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 ...
“Clarence Thomas
My beeber was royally stuned by that comment.”
Noticed that Obama was asked which justice he would not have approved, and McCain was ask which justices. Obama names Justice Clarence Thomas.......guess the real racist couldn’t bring himself to name one white justice instead! I happen to love Justice Thomas and think he is wonderful!
Further up the thread, it was stated that McCain wouldn't be listening to Obama's answers. Something about a restriction or code of honor imposed by the church.
Tony Perkins
Family research council
What is she protesting?
Folks are lying when they say he didn’t support assistance to any child born who survived abortion.
Obama chooses death for Babies over ‘probably crossing the lines in terms of unconstitutionality’,
Page 87
http://www.ilga.gov/senate/transcripts/strans92/ST033001.pdf
And if we’re placing a burden on the doctor that says you have to keep alive even a previable child as long as possible and give them as much medical attention as — as is necessary to keep that child alive, then we’re probably crossing the lines in terms of unconstitutionality.
Why can't we have the Harry Jacksons running for President? That would be hope and change...not the undermining of our nation.
Honesttogod ?? They said that?
Picking up jaw ..
I happen to love Justice Thomas and think he is wonderful!
I agree completely!
Another great comment on Warren.
ping
Most of the abortion mills are right within the black communities...
Margaret Sanger would be proud...
It’s beyond her wildest dreams..
I hope she is tormented in Hell...
“Yes there better not be any more talk of a pro-abortion VPP after tonight or McCain will lose the conservatives he just kinds won...”
Yes, he can undo his victory tonight just by picking the wrong VEEP running mate.
The questioning was amazingly neutral. The questions were more probative than I expected, and Rick succeeded in doing what he set out to do, make Obama palatable to 'Chriustians'. I don't think Rick Warreen expected John McCain to take the venue and make it his the way he definitely did! The next session, Warren will make a better effrort to marginalize John and push tot he fore his favorite, Barack HUssein Obama. Remember, Warren is not really pro-life and has already as much as endorsed Obama. Warren did not anticipate McCain's forceful definitive response on when a child should be protected by our laws and Constitution! McCain, true to his hsitopry, says at conception. Warren doesn't agree, according to his past.
One more thing to note in fairness to Rick: he made the statement that this nation needs a better deabte. He is spot on and I wish he would point out that it is the media that is preventing that since they are so in the tank for the marxist candidate.
Was this farce suppose to be in lieu of a debate (which we know Barry cannot handle)??????
Obama will be lucky if he gets nominated, after tonight. He was that bad.
Exactly.
There have been many close races and we need every vote.
During the primary I was a major Hunter Supporter but McCain is the candidate and he comes down on the right side on the life or death issues.
McCain is too tough, if you threaten America we might punch you in the nose where as Obama wants to confront evil, very very different, McCain is Teddy Roosevelt...
“Just emailed him with congratulations and the plea for a pro-life, Reaganesque VP selection.”
THANK YOU! Senator McCain needs to be FReeped, or he will surely lose.
Lady was going to be outside the saddleback building tonight...
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