By Jennifer Parker

Feb 5, 2008 4:09pm

Dobson Hammers McCain…Kuo Says It Doesn’t Matter

Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family doesn’t like what he thinks Republican voters are going to do today.

"I’m deeply disappointed the Republican Party seems poised to select a nominee who did not support a constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage, who voted for embryonic stem cell research to kill nascent human beings, who opposed tax cuts that ended the marriage penalty, and who has little regard for freedom of speech, who organized the Gang of 14 to preserve filibusters, and has a legendary temper and often uses foul and obscene language," Dobson said in a statement.

"I am convinced Sen. McCain is not a conservative, and in fact, has gone out of his way to stick his thumb in the eyes of those who are. He has sounded at times more like a member of the other party. McCain actually considered leaving the GOP caucus in 2001, and approached John Kerry about being Kerry’s running mate in 2004."

(Editor’s note — that’s not true. Kerry approached McCain, McCain said no.)

"McCain also said publicly that Hillary Clinton would make a good president. Given these and many other concerns, a spoonful of sugar does NOT make the medicine go down.  I cannot, and will not, vote for Sen. John McCain, as a matter of conscience.

"But what a sad and melancholy decision this is for me and many other conservatives. Should Sen. McCain capture the nomination as many assume, I believe this general election will offer the worst choices for president in my lifetime. I certainly can’t vote for Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama based on their virulently anti-family policy positions. If these are the nominees in November, I simply will not cast a ballot for president for the first time in my life. These decisions are my personal views and do not represent the organization with which I am affiliated. They do reflect my deeply held convictions about the institution of the family, about moral and spiritual beliefs, and about the welfare of our country."

Over at Beliefnet, former Bush White House official David Kuo analyzes  Dobson’s take:

"And there, in a nutshell, is the Christian worldview as James Dobson pronounces it:

"- cutting taxes
"- a Constitutional amendment "protecting" marriage
"- elimination of embryonic stem-cell research
"- a US Senate stripped of the very powers that the Founders gave it
"- not cursing.

"Damn. Is there a more succinct and stunning summation of the reason why evangelical voters are throwing off self-appointed evangelical mullahs like James Dobson? And why, according to a new Barna study, 40% of evangelicals would vote for the Democratic candidate if the election were held today (versus 28% for the Republican candidate).

"Evangelical voters are saying that they think a Christian worldview should include tackling issues like poverty and health care. They are saying that perhaps Jesus would oppose the wanton torture of other human beings. They are saying that perhaps obeying God’s first command – to care for His creation – matters. And they are saying that the idea of deporting 12 million illegal immigrants sounds cruel and frightening.

"By putting himself out there so forcefully, Dr. Dobson risks playing the role of Dr. Kevorkian in ushering in the end of the old-line religious right."

What do you think? Where do you come down on this? Dobson? Kuo? McCain?

- jpt

User Comments

All this talk of a dream ticket on the Dem side. I think McCain/Huckabee would be a very popular GOP ticket.

Posted by: ohiogal | February 5, 2008, 4:21 pm 4:21 pm

Works for me. All Republicans should follow Dobson on this.That will show those pagan Dems !

Posted by: notsojake | February 5, 2008, 4:25 pm 4:25 pm

It dose not matter which Republican wins today, they will not win the general elections, the Democrats will.

Posted by: Old Republican | February 5, 2008, 4:26 pm 4:26 pm

Who cares what Dobson says? 20 years ago he said that “AIDS was God’s punishment on gays for leading a promiscous lifestyle.” Then, when gays want to be faithful to each other “through thick and thin” Dobson is the first to oppose gay union. Dobson is a non-entity in this century. He’d fit in well with the witch burning crown only he’d burn gays.

Posted by: Don | February 5, 2008, 4:32 pm 4:32 pm

Dobson and his ilk not voting if McCain is nominated? It sounds too good to be true.

Posted by: Conrad | February 5, 2008, 4:38 pm 4:38 pm

I agree, who gives a damn what Dobson thinks? His extremist ideology places him to the far right of Hitler. Most Americans are actually far more likely to vote for a socially-conscious and inclusive candidate than the neo-conservatives and ideologues that Dobson and his ilk support. Americans have soundly rejected the right-wing’s agenda.

Posted by: James | February 5, 2008, 4:40 pm 4:40 pm

ohiogal,
I agree with you that a McCain/Huckabee ticket would be the best option for the Republicans. It would be very competitive against a Clinton/? ticket on the Dems side. I think a Clinton/Edwards ticket would be a dead heat. A Clinton/Obama ticket would have the edge. While an Obama/(with anyone) would win easily.

Posted by: BooMan | February 5, 2008, 4:44 pm 4:44 pm

BUT the bottom line is that Dobson is RIGHT in what he says McCain said and did. It may mean that evangelicals simply sit out this election. And that may mean a good thing as their influnce is way out of proportion to their numbers.
Dr. Dobson calims to support the family but consistently votes for the party that opposes Universal Health Care and has let families lose their homes in the current bizarre mortgage market.
Their is much more to family then Dobson believes… as Obama and Hillary
attest to.

Posted by: Reg Volk | February 5, 2008, 4:55 pm 4:55 pm

Dobson who?

Posted by: crank | February 5, 2008, 4:58 pm 4:58 pm

Wow
“His extremist ideology places him to the far right of Hitler.”
Not quite, buddy. The Republican Party used to have a platform-they might as well merge with the Dems if Mcain-Huckabee are the nominees….I’d rather have somebody like Ron Paul before these two morons.

Posted by: Rat | February 5, 2008, 5:00 pm 5:00 pm

McCain Took a Mc-Snoozer in 2007:
The Hill: Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is the only presidential candidate in Congress to have missed a major vote on the Iraq war this year.
The National Journal: Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the only other senator whose presidential candidacy survived the initial round of primaries and caucuses this year, did not vote frequently enough in 2007 to draw a composite score. He missed more than half of the votes in both the economic and foreign-policy categories.
How many more men and women is McCain going to sacrifice to protect Bush’ ware legacy?

Posted by: McCain Took A Mc-Snoozer | February 5, 2008, 5:04 pm 5:04 pm

I for one agree wholeheartedly with
Dr. Dobson. Since when is following
God’s commands wrong? Most do not even know what the Bible teaches. I can’t understand why anyone expects the government to solve all our problems.
The government is 95% of the problem.
McCain is nothing but a Democrat in
Republicans clothing. He hasn’t got us all fooled.

Posted by: RonCon | February 5, 2008, 5:13 pm 5:13 pm

Dobson is just being true to himself and to his ideals. That’s more than you can say about 99% of the people alive today. Although I don’t often agree with him, I uphold his constitutional right to have freedom of speech.
I do think the Hitler comment is pretty funny, and completely out of touch with truth. Hilter wasn’t right wing. Right wing wants to maintain conservative ideals. Hitler introduced extremely radical changes, such as blaming the Jews, the Christians and the elderly for the world’s economic problems, then he boosted the sagging economy by having death camps and crematoriums built, then he used them to exterminate those for whom he had personal hatred. Dobson on the other hand, advocates respect for gays, but not marriage rights. He has never advocated killing, hurting, harming or blaming gays for the world’s economic problems. Somewhat of a big difference, I’d say.

Posted by: my_own_person_too | February 5, 2008, 5:13 pm 5:13 pm

I’m a conservative Democrat!
I will have to go with Dobson’s view!

Posted by: Bryan | February 5, 2008, 5:20 pm 5:20 pm

He needs to stay out of politics because he is turning people like me against the Church not God. Its leaders like Dobson who stand by quietly and let Jim Crow laws stand and let troops in Iraq die because his chosen President will not get rid of Rommy as The Secretary of Defense just because he is buddies with the VP of the United States. Plus what about all the upstanding Church people caught on MSNBC trying to mess with little girls and boys.

Posted by: Joesnopy | February 5, 2008, 5:29 pm 5:29 pm

As a born-again christian I think Dr. Dobson may be a good psychologist, but has obviousely become corupted; probable from listening to Rush Libaugh instead of the bible. The most important command, second only to saving lost souls, we as christians receive from the the Lord, is to help the poor. During the last 7 years I have seen the poor get poorer and the rich get richer. Is the republican party really the party christians should be voting for? What is more imorale here allowing abortion or cutting spending for medicare to pay for an unjustified war. I can’t say for certain if Dr. James Dobson is a true christian. There are a lot of people who claim to be and who are not, some even do so for political gain. But I would think if Mr. Dobson was a true christian, he would vote for Mike Huckabee. But I am afraid that it is like a wise man just quoted recently, “when you mix christianity with politics, you get politics”.

Posted by: Brian | February 5, 2008, 5:35 pm 5:35 pm

Amen! Mr. Dobson, your leadership and dedication to our children and families is undeniable. Thank you for leading again. If McCain wins, let’s shift our attention to the House and secure our families future by support candidates who can limit any of the would be Presidents.

Posted by: Jim | February 5, 2008, 5:38 pm 5:38 pm

We feed, clothe, shelter, and protect people all over this globe. G.W. has spent more healing victims of aids than any other President. Some simple economics needs to applied; all government spending comes from the money we earn working for business or through the products/services we purchase; every dime. Is it more Christian to shackle citizens to government handouts or free business to create jobs so they can hire the poor.
Clinton gave us Welfare Reform, NAFTA, and claimed the error of big government was over. Is he too an evildoer.

Posted by: Jim | February 5, 2008, 5:45 pm 5:45 pm

“They are saying that perhaps obeying God’s first command – to care for His creation – matters.”
Not that I care about this story, but I thought the First Commandment was “You shall have no other God’s before me”?

Posted by: TheIdiot | February 5, 2008, 5:46 pm 5:46 pm

“They are saying that perhaps obeying God’s first command – to care for His creation – matters.”
Not that I care about this story, but I thought the First Commandment was “You shall have no other God’s before me”?

Posted by: TheIdiot | February 5, 2008, 5:47 pm 5:47 pm

I’m surprised by Dobson backing Romney, a professing Mormon. I would think Dobson’s wife might be a little disappointed. After all, as far as Romney is concerned, doesn’t it take a celestial marriage for his wife to get into heaven? I’d like to see the media cover what Mormon men believe about women’s salvation? I think if all Republican Christian women (or any free thinking woman for that matter) knew that according to the Mormon church their salvation is dependent on their husband, it might give them pause. Not only that, but if they are the latter day saints, what about the rest of us?
For Dobson to endorse someone and then say it shouldn’t influence anyone else is dishonest. That is exactly his intention especially with his vituperitive rant about McCain. Seriously, I think he’d be better off praying for McCain than endorsing Romney, but I’m just a woman.
Let Huckabee balance the McCain ticket; for sure, he’d be praying for McCain every day and forgiving him for his obscene language too!

Posted by: vawoman | February 5, 2008, 5:48 pm 5:48 pm

I have always liked Dobson but he is just wrong here. I am not a Mccain fan either but I will wait to see my options and vote for the best ticket. If evangelicals stay home then someone who wants to appoint liberal judges and won’t fund our troops may get elected because of our absence. If we stay home and he wins, then the perception is that the evangelical vote doesnt matter. If we lose, we get Hillary or Obama, their laws, policies, and judges hurting our families for decades to come. I wish Dobson would Focus on the family first and worry more about the mission than the man.

Posted by: Robert | February 5, 2008, 5:54 pm 5:54 pm

Dobson is having a hissy fit. Very mature. All in the name of “God’s” political agenda. What a ridiculous joke! I think he forgot to read that part in the Bible that says something about being humble…

Posted by: Bo Tox | February 5, 2008, 6:06 pm 6:06 pm

Dr. Dobson’s organization should be renamed “Focus on the Fetus”. He’ll move heaven and earth to save a frozen embryo, but then will let families die and rot for lack of health insurance, lack of jobs, being killed in Iraq, etc. There is much more to the family than just the fetus, Dr. Dobson. Jesus condemned the pharisees for being just like you are. The Democrats come closer to doing what Jesus said than the Republicans do. They don’t hurt and steal from the poor and feed the rich. You Republicans tell me where in the Bible it says to side with the rich and let poor people rot in their daily lives? Where does the Bible say to do that? You are hypocrites, just like the Pharisees which Jesus pronounced a series of ‘woe to you’ pronouncements against them.

Posted by: JL | February 5, 2008, 6:07 pm 6:07 pm

I also understand that people who really believe in God and Jesus Christ can support the only industrialized nation (the USA, folks) in the world to not provide health care for its own citizens. Is it OK that children are dying in our own country because they are denied health care? Does it make sense that people need to sell their homes to pay for medical bills? To me this is crazy – how can we not take care of our own people? There is not one republican candidate who has a viable health care plan.

Posted by: sosad | February 5, 2008, 6:10 pm 6:10 pm

Republicans say they cut taxes but they just tax secretly They say they eliminate taxes then they bring it through the back door and dump it on the states. They’re hypocrites just like in their religion and in everything they do. They side with the rich and they hate the poor. They create the poor. They have NOTHING to stand on. They can’t say anything about tax and spend liberals because chimp has spent more money than all the presidents in history. They’re not fiscal conservatives either. We have the biggest debt in history and a recession They can’t say anything about cutting and running from the illegal occupation they call a war. They wrote the book on cut and run in Vietnam and will be forced to do so again in Iraq, despite their saber rattling. The reason Nixon withdrew was the popular will against the war, they had to get out of Vietnam…at least in those days people’s will prevailed where it doesn’t now….And now we’ll be in the same mess, having to cut and run from Iraq too, because despite warmonger Bush and McCain, it will be either them or us we’ll support. Will America be left or will Iraq trump our own national interest? McCain can bluster all he wants but this country can’t stand anymore of the mess he advocates staying in. And you Dobsonites, do you want produce children to live in this polluted, violent, run down mess of a world? Is that what you’ll leave for a legacy? Just keep on voting for the same old mess we’re in now…You Republicans have been in power for twelve years..you called ths shots and made the mess and we’re tired of living in it. Just shut up and get out of the way. The rest of us have work to do to clean up another one of your collossal messes.Go back and listen to Rush and Ann Coulter and have teach you potty training all over again and some kind of new hate to pin on someone. Even though yuou’re caught red handed you are never at fault. You just blame others. Time to retool your smear machine while you learn what you must think from your master potty trainers on talk radio and talking heads….and the public news media which are your babysitters.

Posted by: JL | February 5, 2008, 6:34 pm 6:34 pm

Being a Christian myself, I am sick and tired of evangelicals acting like a bunch of holier than thou lemmings who engage in identity politics. Do we have to remind them of stellar people like Jim Bakker and the other fallen preachers? The fact of the matter is they don’t have a corner on family values. Mormons are Christians too, and the centerpiece of their existence is their focus on the family. I would vote for ten Mitt Romneys anyday over one slimy, morally bankrupt Huckster.

Posted by: Jim Henson | February 5, 2008, 6:44 pm 6:44 pm

Dobson’s statements only serve to reinforce the reputation that in reality the Republican party serves only the greedy, selfish, and bigotted. Whatever high ideals and glory it had has been squandered by wealthy self-righteous bigots who feed off the system they rail against.
He right about one thing, Christians need to consider the impact of their politics on their religion. Like many others in history, they are destroying their religion for the sake of the political ambitions of their leaders.

Posted by: EthanQ | February 5, 2008, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm

(i)They are saying that perhaps obeying God’s first command – to care for His creation – matters.(i)
Um, no…the FIRST of ten Old Testament commandments is, “You shall have no other Gods before me.”
And the greatest commandment Jesus declared in the New Testament as follows…
“One of the Pharisees tested Jesus with a question, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (Matthew 22:36 NIV). Jesus replied,
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV).

Posted by: jules | February 5, 2008, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm

Yes, all you Dobson-followers, stay home this November, maybe say some prayers for Ted Haggard or some other charlatan.
Better still, just stay home and pray for the recession to end ’cause by November we will all be finding religion at the rate the Dow is tanking.

Posted by: elmerg | February 5, 2008, 7:01 pm 7:01 pm

A vote for Huckabee is a vote for McCain. Go Mitt!

Posted by: NorCA | February 5, 2008, 7:10 pm 7:10 pm

Dr. Dobson has committed his life to protecting family values. He spoke out today not on behalf of his organization Focus On The Family, but as a private citizen. He isnt’ being ‘holier than thou’. Rather, he’s simply expressing a traditional view on where he thinks the country should be headed. It’s a view held by millions of Americans (that is if the gracious progressive thought-police will continue to allow us as Americans to have and share our own opinions). I think we should listen to him.

Posted by: Peter Parker | February 5, 2008, 7:10 pm 7:10 pm

There are reasons not to vote for McCain. However, Tapper’s nutshell of Dobson’s rationale is totally out of context. It’s not about tax-cuts, it’s about protecting the fundamental-unit-of-society, marriage. When you hurt marriages, children are the first victim, despite gay claims of not hurting anyone. It’s not about embryonic stem cells, it’s about Termination without Request or Consent–the way the Dutch healthcare system does it and the direction that Hitler-like Liberals are headed. Perhaps Hillary’s Walmart healthcare visions are better than that. While murdering, lying and messing with children makes Republicans hypocrites, it’s all still shameless standard practice for Democrats and Liberals like Tapper. There’s no way Christians should have holier-than-thou attitudes. But that should be no standard practice for total fakes like McCain’s Blue opponents. If only the Christian vote could be disproportionately powerful like that of the Jewish vote, maybe the anti-evangelicals would be happier.

Posted by: inguy | February 5, 2008, 7:12 pm 7:12 pm

I have alot of confidence in Dr. Dobson, if the Republicans want to loose they should pick McCain.

Posted by: mike byrd | February 5, 2008, 7:15 pm 7:15 pm

My idea of a dream ticket is Romney/Giuliani. That would probably never happen. If McCain wins the GOP, I’ll take a serious look at Obama. Never Hillary.

Posted by: NorCA | February 5, 2008, 7:18 pm 7:18 pm

Dobson would back Romney probably because the Mormon church spends a lot of money at the focus on the family book store. Isn’t capitalism the bottom line for the Republicans??

Posted by: chercle | February 5, 2008, 7:30 pm 7:30 pm

I agree and would like to underscore what James Dobson has to say. McCain is a democrat in Republican’s clothing and he would not represent the US well at all. A vote for McCain is actually a vote for Hillary.

Posted by: cagirl | February 5, 2008, 7:46 pm 7:46 pm

Capitalism means jobs for people willing to work. Isn’t communism the bottom line of Democrats? When gun control rules, poverty, and inefficient government run systems are for everyone but those in-charge, Mao Tsetung loves it. And don’t forget to do violence to the Christian church. Let oppression begin. Remember, the votes in the Democratic Primary don’t count that much. The Superdelegates don’t get affected by what the peasants want. The dumb peasants are just manipulated to do the dirty work during the revolts. Let’s shed some more tears to rally the feminists one more time.

Posted by: calguy | February 5, 2008, 7:49 pm 7:49 pm

First of all James Dobson never said he would vote for Mitt. He said he would not vote if Clinton, Obama and McCain were on the ballet. I’m sure Mitt isn’t in the conversation because he would never vote for him in the first place.

Posted by: Teri | February 5, 2008, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm

Dr.Dobsen, who keeps up with social, spiritual, and political issues; has again clearly presented the facts. As the influential leader of an organization that brings spiritual and physical hope to people throughout the world; Dobsen deserves respect and admiration. Dobsen has no hidden agenda, no hunger for power, no interest in economic advantage. He is simply speaking his heart, based on his faith in God and his sincere concern for every fellow American.

Posted by: Ann | February 5, 2008, 8:24 pm 8:24 pm

I agree with Dr. Dobson, although I know the Lordisn’t shocked, there is not a candidate I can vote for with a good conscience.
Lord, help America.

Posted by: Saundra Coller | February 5, 2008, 9:19 pm 9:19 pm

Thanks Doc for reminding us to be thankful of where we live. Couldn’t say all that in Cuba or Irag. Wake up people our choice is obvious no matter what party you belong to. Only one candidate has been forthright and has a record to prove it. All the others have records to prove everything we complain about started with them and they change with the wind. GO HUCKABEE!

Posted by: mc | February 5, 2008, 9:42 pm 9:42 pm

For some time now, I have felt that Dr. Dobson was too concerned about himself, not the Bible and his fellow man. I would strongly suggest that he retreat for prayer and a study of Jesus’ teachings before making rash statements about Senator John McCain. Who is the more Christlike? I say Senator McCain and pray he will one day lead this nation as our next President. Dr. Dobson, do you want to cut off your nose to spite your face? I pray for your renewal.

Posted by: Carlton Prince | February 5, 2008, 9:54 pm 9:54 pm

Your editor’s note is misleading because, although it may be true that Kerry approached McCain on VP, it is also true that McCain approached the Senate democratic leadership about jumping parties. So half of the sentence preceding the editor’s note is true. There was a story from the web site for “The Hill” in March of 2007. It was out on the web again as recently as the last few days and it indicated that McCain’s chief politcal strategist, John Weaver, approached Tom Daschel when they were trying to get Jumpin’ Jim Jeffords to betray his constituents. According to the article, “Weaver asked why Democrats hadn’t asked McCain to switch parties”. A series of approaches followed between the folks involved in April and May of 2001 to include discussions on possible committee assignments and senority for McCain. The talks eventually fell apart when Jumpin’ Jim received his 40 pieces of silver and became an independent-democrat.

Posted by: ArizonaMac | February 5, 2008, 10:28 pm 10:28 pm

Poor Doctor Dobson. If he doesn’t have a “born again” environment destroying, wealthy oil tax cutter, email losing, slanderous, lying, cheating fundamentalist, dispensationalist, pre-millennial, evolution denying, biblical literalist, racist, sexist, 6,000 year-old earth candidate, he’ll take his little red wagon and go home.
They just don’t make candidates like they used to.

Posted by: Bob | February 5, 2008, 10:51 pm 10:51 pm

I have rarily agreed with Dobson – but who can trust McCain when he says one thing to conservatives and always does another. One mere look at who his apologists are on the Left to see what stinks.

Posted by: GoldHorde | February 5, 2008, 11:04 pm 11:04 pm

Sounds a lot like, if you don’t play by my rules then I’m going to take my ball and go home. In my opinion, not a very mature opinion for a man who makes it his practice to advise others.

Posted by: Bill | February 5, 2008, 11:29 pm 11:29 pm

1. Dems represent big business and the super wealthy just as well as Republicans, they just hide it a lot better.
2. Why is it okay for Oprah, Barbara Streisand and other people of influence to openly campaign for a political candidate, but when a Christian leader makes a political statement, everyone tells them to shut up? That doesn’t sound like free speech to me.
3. McCain is presenting himself quite differently in this campaign than in the 2000 election, mainly in the area of stem cell research and the abortion issue, based on his web site. So the question I have is where does McCain really stand on the issue? Can we really trust him?
4. Republicans, in the past, have believed that small, local organizations that in are tune with the community and who personally know those they serve can do a better job of taking care of the poor than a big, bloated, impersonal government. Government will never be the savior of the poor. We all need to look out for our neighbors, whether in big or little ways.
5. The Republican party is not responsible for the problems in the mortage industry. The problem is greedy people running the banks and the home owners who don’t do their homework about loan terms.
My own personal view is that Huckabee’s tax plan would probably do more to help the poor because they essentially wouldn’t have to pay any tax. It would also reward those who consume less, re-use and develop a savings plan for future retirement. And he seems to be a man of integrity as evidence by the fact that he dropped the title Reverend when he stepped down as pastor and entered politics.

Posted by: Kris Overtoom | February 6, 2008, 1:22 am 1:22 am

Dobson is showing that he cares more about external religious practices and cultural respectibility than about orthodox Christianity. Because of this he has a lot in common with Romney, who has “Christian values” externally, but is not an orthodox Christian and cares little about Jesus’s teachings about the poor, for example. This “external religion” is also the religion of the Pharisees.
Thankfully, Mike Huckabee has shown some willingness to look at the heart of Jesus’s teachings, and not just the external religious practices.

Posted by: Robert | February 6, 2008, 1:35 am 1:35 am

Many wonder why James Dobson has not endorsed Huckabee. Is there a more unwavering pro-life candidate? Is there another who has been “born again”? Have any, under spiritual conviction and to their own hurt, withdrawn a news release that would have justifiably reproved an opponent?
Many find it perplexing. Even the secular world is finding something amiss. Time magazine, in a recent article of remarkable spiritual perceptiveness, was stunned by Dobson’s reluctance to make “the natural Christian right choice.”
For months, Dobson has [seemed to favor] … Mitt Romney over Baptist preacher Mike Huckabee … the natural Christian right choice. In December, Dr. Dobson praised a Romney speech, as ‘a magnificent reminder of the role religious faith must play in government and public policy. His delivery was passionate and his message inspirational.’ Dobson even made a congratulatory phone call to the candidate.
When Romney lost the Iowa caucuses to Huckabee, Dobson attributed the outcome to ‘conservative Christians,’ but he has not warmed to the former governor…. who has spoken of his great and longtime friendship with the Dobsons, [wondering] … why no endorsement appears to be coming…. In … [Dobson’s] citizenlink.com assessments, Huckabee was found wanting in terms of foreign policy and ‘fiscal’ issues…. Romney, on the other hand, was praised as ‘solidly conservative’ and unlikely to renege on that stance.
The question remains: WHY no endorsement? And the answer appears to be Dobson’s the “End Justifies the Means” theology. The “End,” reconciling the lost to the Lord is commendable, but the “Means” are much less so. In order to save the world Dobson had to become more like it. And he seems to have honed the political arts of alliance, compromise, and concession far better than the discipline of unwavering Spirit lead conviction. All things considered, perhaps Dobson HAS given Huckabee the endorsement he needed.

Posted by: C Smith | February 6, 2008, 3:06 am 3:06 am

This tirade by Dobson could also be called a “coservative litmus test,” with Sen. McCain failing miserably. Perhaps Dobson should check how well is wristwatch is operating, since it seems he’s at leazt a hundered years behind the times.

Posted by: chuck | February 6, 2008, 9:19 am 9:19 am

Dobson is a total wingnut. When that guy can articulate to me why he isn’t a Hindu or a Shinto practicioner, based on exactly the same evidence he’s got, I might be inclined to listen to him.
Anybody who’s that afraid of homosexuality must have a hankering for a little sausage himself, don’t you figure? At least one thing is certain–Dobson has called the election correctly. These are the worst choices ever. Although, maybe it’ll be just like 2000 and we won’t have to choose.

Posted by: Duh Scent of Man | February 6, 2008, 9:31 am 9:31 am

Typical…just like the late Falwell…self-aggrandizing judgmental opinions…very non-Christian…people like Dobson give Christians a bad name…I thought Christian leaders like Dobson were supposed to try their best to emulate Christ…he’s not doing a good job being non-judgmental…what’s that Biblical saying? “judge not lest ye be judged” or that little chestnut “let he who is without sin cast the first stone” pretty funny when a non-religious person like me seems to know more about Christ like behaviour than ‘ol Dobson…just shows why people getting sick of hearing blowhards like Dobson rant and rave…last time I checked Democracy was doing what it is supposed to do…allowing ALL the people to exercise their OWN opinion…and last night showed them doing that…and apparently they really have an opinion about McCain, Obama, and Clinton…like ‘em or not that’s who most people like Mr. Dobson

Posted by: Ken | February 6, 2008, 9:56 am 9:56 am

I have to agree with Dr. Dobson. The problem is the Republican party is split three ways and John McCain is taking advantage of it. The South will only vote for an evangelical and the rest of the country will not support the bigotry of the South, since many in the South think one has to be an “Evangelical” to be a Christian.
I do not see how this rift will heal by Fall, which means the Democrats will win. McCain is not getting the support of the conservatives. They just won’t vote in the Fall.

Posted by: John S | February 6, 2008, 9:57 am 9:57 am

I AGREE 100% WITH DR. DOBSON. I am very proud of him for standing up and taking a stand. McCain is disturbing to say the least to conservatives.
It is a sad day for Republicans and Dr. Dobson echoed my sentiments exactly.

Posted by: P.S. | February 6, 2008, 10:40 am 10:40 am

Hear! Hear! Dr. Dobson. My sentiments EXACTLY!

Posted by: Carolyn Pickett | February 6, 2008, 11:05 am 11:05 am

if hillary gets elected and puts 3 ginsburgs on the court, dobson will be personally responsible for millions of abortions!! he is not pro-life or Christian!

Posted by: rmm | February 6, 2008, 11:15 am 11:15 am

I am an evangelical, and Dobson does not represent me. He evidently is upset that his influence is waning, and that he won’t be able to gloat about his kingmaker status as he did after the 2004 election. If Dobson is so committed to “life,” why does he support the killing of thousands of innocent Iraqis? I predict that this election will show that Dobson’s bombast and hate-mongering are being eclipsed by an evangelicalism that is theologically sound yet far less combative.

Posted by: neal621 | February 6, 2008, 1:32 pm 1:32 pm

If everyone takes the attitude of James Dobson, the Democrats would win by default and that would be a disaster. Let’s rally together for John McCain! Nobody is perfect. But he is now the best choice for Commander in Chief. I have a lot of respect for him.

Posted by: Amy | February 6, 2008, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm

I’m a Republican, but I also refuse to vote for McCain. If he wins the nomination, I plan on voting for the democratic runner (Hillary or Obama). I figure if the country is going to go to hell, it might as well be the liberals fault.

Posted by: Dan | February 6, 2008, 4:48 pm 4:48 pm

In re your “editor’s note” — As a matter of fact, Kerry did not approach McCain only to have McCain demur. McCain was asked whether he would consider being Kerry’s running mate, to which McCain replied that he had been Kerry’s friend for years and of course would consider it.

Posted by: HDH | February 6, 2008, 5:08 pm 5:08 pm

I will not vote for McCain. He is NOT a Republican, he is a RINO. McCain is an un-principled Washington insider with a record of betraying his own party affiliation. He appealed to Kerry to be his running mate. He was the sole “Republican” member of the “Keating Five” that precipitated the Savings & Loan scandal. Then there was McCain Feingold, exacerbating political funding problems, limiting freedom of speech: McCain – Kennedy, the in-your-face open border venue. He touts his prisoner-of-war status. Throughout human history a prisoner-of-war was a pitiful figure; sleeping in his captor’s bed, eating his captor’s food. A prisoner-of-war was out of action, having no impact on the outcome. Abused? Yes. Pitiful? Absolutely. But, with the rise of the radical-left in academia, media and the DemocRat party during Vietnam War, returning prisoners were hailed as heroes to tar LBJ and Nixon. The real heroes of that war are buried in southeastern Asian mud.

Posted by: James | February 6, 2008, 5:59 pm 5:59 pm

Here is a copy of the letter I posted to Dr. James Dobson about his comment on McCain.
I am a practicing Catholic and very committed to Christian education, family values, good parenting , marriage and an end to abortion in this country. I have taught science in a catholic high school for 7 years. I have always enjoyed listening to the Moody Bible Institute Radio in Chicago especially the Focus on the Family Segments. I am not actively campaigning for John McCain, but I voted for him and support his candidacy for president of the United States.
I was surprised and VERY disappointed in James Dobson’s statement about John McCain. I always viewed Dr. Dobson as primarily a man who spread the message of Jesus Christ, occasionally using political means to do so. His recent statement about Senator McCain shows that he places political ideology ahead of religious conviction and commitment to Jesus Christ. If Christ were giving a speech in America today, don’t you think that one of his top priorities would be to end the destruction of human lives and human potential through abortion. Senator McCain will help this country to end abortion. Senator McCain is a man of integrity who doesn’t just talk about Christian principles…he role models them. Adopting a child from a poor country is courageous. Fighting for your country in Vietnam is courageous. Telling the truth is courageous…and Senator McCain tells the truth. Christ asks us to tell the truth…if it’s not realistic for our country to get out of Iraq, I trust that McCain will tell the truth and help us as a nation take the best steps towards peace. If it’s financially irresponsible to cut taxes, McCain will explain this to the people and do what’s best for the long range economic growth of this nation.
Sadly, I worry that Dobson’s statement may reflect more of a concern about what will benefit the financial interests of his supporters rather than what Jesus Christ would want for his people. One of the best homilies I ever heard said that “If you vote for what’s best for your personal pocketbook, it is certainly a vote, but it is NOT a Christian vote.” A Christian attempts to vote with the mind and heart of Jesus Christ, who was focused on the poor and outcast of His community.
In summary, I am deeply saddened by James Dobson’s statement. I wasn’t at all surprised by Rush Limbaugh’s condemnation of John McCain. Rush Limbaugh is an ideologist with a political agenda. But I considered James Dobson to be a man of faith, so I expected more from him. As a result, I have lost a great deal of respect for your organization Focus on the Family and your founder, Dr. James Dobson. However like you, I will continue to pray and work for the success of families in our great nation.
May God continue to bless you and your families.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Brigid E.

Posted by: Brigid Esposito | February 6, 2008, 6:40 pm 6:40 pm

Is it our civil duty to vote? I believe it is,and when an influential leaader says he won’t vote it is unfortunate. It sends the wrong message. Isn’t a non vote, a vote for another?

Posted by: Jeff | February 6, 2008, 7:25 pm 7:25 pm

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm -neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Rev 3:15-16
A christian should not be about a certain party, but about securing a godly nation. Voting for anyone that does not support your beliefs is being indifferent to your own beliefs.
I will not vote for McCain for president just so a republican can be in office. And I can not with good conscience vote for either Obama or Clinton.
If it is possible, then I may vote to for a conserative representative for congress. But in the end, the future of our nation is in the hands of God. And as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

Posted by: whatisyourtemp | February 7, 2008, 2:50 am 2:50 am

My question to all those ‘conservatives’ out there who consider ‘liberals’ the scourge of the earth, and America in particular, is what do you think the Sanhedrin of 33 A.D. thought Jesus was ‘Liberal’ or ‘conservative’.

Posted by: toz | February 7, 2008, 12:10 pm 12:10 pm

I have to live with my vote and it is my choice who gets it. I will NOT vote for John McCain. I have never liked him I do not trust him. McCain had never represented the PEOPLE he spits in our faces instead.
I will not waste my vote. When it comes time to vote I will vote for anyone but McCain. It will give me great pleasure to send McCain the same message he sent The People when he voted on: McCain-Kennedy, McCain Feingold, McCain-Lieberman… You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Nothing will force me to vote for some failure just to keep a party together. That is insane. It is time for some new faces and new ideas. Not the same of stuff that put us where we are today.

Posted by: DMJ | February 11, 2008, 1:08 pm 1:08 pm

Why is it that Dobson cannot make a personal remark concerning his belief and get hammered for it? If you don’t agree, thats fine, but don’t start calling him a NON intity…you’d better take a look at the number of people that fell the same as he does and it isn’t because of what he says, its because they take what the BIBLE says literally. Dobson simply stands up for Family, life and a deep love for God. It may not be what you want to hear, it may get the hairs on your neck standing…but, he believes them, and he does it NOT to get paid by the Mormon church…what foolishness. You must be thinking of some LIBERAL who takes all the kickbacks he can. Dobson certainly isn’t that! IF he were the gov. would have slammed him in jail by now…His books are open for anyone to take a look at.
Just listen sometime and compare what he says to what the Bible says…Show me where he’s wrong…I dare you!! God does not condone gays, HE does NOT condone killing an innocent life for any purpose( stem cell )…and the first commandment stated by JESUS IS to LOVE one another as you do yourself…NOT taking care of this planet OR taking care of the poor. Jesus said that we will always have the poor, does that sound like he’s seeing that as being as important as saving souls?…..YES, we should help out..YES YES…but don’t start adding words or ideas to Gods word if you don’t know what it really says. And those of you who made these comments,need to read it a little more carefully and NOT critisize someone who knows what he’s talking about…check your facts FIRST!!
America are tired you bet!! A lot of us are tired of watchingthis country go down hill and its morals with it. No matter what you think of Dobson. You and I need to get our relationship RIGHT with GOD…He’s the only hope for this country…NOT a man!!!

Posted by: alpha | February 12, 2008, 8:30 pm 8:30 pm

DMJ?? The Sandhedrin thought he was blasphemous…and wanted to kill HIM because He claimed to be the SN of God. When Jesus said I and my Father are one..and stated that HE was I AM..they had a FIT!! They knew what He was saying…So, Liberal? NOPE conservative? Nope…Son of God…You BET!! What do YOU say about Jesus?….
For one thing Jesus wasn’t interested in the Politics of that day…He came to SAVE..Not to overthrow Rome and that had his desciples at odds with Him for a while till they realized ..WHY HE CAME.

Posted by: alpha | February 12, 2008, 8:37 pm 8:37 pm

My message to all liberals: Be patient. Soon all of us followers of Christ will be gone and the whole world will be yours. (Well, for seven years anyway.)

Posted by: Sir Renaldus | February 13, 2008, 9:37 pm 9:37 pm

I have a question for Conservatives who claim that there is something honorable about not voting for McCain, refuse to help out and vow to sit home on election day..
What is honorable about sitting on your butt at home, refusing to vote – allowing all branches of government to be swarmed by RABIDLY liberal opponents who have vowed to undo everything conservatives have fought to achieve over the past decade?
I hear endless whining and griping from Conservatives – while the extreme liberals, who are bent on reversing every conservative principal – out number us at the polls nearly two to one. Great work conservatives!
What is so conservative about beating down the only candidate (who will be running in the General Election) who supports our troops, instead of the extreme liberals who insult them, mock them, and spend every day devaluing their progress?
By punishing John McCain for not being conservative enough – you are really punishing all conservatives by making absolutely sure they will be governed by radical, rabid liberalism for the next 4 to 8 years.
By stomping your feet and refusing to help, you in turn assure them the laws of the land will have few conservatives in a position of power to stop a runaway liberal train.
If you must be dragged to the polls, then don’t bother complaining when our courts are swarmed by the liberals who will put judges in power. Liberals are outpacing us at the polls at a rate of two rabid liberals for every conservative who can hardly be bothered to show up. Why must conservatives always shoot themselves in the foot?
Please think twice before punishing the rest of us conservatives, who may not love McCain, but are smart enough to realize the living nightmare that will ensue, if things continue on the path they are going.
Please open your eyes and look at what will happen, should you decide to go on punishing all of us – by refusing to work with us to stop extreme liberalism from enveloping our entire government.
Danny

Posted by: Danny Vice | February 16, 2008, 6:06 pm 6:06 pm

He’s going to pick up the ball that Bush has started rolling and keep it rolling, spend, spend, spend! He’s a war nut. He’s going to lead this country right into another depression because it’ll be good for the country. =/

Posted by: BoomerSL | March 5, 2008, 5:10 pm 5:10 pm

It is pretty simple why I will never vote for John McCain. It is because he holds way too many Liberal positions. He mays as well be a Democrat.

Posted by: Jeff | April 4, 2008, 4:35 pm 4:35 pm

Call for a Voter’s Strike, Save Gas, stay home do not vote then give the ones elected greive throughout their terms.
The Dems created this existing quagmire, their Democrat Congressional caucus is an equivalent to Brazil’s “Pantanal does Mato Grosso”. The only change a vote for a Democrat will achieve is a vote for complete
failure. Printed Media, Television, part of Talk Radio all try their best to persuade us to change our Republic into a Common communalist government,” level the playing field,” much like the European Union.
One can tell when the propaganda is beginning; the preface is “All the People of the United States want. . .. ..” As far as one can see at this time, the Party System is in a coma. Not one person that was not a professional politician came close to a nomination for any office since Herbert Hoover. We voters could stage our own November revolt if we would all stay home and not vote. The idea is not very realistic but it would reflect our thoughts so Media and Spin propagandists could not hide, and may eventuality, once again give citizens of the United States of America control of their Nation’s government, if we would not vote, contribute funds, or volunteer for professional politicians

Posted by: Billgls | April 27, 2008, 7:05 pm 7:05 pm

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