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Newt Gingrich--The Growing Threat of Radical Islam
Focus on the Family ^ | 3-9-07 | James Dobson Interview

Posted on 03/09/2007 3:18:34 AM PST by WalterSkinner

Part II of two part interview with Newt Gingrich by James Dobson

He talks about his personal life as well.


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: 2008; dobson; election; gingrich; newt; newtgingrich
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To: ImpBill
What is unfortunate is that so many live in glass houses are willing to throw such large stones.

***********

To whom are you referring?

41 posted on 03/09/2007 9:40:14 AM PST by trisham (Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do you have? Bupkis.)
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To: tkathy

I find it timely that Dr. Dobson discussed this very issue on his radio show ... today. Check it out here: http://listen.family.org/daily/A000000402.cfm

Be a bit slower at condemning high-profile Christians. They may surprise you at how relevant they can be.


42 posted on 03/09/2007 9:44:41 AM PST by Theo (Global warming "scientists." Pro-evolution "scientists." They're both wrong.)
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To: RebekahT

Agreed. A better or best role model is one who never makes the mistake.


43 posted on 03/09/2007 10:48:16 AM PST by Haroldson (A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over./B.Franklin)
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To: Haroldson

"Agreed. A better or best role model is one who never makes the mistake."

No such person exists. Granted, not everyone makes the mistake of adultery but "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." What is important is admitting it and repenting.


44 posted on 03/09/2007 11:12:48 AM PST by RebekahT ("Government is not the solution to the problem, our government is the problem." -- Ronald Reagan)
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To: RebekahT
"No such person exists. Granted, not everyone makes the mistake of adultery but "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.""

Again, agreed (with one very notable exception). I am beginning to think that to even run for POTUS, one must be a complete narcissist, which sin seems to lead to other sins, like adultery.

I guess I just don't trust these politicians. Newt's "confession" seems to me to be very calculated. He only does it now that he is running for POTUS (I know he has not announced, but he is running), he recognizes that he needs the Christian Right, he knows that one of the major detracting factors for the Christian Right is his personal life, so he goes on the air with Dobson (a figure trusted by the Christian Right), and offers the "confession" in an effort to court the Christian Right.

Doesn't it seem a bit contrived?

45 posted on 03/09/2007 11:43:54 AM PST by Haroldson (A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over./B.Franklin)
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To: RebekahT
Correct me if I'm wrong, but all sins are the same to God aren't they? Didn't Jesus make it a point of saying that if a person failed in the smallest detail of the law he had failed all of it?

My approach to life is that if I want something to happen I ask God to make it happen and then I set about doing whatever is in my power to make it come to pass. If it's God's will then my efforts, and prayers, will be answered in the affirmative. If not, then I really don't want it happening anyway.

Like my Mom used to say, "God answers every prayer. Sometimes the answer is 'yes', sometimes 'no' and sometimes it's "not now", but every prayer is answered." The trick is learning to accept the answer and know that God has a great deal better view of this world and our lives than we do. My Mom used to remind me frequently that although we know what has happened in our life to lead us to ask this of God, He knows what is going to happen in our life and it's His usually His gift to us to answer our prayer based on His knowledge, not ours. Amen, Mom!
46 posted on 03/09/2007 12:07:13 PM PST by jwparkerjr
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To: Haroldson

re: He only does it now that he is running for POTUS

Isn't it possible he asked God for forgiveness long ago and at this point is simply discussing it with a pastor?


47 posted on 03/09/2007 12:09:09 PM PST by jwparkerjr
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To: jwparkerjr

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but all sins are the same to God aren't they? Didn't Jesus make it a point of saying that if a person failed in the smallest detail of the law he had failed all of it?"

That was my point.


48 posted on 03/09/2007 12:52:02 PM PST by RebekahT ("Government is not the solution to the problem, our government is the problem." -- Ronald Reagan)
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To: RebekahT

Oops! How right you are! I replied to the wrong post. Boy is my face red.

I second your post!

Thanks!


49 posted on 03/09/2007 12:57:16 PM PST by jwparkerjr
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To: WalterSkinner
Seems like he does. Meet it head on. The MSM is going to eviscerate whomever the GOP fields. We can't let that threat from putting forth the best candidate.

For one I am a bit tired of fielding the candidate who might please the media and wishy washy center.

I really hope the GOP fields a "true conservative" and no more "Compassionate Conservatives."

Conservatism by definition is compassionate.

50 posted on 03/09/2007 2:42:55 PM PST by ImpBill ("America ... Where are you now?")
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To: jwparkerjr
"Isn't it possible he asked God for forgiveness long ago and at this point is simply discussing it with a pastor?"

It's entirely possible that he asked for forgiveness earlier. That still does not eliminate the possibility of the contrived nature of a broadcast discussion of one's sins designed to court the Christian Right.

If you wish to believe in the sincerity of Newt's discussion of personal sins in a public forum, and that that discussion was not done for political gain, I will not stand in your way. I am skeptical.

However, the foregoing does nothing to change my mind that he is one of the better political thinkers in the GOP. I like Newt and just wish he didn't come with such personal baggage.

51 posted on 03/09/2007 2:43:29 PM PST by Haroldson (A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over./B.Franklin)
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To: trisham

Not at you but to all whom the shoe may fit.


52 posted on 03/09/2007 2:43:35 PM PST by ImpBill ("America ... Where are you now?")
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To: Haroldson

Points well taken.

He's my man, too. I'll vote for the GOP candidate and although I would like to see it be Newt, there are several that I consider more than qualified for the job.

Regardless of the outcome, this is the kind of discussion and airing the situation needs and will benefit from in a big way.

Let it all hang out, and then we will go along with the one who comes out on top!


53 posted on 03/09/2007 3:28:56 PM PST by jwparkerjr
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To: jwparkerjr
Let me preface this by saying I really like Newt and the positions he has taken on the issues, not just now, but stretching all the way back to The Contract With America. However, the following is what gives me pause.

"In 2000, for example, James Dobson issued a personal press release specifically to "clarify his lack of support for Senator McCain." "The Senator is being touted by the media as a man of principle, yet he was involved with other women while married to his first wife," Dobson said. He also cautioned that McCain's character was "reminiscent" of Bill Clinton's--possibly the ultimate insult in conservative circles."
Steve Benen, High Infidelity
High Infidelity

As Dobson frames the issue, infidelity is not about saints and sinners, it's about character. A candidate's personal life is perhaps the very best measure of his or her character. This is not about casting stones, glass houses and hypocrisy of those questioning a candidate's fitness, as they have not placed their character at issue by proclaiming they should be the next leader of the free world. It is solely related to character of the candidate.

Sadly, as brilliant as Newt is, he has twice broken marriages with his infidelity. Dictating divorce terms with the first wife while she was in the hospital recuperating from uterine cancer related surgery also reflects poorly on his character. The character issue causes me concern with Newt. This is truly a lesson that we should have learned from the Clinton administration.

54 posted on 03/09/2007 4:57:41 PM PST by Haroldson (If you choke a smurf, what color does it turn?)
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To: Haroldson

You make some very valid points. I am content to let the process run its course and see how everything shakes out. If the Newt's the man then it will become clear as time goes on. It's a LONG time until the convention and the election. It would not surprise me at all to see someone we're not even talking about now in contention.

Ain't politics wonderful?


55 posted on 03/09/2007 5:25:25 PM PST by jwparkerjr
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To: jwparkerjr

Agreed. It is a long, long time. Choices may become clearer (not necessarily better) as time passes. It's always interesting.


56 posted on 03/09/2007 7:28:34 PM PST by Haroldson (If you choke a smurf, what color does it turn?)
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To: AZConcervative

ssssshhhh--there's a huge amount of perfect people in FR - no one wants a flawed person in public office /s


57 posted on 03/10/2007 9:23:01 AM PST by FethFiada
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To: split

FLOTUS...great role models for our children.
________________
Have you gone through the Old and New Testament with your kids? How God uses perfectly cracked vessels to do His will?


58 posted on 03/10/2007 10:13:07 AM PST by FethFiada
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To: FethFiada

sadly, the influence of the holder of the office of POTUS is far more reaching than just those parents that spend quality time with their children. there are many opportunities to teach our children good lessons and the difference between right and wrong, but i do not think that this would be one that i would want to take on. i think if the american people voted either guiliani or gingrich into office, it would seem to many children that that would serve as an endorsement of the way they have conducted their personal lives. one can forgive, without condoning the bad behavior.


59 posted on 03/11/2007 8:44:42 PM PDT by split
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To: split

We all get to vote on our conscience - that's part of the deal of voting in the USA. I think you're being short sighted - condoning is voting for someone still actively involved and/or not the slightest bit repentant - (Rudy)

Newt on the other hand seems to get it. I think what is at stake with our country's future makes people who care about Christianity in their platform really care, not just lip service. Until I see differently, that's what I'm going on -

I'd be delighted to support a Newt or Thompson candidacy.


60 posted on 03/11/2007 9:40:18 PM PDT by FethFiada
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