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 ...
It wasn’t a debate, but hey, that’s just me being picky.
Our Grandson,said UH,UH UH , Pawpaw, when Obama was on.
Just had to post it.
He’s only 2.
I haven’t been a big McCain fan but he impressed me tonight. He has so much life experience to draw from and Nobama doesn’t. By the way, anybody see Michelle there? I saw Cindy.
No contest McCain owned obama.
Leni
I was shocked BHO’s constant drift back to himself. Watching him one might appreciate his deft attempts to blur the moral significance of an issue but one could not say they had a good idea as to what he believed and what he would do as a consequence of his beliefs.
Surely, Senator McCain’s answers and his directness must be appreciated as world class examples of who he is and what he believes. I also note that Senator McCain made good audience contact while Senator Obama seemed to focus on what the audience might or might not think about this or that issue.
I totally missed Obama and don’t have a lot of cable channels. Is this being replayed on the net that any of you know of?
I agree! McCain outshined Obama for sure! Did you notice that Obama was asked to name which SC Justice he would not have approved, and McCain was asked which SP JusticeS he would not have approved?
And Obmama naming Justice Thomas as the one he would not have approved.......Guess the real racist could’t bring himself to name one white justice!
Was that part of Obama’s Ft. Hood troop meet/Oahu Invitational Marathon?
That was the prior engagement that kept them dodging months then telling them right before they couldn’t meet with the troops. Same day, he was on the golf course.
don’t get me started that 83 lifetime rating is pure garbage.
He has droped down to the low 60’s high 50’s lately.
Who gives a poop about his lifetime acu rating if he backs off on the federa marriage amendment or protecting our borders from illegal aliens.
lifetime ratings are meaningless if contradicted by present day ACTIONS.
Just beat it! If you are a women, then go have Obama’s love child. And if you are a man, then go share a limo ride with Bambi.
And the adoption question, oh my goodness! Just wow!
I’m watching C-Span right now.
The Dopes on Hope are still blind!
CNN’s Gergan: McCain will be a tougher opponent than Obama thought. He thought Obama was “humble”. He also says McCain has powerful stories that connect with middle America and that is what people want.
He should have been one of Obamas wise people
I’ll be voting for Alan Keyes and my conscience will be just fine.
I believe three debates already have been scheduled.
The Obama camp will have a mini teleprompter installed in his glasses so he doesn't come off as a doofus again
I have no idea what Obama said...but it was vague
CNN just replayed the ‘faith’ answer, same vague Obama,
David Gergen admits McCain is going to be a much tougher opponent, just loved the look of despair Gergen has
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