.
But I’m an action person, not a words person.
Senator McCain MUST pick a pro-life, conservative as his running mate, or he’s going to lose.
I’m just one voter, and in a liberal state which will go to Obama, anyway.
But, as Tony Perkins said, many will stay home if McCain picks a pro-abort running mate.
I won’t stay home, but I will do a write in.
Have you taken the time yet, to contact Senator McCain, or would you prefer I do your fighting for you?
Now, Mr. McCain, follow up this dominant performance with a conservative, pro-life VP choice in the next few weeks and you’ll have a base that’ll be galvanized into action.
Never saw a person grapple that way without a little anxiety. I think that is his secret. Works for on the job learners....but not the President.
He sure doesn’t .... it’s my personal peevee with him ... too canned and phoney. He was spectacular tonight! Decisive, congenial, humorous, human, presidential ... THAT’s a CIC, not the elitist, abortion-loving body surfer.
BTW, the message I got from Snowbama’s abortion question was simply: more money.
More so they can get healthcare, more so they can have babies and keep them, more money for daycare, etc. etc. etc. = more new age welfare.
I stand corrected, the quetions were the same for both...I’m still not sure about the outside question deal though.
Obama doing a whining after-interview on CNN right now.
I think Obama is also spining from the “Obama Nation” book that has come out.
The old media is making excuses for him.
This is a case study of voters vs the Old Media. The fact is the public was smart enough to see the real Reagan through the MSM blockade.
The same is true for the public to see the real Obama through the MSM kow towing.
“No nose holding neccessary after his performance tonight!”
My opinion exactly. I hope he lives up to his comments.
Bonnie Fwank’s sister (on FNC now) has more testosterone than he does. (But is just as ugly).
It would have been a better boost to women if Mc had said “I don’t know why Obama didn’t fully tell about the amazing story of his mother’s life, who helped women in villages through crafts and microfinancing, as well as his grandmother, who made great strides in banking for those days in Hawaii... strong women are America’s gift”
(Maybe even throw some Hillary and Nancy in just to confuse. It would have pissed some of and sounded like O pandering, but it’s the truth and would show the reaction of the malignant narcissist right off the bat... he wouldn’t have been able to hold it. Trust me.
Who is the ugly hag on Fox making out like Obama was so great. Man she has been drinkg the kool-Aid.
Get real. That’s a vote for Obama.
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