This all seems so eight years ago. A folksy Southern evangelical wins Iowa only to be stopped in his tracks by maverick John McCain. But will what happens next in the Republican presidential race be a replay of 2000? Will the Christian Right stop McCain cold in South Carolina? God-o-Meter doubts it.
Let's examine the evidence: 1. As opposed to denouncing the Christian Right as "agents of intolerance," as he did in 2000, McCain is enthusiastically reaching out the movement. The effort has been both rhetorical and organizational. Formerly reticent in speaking about his own religious faith and the influence of faith on politics, McCain told Beliefnet last fall that he is talking to his pastor about undergoing a full-immersion Baptism and that he prefers a president "who I know who has a solid grounding in my faith." After Mike Huckabee came out with a Christmastime TV ad that some said featured cross imagery, McCain released an ad that discussed what the cross means to him.
Organizationally, McCain has sought the counsel of ex-presidential candidate Sam Brownback in beefing up evangelical-oriented support groups like Iowans of Faith for McCain and seeking meetings with evangelical political leaders.
2. McCain has launched a "truth squad" in South Carolina to smack down potentially ruinous attacks as they surface. Rumors spread by George W. Bush supporters about McCain in South Carolina--including that he had fathered an illegitimate child--hit him especially hard among "values voters."
3. McCain got just as many evangelical votes in New Hampshire as Mike Huckabee. Each got 28-percent, with Mitt Romney snagging 27-percent. Aides to Huckabee's Republican rivals note that while Huckabee had a full year to bond with Iowa evangelicals, he won't have the same luxury in South Carolina or other early primary states.
Does this mean John McCain will have an easy time in the Palmetto State? No. But for McCain, what happens next won't be a replay of 2000.
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Coming from the perspective of a spiritualist and New Ager in Britain (and an Orator at London's famed Speakers' Corner) I find it saddening that voters would apparently prefer someone like John McCain over the real-deal Mike Huckabee.
I say 'apparently' because there is evidence (which can be read at prisonplanet.com) that the New Hampshire primary was not altogether fair, particularly against a real embodiment of true change, the marginalised Republican (who barely mentions his faith) Ron Paul.
A once-great Republic would do well to return to its Constitution and Bill of Rights, which a spirit guide rightly described as "two of the finest documents ever devised by the mind of Man".
I stayed up and listened to all the concession and acceptance speeches. Barack Obama impressed the most.
DEAR JOHN
If it were possible, Christ Jesus would say to YOU ~ "There are no 'enemies', dear brother... only difficulties to Love."
(Christ Diana nods...)
McCain once said that the Religous Right was dangerous to America and to the Republican party, now he caters to them. I too once admired McCain for not towing the parting line and for his straight talk, now I consider him just another politician. Though I do think he's the best among the Republican candidates.
I'm a strong John McCain supporter. I agree with him on all the issues and I think he oozes leadership and experience. He's pro-life and against gay marriage, which is all a social conservative could ask for.
Pandering--I think not. He is just mending fences. What he said back then was true, as in all groups you have your "radical" elements. I think the hard "Far Right" like Fawell and Robertson are the Rosie O'Donnels of the Republicans. The only person that will be a truly good president is one who will be able to see BOTH sides of an argument, position, or problem. I think it is bigotted and hypocritical to hold it against someone because they are gay. I don't believe in gay marriage, or as boy scout leaders (more becuase it would just cause them grief and controversy),but they deserve to be treated as citizens with rights.
As for Bush being a terrible president, the truth will come out in the history books of the future. We are on good terms with more countries now, than when Clinton was president. You never saw the President of France be our "friend" back then...Oh, and have you noticed we are "winning" the "unwinable" war...? Notice no good press on that one!
Is it really pandering when one is asked what he thinks about thus and such a topic on religion and he answers the question? The religious right can vote for whomever they choose, even the extremely racist Ron Paul. But, if John McCain get the nomination and they choose to support Senator Obama or Senator Clinton or even just stay home they will not be serving their "cause". The religious right is organized and vocal. If it weren't no one would have to give it the time of day because it makes up such a small minority. As a Christian I am weary of having to defend my faith against the out spoken right. If they are truly pro-life why don't we hear them crying out for the millions who die of starvation every year and the thousands slaughtered in Darfur. God loves them too after all. You know how we resent the wealthiest Americans and think they should have to pay more taxes, etc. Guess what--that's how the rest of the world feels toward all Americans. We need to get a bigger picture of the world. We need to educate ourselves. I just watched a video that asked people on the street questions about the world and was embarrassed by our ignorance. Obviously they edit it to make it look the worst it can look but when a person is ask what religion a Budhist monk is and can't come up with the answer (which is Budhist by the way) we have a serious problem. I am hoping John McCain or Mike Huckabee can help us get the BIG picture.
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