CNN reports that Obama and McCain both love (the Christian) God a LOT and that they've both sinned (Well, we all have.) :
"Faith forums," however well-meaning, are entirely out of place in elections. Only Americans would ask their presidential candidates to spend two hours discussing religion and "faith issues." The President's job is not to spiritually guide us (thank God for that!) but, as the head of the executive branch of the federal government, the President's role is to enforce national law as given in the Constitution and written by Congress.
So if we agree that we're not electing a spiritual leader, then these "Wearing-Religion-on-One's Sleeve" forums are really about proving to as many people as possible who is most spiritual, with public emoting and confessing thrown in for good measure. Politicians who conveniently misrepresent their policy positions (entirely provable and publicly on-the-record) are suddenly, completely honest and forthright about their personal, unverifiable (to the public) faith in God. Not only are these events inappropriate, they're so politically self-serving.
Did you catch how quickly McCain pivoted from his greatest moral failing (his first marriage) to 9/11 and a "cause greater that oneself?" And Obama's answer to the greatest moral failing question (he, and the country --all of us--we're too selfishness) reminded me of a clever job interview response. What a spectacle.
"Last night at Saddleback Civil Forum on Presidency was the first time both candidates appeared on stage since they became the presumptive presidential nominees for their parties. Watch the complete forum: Part 1 », Part 2 », Part 3 », Part 4 ».
The event was held at Saddleback Church, a mega-church in southern
California. The candidates were interviewed by Warren, pastor at the church and
author of the best-selling book "The Purpose-Driven Life."
"Faith forums," however well-meaning, are entirely out of place in elections. Only Americans would ask their presidential candidates to spend two hours discussing religion and "faith issues." The President's job is not to spiritually guide us (thank God for that!) but, as the head of the executive branch of the federal government, the President's role is to enforce national law as given in the Constitution and written by Congress.
So if we agree that we're not electing a spiritual leader, then these "Wearing-Religion-on-One's Sleeve" forums are really about proving to as many people as possible who is most spiritual, with public emoting and confessing thrown in for good measure. Politicians who conveniently misrepresent their policy positions (entirely provable and publicly on-the-record) are suddenly, completely honest and forthright about their personal, unverifiable (to the public) faith in God. Not only are these events inappropriate, they're so politically self-serving.
Did you catch how quickly McCain pivoted from his greatest moral failing (his first marriage) to 9/11 and a "cause greater that oneself?" And Obama's answer to the greatest moral failing question (he, and the country --all of us--we're too selfishness) reminded me of a clever job interview response. What a spectacle.
8/18/08 Update: Imagine my (non)surprise when I read in the New York Times, "Despite Assurances, McCain Wasn’t in a ‘Cone of Silence.’ Hah, ha, ha!! And I thought I couldn't get any more cynical about this thing?"
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