Free Republic

Last week's clash between Dr. James Dobson and Barack Obama is but the latest skirmish in a war that dates back to the time of Christ. At issue: What is Christian truth? Does the true Christian put social peace ahead of his duty to make God's Law man's law? In a speech in June 2006, Obama, citing the Book of Leviticus, which declares homosexuality an abomination, noted that Leviticus also says the eating of shellfish is an abomination and condones slavery. Moreover, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is "a passage so radical that it's doubtful that our own Defense Department...

Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, the minister who presided over the recent marriage of President Bush’s daughter Jenna, has launched a pro-Barack Obama Web site sharply critical of conservative stalwart James Dobson. Caldwell, leader of the largest Methodist congregation in the country, launched his “James Dobson Does Not Speak For Me” site a day after Dobson’s Focus on the Family radio program aired a statement charging that Obama distorted the Bible to fit “his own confused theology.” The site urges readers to sign a statement declaring that Dobson does not represent them. The statement reads in part: “James Dobson doesn't speak for...

A recent article on OneNewsNow featured comments by Methodist pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell, a Barack Obama supporter. The pastor took issue with James Dobson's contention that Obama distorts the Bible with his theological views. Caldwell, who is affiliated with the website JamesDobsonDoesntSpeakForMe.com, initially told OneNewsNow that the website was operated by Matthew 25, a political action committee working with Obama supporters. However, upon investigation, it was found that the site was actually registered to Alyssa Martin, an intern in the Obama campaign's "religious affairs" department. The domain registration has since been changed to Pastor Caldwell's name. In an earlier interview, Caldwell...

In a one-two punch, Focus on the Family’s Dr. James Dobson ripped into Barack Obama, saying that Obama terrifies him, while on Tuesday night’s "Hannity & Colmes" show, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee warned that the Illinois senator’s views on such issues as partial birth abortion takes away the equality of unborn children, and that Obama makes him uncomfortable. Dobson appeared on Sean Hannity’s radio show Tuesday. During the show, Hannity commented that he found Obama to be dishonest overall, noting that “I think he was dishonest to the American people” when speaking of his former pastor and spiritual adviser...

Barack Obama says Charlie Black was wrong to say that a terrorist attack would help John McCain in November; that he spoke to Hillary Clinton today and is trying to reach out to her husband; and that Christian leader James Dobson distorted his words on religion in a wide ranging media availability in the back of his press plane. Obama wandered back to speak to reporters in the middle of a flight from Las Vegas to Los Angeles for an informal bull session with reporters — a tactic encouraged by his campaign as a way to counter an aloof image...

(CNN) -- A top U.S. evangelical leader is accusing Sen. Barack Obama of deliberately distorting the Bible and taking a "fruitcake interpretation" of the U.S. Constitution. ~~~ Responding to Dobson's comments Tuesday evening, Obama sharply disputed the suggestion he was distorting the Bible. "Someone would be pretty hard pressed to make that argument," he told reporters aboard his campaign plane. "It is a speech that affirms the role of faith not just in my life but in the life of the American people, that suggests that we make a mistake by trying to push faith out of the public square."...

Dr. James Dobson responds to a speech made by Barack Obama in which the presidential candidate, while discussing the role of religion in government, compares Dr. Dobson to political activist the Rev. Al Sharpton. Dr. Dobson also updates listeners on the battle to preserve traditional marriage in Arizona, and pays tribute to late broadcast journalist Tim Russert. Joining Dr. Dobson for a discussion of these important issues are Focus on the Family President Jim Daly and Tom Minnery, Focus' Vice President of Public Policy. "76 percent of the [American] people identify themselves as Christian ... [but Barack Obama is] diminishing...

Now it begins. The Senator from Illinois, Barack Obama, has begun his outreach to faith based voters. Dr. James Dobson, a respected voice within the evangelical protestant community and beyond, has engaged the debate. The media is screaming “Bible Wars”. What is this all about? What does it mean for Catholic Christians? How should we respond? As someone who has had the privilege of meeting Dr Dobson, I have great respect for the wonderful work he is doing and has done for the “poorest of the poor”, children in the first home of the whole human race, their mothers womb....

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A leading conservative evangelical on Tuesday said Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama had distorted the Bible and espouses a "fruitcake" approach to the U.S. Constitution. The comments by broadcaster James Dobson are among the sharpest religious attacks to date on the Illinois senator, who will face Republican John McCain in the November election. Dobson, who has previously said he will not vote for McCain because of his past support for stem cell research, on Tuesday said the Arizona senator wasn't doing enough to stop gay marriage in his home state. "This is a year when we have...

As Barack Obama broadens his outreach to evangelical voters, one of the movement’s biggest names, James Dobson, accuses the likely Democratic presidential nominee of distorting the Bible and pushing a “fruitcake interpretation” of the Constitution. The criticism, to be aired Tuesday on Dobson’s Focus on the Family radio program, comes shortly after an Obama aide suggested a meeting at the organization’s headquarters here, said Tom Minnery, senior vice president for government and public policy at Focus on the Family.

There is no secret to the fact that John McCain’s moderate stances have turned away large segments of the Conservative Religious Right base. In poll after poll, McCain has only enjoyed 80% of the Republican vote, a number that all political analysts say he must increase. The McCain campaign has been sharply criticized for its failure to court evangelical support; creating a visible rift that the Obama campaign has realized and attempted to exploit by...

Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family -- who has stayed unusually quiet in this election cycle likely due to his loathing of presumptive GOP presidential nominee Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. -- will tomorrow attack Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, on Tuesday for a speech the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee delivered in 2006 to the liberal Christian group Call to Renewal. The AP was given an advance copy of Dobson's 18-minute radio segment, which has already been taped, and will air Tuesday. In it, Dobson hammers Obama's views of religion, and says the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee is trying to...

(also) Having a "Fruitcake" Interpretation of the ConstitutionDr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family -- who has stayed unusually quiet in this election cycle likely due to his loathing of presumptive GOP presidential nominee Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. -- will tomorrow attack Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, on Tuesday for a speech the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee delivered in 2006 to the liberal Christian group Call to Renewal. The AP was given an advance copy of Dobson's 18-minute radio segment, which has already been taped, and will air Tuesday. In it, Dobson hammers Obama's views of religion, and says the...

"Alert Washingtonians were treated to an odd juxtaposition not long ago. John McCain was booed at the Conservative Political Action Conference, the big annual gathering of the right-wing tribes, while trying to establish that he was a conservative. On the same day, across town at the American Enterprise Institute—another conservative stronghold—Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker, was warmly received when he touted a new book called Real Change. Never one to go underboard, Ging­rich called for “explosively replac[ing] the failed bureaucracies of the past.” "The irony of the contrast seemed lost on conservatives. No one in the movement doubts Gingrich...

Millions of Americans Expected to Gather on May 1st to Pray for America by News Release : Apr 17, 2008 : National Day of Prayer Task Force http://www.ndptf.org/home/index.cfm?flash=1 This is a critical time to be in prayer for our country. (Colorado Springs)—Tens of thousands of prayer events are planned across the country on Thursday May 1, 2008 in recognition of the 57th Annual National Day of Prayer. In churches, parks and on courthouse steps, citizens will pray for our nation; government leaders, media, military, schools, churches, businesses and families. New events are being added every day and can be...

On the campaign trail last week, Sen. John McCain declared at least three times that the Republican Party is "united." But is it? Some prominent conservatives say they remain disenchanted with the party's likely nominee. Sen. McCain isn't doing enough to persuade them of his conservative credentials, they say, or win them over to his side. Although the sentiment among conservative leaders is that they will vote for Sen. McCain come November, they aren't thrilled about the prospect. "I hear a good deal of rumbling from conservatives," said Alfred Regnery, publisher of the conservative American Spectator magazine. Mr. Regnery said...

"Hate crimes" laws were defeated in Congress just a few months ago. Just a few weeks ago, Frank Wright of the National Religious Broadcasters Association warned, "We must be one in Christ to face the days ahead" because "hate crimes" laws would create untold new liability for Christians. Now a major Christian ministry has confirmed that such "hate crimes" laws already are setting limits on what it can broadcast. The issue is "hate crimes" laws in Canada, and they are affecting U.S. Christian ministries that broadcast into that nation. WND reported just a week ago on a Christian ministry based...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — With a generation of Christian right leaders dead or aging, the founder of the conservative evangelical group Focus on the Family says he's concerned about the movement's future leadership. James Dobson told a group of Christian broadcasters Tuesday night that the passing of Jerry Falwell, the Rev. D. James Kennedy and Ruth Bell Graham represent the end of an era. The radio talk show host noted that others like Billy Graham, Chuck Colson, Pat Robertson and Chuck Swindoll will also soon pass from the scene, and questioned the impact on the conservative Christian church. "It causes...

Dan Gilgoff does a post-mortem on how the evangelical movement managed to allow John McCain to win the Republican Party nomination over two candidates more amenable to their cause. Gilgoff focuses on their failure to back Romney, and makes it plain that religious bigotry played no small role in their inability to understand which political agenda suited them the best: As [James] Dobson warmed to Romney — the two had a getting-to-know-you session at Focus' Colorado Springs headquarters last year — he could have opened a dialogue with his millions of radio listeners about why evangelicals should feel comfortable voting...

Dr. Dobson: 'I'm Between a Rock and a Hard Place' He says he will not violate his conscience by voting for the lesser of two evils. One day after Sen. John McCain took the lead in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, Dr. James Dobson discussed just how difficult it has been for him to go public with his inability to vote for the Arizona senator, as a matter of conscience. "I regret what happened last night," Dr. Dobson told The Glenn Beck Program today, speaking as a private citizen. "I'm between a rock and a hard place." Dr....

Mike Huckabee this week picked up the endorsement of Focus on the Family founder James Dobson, who reiterated his statement Tuesday that he could not vote for presumptive Republican Presidential nominee John McCain even in November against a Democrat. Speaking of Senator McCain, the Christian broadcaster said "His record on the institution of the family and other conservative issues makes his candidacy a matter of conscience and concern for me." We haven't endorsed any candidate, and it's up to Mr. McCain to convince Mr. Dobson that he's worthy of his vote. But for the network of socially conservative activists who...

James Dobson, eminent Christian Leader (Founder "Focus on Family"), endorsed Huckabee Houston Chronicle (TEXAS). Political News Dr. James Dobson, Founder of the Focus on the Family, talks ..in Louisville, Ky. Dobson, one of the nation's most prominent evangelical Christian leaders, backed Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee's presidential bid Thursday night, giving the former Arkansas governor a long-sought endorsement as the Republican field narrowed to a two-man race. (AP Photo/Patti Longmire) Houston Chronicle Texas Feb. 7, 2008, 11:37PM AP: Evangelical leader endorses Huckabee By ERIC GORSKI AP Religion Writer © 2008 The Associated Press — James Dobson, one of the...

Dr. James Dobson issued the following statement Thursday, speaking as a private citizen. I am endorsing Gov. Mike Huckabee for President of the United States today. My decision comes in the wake of my statement on Super Tuesday that I could not vote for Sen. John McCain, even if he goes on to win the Republican nomination. His record on the institution of the family and other conservative issues makes his candidacy a matter of conscience and concern for me. That left two pro-family candidates whom I could support, but I was reluctant to choose between them. However, the decision...

Campaigns can be unpredictable. Success hinges on the vagaries of history, the tide of the country and the whims of voters. Then again, Mitt Romney's exit from the presidential race was inevitable the moment evangelical voters heard he was a Mormon. Evangelicals have shown us they now have a stranglehold on the Republican Party. It isn't that many evangelicals are social conservatives; it's that they're only social conservatives. The entire party now caters to their quirks. In 2006, Dr. James Dobson — whose wife excluded Mormons from participation in the National Day of Prayer that she chaired in 2004 —...

James Dobson, one of the nation’s most prominent evangelical Christian leaders, backed Mike Huckabee’s presidential bid Thursday night, giving the former Arkansas governor a long-sought endorsement as the Republican field narrowed to a two-man race. In a statement first obtained by The Associated Press, Dobson reiterated his declaration on Super Tuesday that he could not in good conscience vote for John McCain, the front-runner, because of concerns over the Arizona senator’s conservative credentials. Dobson said given the situation at that point, he was reluctant to choose between “two pro-family candidates whom I could support” — Huckabee and former Massachusetts Gov....

James Dobson, one of the nation's most prominent evangelical Christian leaders, is about to endorse former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, The Associated Press has learned. Dobson, founder of Colorado Springs, Colo.-based Focus on the Family, talked to the GOP presidential hopeful Thursday and later was to release a statement explaining his choice, said Gary Schneeberger, a spokesman for Dobson. Huckabee had long sought Dobson's endorsement, believing he is the best fit to advance Dobson's conservative, moral worldview. Until now, Dobson had never endorsed a GOP presidential hopeful during the primary campaign. But he ruled out front-runner John McCain in a...

Since Figgins knows that I consider myself to be a "Real Conservative", he seemed pretty stunned when he heard me say that I think what many "Real Conservatives" are currently doing will result in "Real Liberals" occupying the White House for at least the next 16 years. I can understand his reaction. It took something pretty stunning to get me to that point. What got me to that point was hearing Focus on the Family's Dr. James Dobson state that, if John McCain is this year's Republican nominee and if either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama are this year's Democrat...

One final bleat for attention, a finger in the eye of the party that’s about to cross him by nominating someone not to his liking and a last-ditch bid to embarrass McCain by mobilizing evangelicals into giving Huck an upset victory somewhere next week. To fully appreciate this you have to listen to the snippet of audio from Dennis Prager in the update to this post from two days ago. He doesn’t endorse in primaries, he says, because it’s up to the people to separate the gold from the dross. Oh, wait — Mitt Romney’s dropped out? Really? Well, that’s...

Mike Huckabee "Responds" to James Dobson: I Would Vote for John McCain by Steven Ertelt LifeNews.com Editor February 6, 2008 Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Mike Huckabee "responded" to pro-life leader Dr. James Dobson on Wednesday morning when he said he would definitely support John McCain over either of the pro-abortion Democratic candidates. Dobson, and other conservatives, have issued statements saying they wouldn't vote if McCain is the GOP nominee. On Tuesday, Dobson issued a statement saying he is disappointed that the Republican Party "seems poised to select a nominee who ... voted for embryonic stem-cell research to kill nascent human...

"He just told Laura Ingraham he won't vote for McCain in the general election."

I just turned on CNN, and they're defending McCain like crazy. One of the anchors just quoted Dobson's comments critical on McCain, and said that there's "a kind of Trotskyism" in the Republican party by conservatives to unfairly target him. Anyone else catch that?

Dr. James Dobson released a statement to The Laura Ingraham Show today, stating his personal opinions of this critical election. As voters in 24 states headed to the polls today to choose a presidential nominee, Dr. James Dobson released a statement to The Laura Ingraham Show. He stated his personal opinions of this critical election: "I am deeply disappointed the Republican Party seems poised to select a nominee who did not support a Constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage, voted for embryonic stem-cell research to kill nascent human beings, opposed tax cuts that ended the marriage penalty, has...

I am deeply disappointed the Republican Party seems poised to select a nominee who did not support a Constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage, voted for embryonic stem cell research to kill nascent human beings, opposed tax cuts that ended the marriage penalty, has little regard for freedom of speech, organized the Gang of 14 to preserve filibusters in judicial hearings, and has a legendary temper and often uses foul and obscene language. I am convinced Sen. McCain is not a conservative, and in fact, has gone out of his way to stick his thumb in the eyes...

While John McCain has risen to the top of the heap among contenders for the Republican presidential nomination, Focus on the Family founder James Dobson remains adamant that he will not support McCain’s bid for the White House. Dobson, one of the nation’s most influential evangelical Christians, declared more than a year ago that he wouldn't support McCain under any circumstances, saying McCain didn't support traditional marriage values. A Dobson spokesman told the New York Times’ David Kirkpatrick Wednesday that he stood by that position, and as a matter of conscience could never vote for the Arizona Senator. According to...

<p>Christian right leaders are abuzz today because a new online candidate guide that has been posted by Focus on the Family Action, the political arm of Jim Dobson's conservative Christian empire. The webpage offers edited excerpts of recent webcasts with the Family Research Council's Tony Perkins, explaining where the candidates stand on "pro-family issues."</p>

If John McCain is to be sure of the Republican nomination, he needs to win over more arch conservatives, both of the fiscal and evangelical variety. In every primary so far exit polls have showed him losing among those describing themselves as "very conservative". ... He also voted against George W Bush's 2001 tax cuts, arguing that federal spending was not being cut in kind. This is all sacrilege to conservative Republicans. Rush Limbaugh, the most influential Right-wing talk radio host in the country, said Mr McCain's nomination would "destroy the Republican Party". Evangelical leader James Dobson said he would...

There have been more than a few recent articles and editorials attempting to affix blame for the demise of the Republican Party. Peggy Noonan blames President Bush. Rush Limbaugh believes a McCain nomination will kill the party. However, even in a worse case scenario, the Republican Party will probably stagger along for several years much like the last decade of the Whigs. Conservative Republicans should probably be more concerned about the impending demise of the conservative movement within the party. Some individuals can be blamed more than others, but this folly has many fathers. The latest blow to conservatives has...

James Dobson, the founder and head of the evangelical media and counseling group Focus on the Family, is constantly described by the media as a power broker, kingmaker, and "the Christian right's most powerful leader." As such, his endorsement is seen as key by G.O.P. presidential candidates in the 2008 race. On Wednesday night, his political action website Citizenlink.com released assessments of the major Democratic and Republican candidates — and political observers immediately checked in to see whether Dobson's organization was leaning toward Mike Huckabee or Mitt Romney, the two G.O.P. candidates who have made the biggest play for the...

<p>"Mitt Romney has acknowledged that Mormonism is not a Christian faith, and I appreciate his acknowledging that."</p>

Two of the nation’s most prominent family values organizations lambasted rising Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama as “extremely” liberal and “no friend” to values voters during an analysis this week of the New Hampshire primary. Obama, who won the Iowa caucuses and came in second in the primary, was denounced as a “fundamentalist left-winger” on social issues by Focus on the Family’s (FOTF) Tom Minnery. Minnery, FOTF’s vice president of public policy, pointed out that Obama is against the federal marriage amendment that would define marriage as between a man and a woman; is against the abstinence program in...

Since its emergence as a dominant political force in the '80s, the religious right has been a favorite whipping boy of the mainstream media and political left and a sometimes embarrassment to certain conservative elitists. Yet neither group of critics can deny the electoral power Christian conservatives have wielded. The group's uncompromising commitment to protecting life and defending America's traditional institutions has been instrumental in beating back the left's relentless assault on our culture. Without its grassroots contributions, we'd be seeing a lot more Ruth Bader Ginsbergs and a lot fewer Antonin Scalias. But this primary campaign season, because of...

DES MOINES — Mitt is about to give a speech on defense at the old Fort Des Moines, a military training center on the south side of the city. There are a handful of soldiers in uniform, but they and all the other Iowans are overwhelmed by the press pack. A quick count shows 13 still and video cameras and a handful of reporters who don't typically cover the Romney beat (Washington Post's David Broder and Dana Milbank, St. Pete Times' Adam Smith, Newsweek's Richard Wolffe). And precisely zero of them came here in the snow to hear Romney talk...

Colorado Springs, Colo. -- Focus on the Family Action founder and chairman James C. Dobson, Ph.D., issued the following statement today in response to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney’s speech on “Faith in America”: “Gov. Romney’s speech was a magnificent reminder of the role religious faith must play in government and public policy. His delivery was passionate and his message was inspirational. Whether it will answer all the questions and concerns of Evangelical Christian voters is yet to be determined, but the governor is to be commended for articulating the importance of our religious heritage as it relates to today....

Judas walked with Jesus and betrayed him for a mere 30 pieces of silver. In modern terms his payment for the traitorous act was about $220. Even by biblical standards this was hardly a bargain. Up until this point the King of bone-headed bartering was Esau. This genius traded his inheritance for a bowl of soup. For those who are not up on their biblical history, this would be like Paris Hilton trading her place in Daddy’s will for a can of Chunky Clam Chowder. Judas walked with God himself, and still found the will to betray him. Even Peter...

With less than fifty days to go before the GOP Iowa presidential caucuses, the Republican presidential nomination is still up for grabs. But who's ahead, who's behind, and what should we look for in the next seven weeks? ---snip--- The Battle For Social Conservatives Social conservative leaders despondent over the lack of an ideal candidate should take solace from one indisputable fact: everyone wants their support. So far, everyone has gotten a nod from a noteworthy group or individual. Pat Robertson lined up with Giuliani, Paul Weyrich with Romney, National Right to Life with Thompson, Sam Brownback with McCain and...

From CBS News' John Bentley, on the trail with the Fred Thompson campaign: Could the icy relationship between Dr. James Dobson and Fred Thompson be thawing? Thompson was the keynote speaker at the Florida Family Policy Council Dinner Friday night, a group associated with Dobson's Focus on the Family organization. While Dobson does not have direct control over state groups like the Florida Family Council, he was told about Thompson's appearance and was reportedly fine with it, according to sources.

From National Journal’s Linda Douglass Paul Weyrich, founder of the Free Congress Foundation and co-founder of the Moral Majority, says he just saw an email from James Dobson in which Dobson "denies ferociously that he has decided to endorse Huckabee. He said it was made up. He has no idea who came up with this, but he is trying to stop it.” Weyrich reiterated that Dobson's denial was "in ferocious terms." He would not say to whom Dobson's e-mail was addressed and said he no longer had the email, so could not read it off... UPDATE *** Tom Minnery, senior...

Dr. James Dobson, who has largely been made irrelevant to the 2008 Republican presidential race, has apparently found his man, and according to an adviser, is ready to change the landscape of the Republican nomination race. "He is the leader of the evangelical and social conservative movement in America, and he's going to reassert that position and leave no doubt that he's in charge," says the adviser based in Colorado. Sources close to Dobson say that within the next ten days he is coordinating an endorsement plan with the presidential campaign of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. According to a...

Commentary by Daniel T. Zanoza, RFFM.org's National Director Recently, Focus on the Family founder, Dr. James Dobson [www.family.org/] warned if Rudy Giuliani won the Republican Party's presidential nomination it would be a disaster for the pro-life movement in America. In fact, Dobson went so far as to say he would consider leading a movement to form a third party if Giuliani were indeed the GOP nominee. I have heard some say Dobson and pro-lifers would essentially be cutting off their nose to spite their face because a socially conservative third party candidate would virtually assure the election of a Democratic...

Conservatives were upset. It was October 1986. Ronald Reagan...was giving the fall mid-term election campaign everything he had. The objective: saving the seats of twelve Republican first-term senators who had been swept into the first GOP Senate majority since 1954 with Reagan's 1980 election. These twelve had helped provide the margin that controlled the Senate and thus enabled the passage of the Reagan agenda. In addition to supporting the new president's tax and budget cuts, they were key in one other area...Roe v. Wade.