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 now Obama’s down with the surge? Is that what he’s saying?
He hinted Saddam put his citizens through wood chippers (’real bad person’ and was within a year of nukes?
I love the Toons with the diffeent characters Barry has tossed under the bus.
A few more times with Barry away from the teleprompter and
his wife will toss him under the bus
He’s one of the the last to get the news:
Obama ‘we did not have strong evidence of weapons of mass destruction’
Secret U.S. mission hauls uranium from Iraq
Last major stockpile from Saddam’s nuclear efforts arrives in Canada
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25546334/
The removal of 550 metric tons of “yellowcake” — the seed material for higher-grade nuclear enrichment — was a significant step toward closing the books on Saddam’s nuclear legacy.
Also being replayed on C-Span
He’s said so many things...I don’t think he even knows. I don’t think I’m going to be able to listen to this.
The freedom of the individual ends when it infringes on the freedom of another individual- especially when that freedom is the freedom to live. That is why both abortion as was slavery, are the most vital issues as they deal with the most fundamental freedom- that of the individual to live his/her own life.
Huckabee speaking about breaking the old race barriers...(paraphrasing)”We need to elected a President that hasn’t just done something wonderful and symbolic but one that is best for this nation.”
Come on! Jesus Christ is the only Messiah. Obamanation just THINKS he is the Messiah.
Excellent quote -Sir Winston was one of a kind.
Okey dokey .. ;)
He sure shocked me .. and out performed ALL expectations
on ALL fronts.... the hands down winner.
Post of the night.
I love America, warts be damned.
I hope if anyone finds a transcript they will post the link. Thanks.
McCain won me over tonight.
Yeah Warren is all smiles when Obama speaks
is hanging on his every word
“Who won the night?
The Lord and all of us who prayed in response to Spirit of Allegience’s call for prayer.
I’m very encouraged by how well and clearly Senator McCain answered the questions. I could tweak the answers here and there, but I do that to some of my own past answers.”
Since you directed your question to me, I am most happy to respond. In my opinion John McCain won hands down!
I also prayed for the truth to be evident to all watching so the real character of the candidates and their views would be known. I will not be holding my nose to vote for McCain after his performance tonight! The other choice is just unthinkable for our country!
If you did not get to see the entire forum I believe it is going to be repeated tomorrow on C-Span.
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