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 ...
Fantastic audience response at McCain’s “at the moment of conception” question .... praise the Dear Lord. Snowbama’s answer will not be forgotten.
A: "At the point of conception."
McCain nails it!!!
And, on marriage too.
What a clear-cut difference between the candidates!
rights of the unborn
McCain: we need to talk about the SCOTUS
He’s got me ready to write a check...I hope he doesn’t blow it on Illegals...
Great answer on marriage too.
Even a perfect description of federalism regarding the use of federal courts on the gay marriage issue.
Okay - here’s an odd thought. After the Dems see how poorly Obama did today, will they see the handwritting on the wall regarding the Presidential Debates, Town Halls, etc. And - will they nominate Hillary at the Convention instead as their candidate? Of course - that would be so drastic and would alienate all the folks who voted for Barry in the primaries - so I suppose not.
Before anyone gets all excited, from 1999
Trust but verify...
McCain is giving direct answers.
McCain is refering to the right to contract cohabitation agreements under the laws of contract.
McCain is restating his last resort FMA stand.
(don’t like McCain) I do like his direct answers make a good presentation.
Obama reminded me of Dukakis (or was it Carter) answering the question of rape of wife.
Should we ignore it, negotiate with it or defeat it?
DEFEAT IT!
marriage just 1 man 1 woman
states should make the decisions
TN people passed a Marriage Act a couple yaers ago
Thanks for backing us John
But you can’t say a child has rights at the time of conception and then advocate stem cell research.
He’s still light years ahead of Obama in that regard. If I put both candidates out there on this issue, he’s still ahead of Obama.
Unfortunately, living in Texas has shown me that many otherwise conservative people will choose money and convenience over good judgment.
‘defeat it’
yes that is what obama lacked.
Wow. McCain has been studying while Barry has been surfboarding.
Does evil exist? defeat it.. Obambi is still (my friends.. time to drink) hemming and hawing..
DEFEAT IT!
(Evil.)
Gates of hell for Osama (not Obama).
If immigration is what your decision is based on, then put your check book away. But under the total person concept he is our guy right now.
Will support federal marriage amendment if fed courts try to force states to honor gay marriages of other states.
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