WASHINGTON (RNS) In the final weeks of the presidential campaign, two top U.S. faith leaders are urging a return to civility between Sen.
Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain.
The political discourse has shifted from important issues facing the country to “acrimonious, disrespectful and divisive rhetoric,” according to Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops.
Palmer and the Rev. Michael Kinnamon, general secretary of the National Council of Churches, sent open statements to McCain and Obama urging a “focus on the critical challenges that threaten the future of our nation and the world.”
A recent New York Times/CBS News poll revealed that the latest McCain campaign ads, featuring sharp personal attacks on Obama, have actually hurt McCain’s public standing. The rhetoric of political campaigns is often based on “divisiveness, hyperbole, half-truths and innuendo,” Kinnamon said.
“We call on people of faith to raise their voices to challenge all political parties and leaders to embrace a public discourse that is free of divisive and demeaning rhetoric,” Palmer said.
In his statement, Kinnamon expressed concern that the U.S. leaders govern “by surrounding themselves with an isolating barrier of like-minded cronies.” Open dialogue is only possible if candidates are willing to “expand the circle of internal discussion,” he added.
“Respectful, principled, and vigorous debate on the issues which demand attention is the only way to move into a future that offers hope and solutions for our common problems,” Palmer said.
By Ashley Gipson
Religion News Services
Copyright 2008 Religion News Service. All rights reserved. No part of this transmission may be distributed or reproduced without written permission.
Beliefnet
Advertisement
posted October 15, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Desparate time require desperate moves…and McCain is getting desperate. He may or may not pay any attention to the plea from the Methodists and the NCC, but they can feel at least they tried.
posted October 15, 2008 at 11:24 pm
“A recent New York Times/CBS News poll revealed that the latest McCain campaign ads, featuring sharp personal attacks on Obama, have actually hurt McCain’s public standing.”
Is it possible we are actually getting smarter? Or maybe the Bush/Cheney/Republican economy has concentrated peoples’ attentions.
posted October 16, 2008 at 9:44 am
John McCain seems willing to leave us an un-governable country, what with letting his supporters think his opponent is a traitor.
Fortunately there aren’t a lot of those supporters! John McCain has shown himself for putting him first and our country way farther down.
posted October 16, 2008 at 10:02 am
I think the nation realizes we do not need another impetuous or testy “leader”. McCain seems to be trying to do it his advisors’ way, and it is not working. Obama has shown it is possible to remain above the anger and malice that is borne by fear. My only hope is that some fool does let his own anger and fear get the better of himself (or herself, though most political assasins in history have been men), and make an attempt on Obama’s life. One thing that has been seen in recent political history is that it is the calm and well-centered person who can negotiate and forge meaningful peace. Storming around in a tantrum gets nothing useful or lasting.
posted October 16, 2008 at 12:24 pm
I tried putting this under Waldmens blog, and something went wrong, so I’ll put it here, as it is about campaigning.
Bob Schieffer’s question to Obama and McCain last night: “To say to each others face what your campaigns have said about each other”, made McCain aggressive and sounded out of step with what the debate was to be about last night; our economy and health affairs. McCain’s haranging about the petty campaigning, mostly his, and his immature facial expressions whenever Obama was speaking was unbelivable. I felt like my livingroom was being taken over with silliness and was annoyed that the debate was shortchanged when important issues weren’t being asked and dicussed rationally so we could hear the differences about the real debate questions. Obama was his usual even tempered and clear minded self, McCain was petty and quick-tempered as usual, only worse. Obama has the qualities I look for in a President, I’ll vote Obama.
posted October 16, 2008 at 12:57 pm
jestrfyl:
“My only hope is that some fool doesn’t let his own anger or fear get the better of himself ……………and make an attempt on Obama’s life.”
That thought has crossed my mind also. Being the first Black person to run for president is, unfortunately, just what some nut needs to try and “make hisory” by doing a horrible thing.
posted October 16, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Ps and Jest, Obama is well guarded, as well as his family. It’s not going to happen.
posted October 16, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I guess you don’t have to add a URL, it is posted without it.
posted October 16, 2008 at 2:09 pm
NCC is so predictable – only mentioning McCain as using personal attacks!
posted October 16, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Quote: The National Council of Churches sent open statements to Obama and McCain urging a focus on the critical challenges that threaten the future of our nation and the world.
Apparently only Obama was capable of doing this in last nights debate.
When I read this article yesterday before the debate I thought that really isn’t necessary to remind these men of this, but I guess it was because McCain just discounted this message almost the entire debate.
posted October 16, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Unless I don’t understand what this corner of Beliefnet is doing, it seems our comments are culled after so much time. If I could sit at my computer 24-7 I could read all the comments, but I can’t, so I will say good-by friends: pagansister, nnmns, jestrfyl, and all the rest; it’s been interesting, fun, perplexing at times, too. Best of luck to all and Beliefnet.
posted October 16, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Henrietta, I hope you read this. I think Beliefnet is still working out problems with this new format. I really hope you try it again. Did you lose some posts?
I know Obama is guarded well, but unfortunately sometimes things happen in spite of all the security.
This site wouldn’t be the same without your opinions and wisdom.
posted October 16, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Henrietta22 and pagansister-
I hope pagansister is correct. If not, I have enjoyed reading your comments along with all the other regulars…including cknuck (even if more often than not I disagreed with him)
Peace!
posted October 16, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Yes, not sure it’s better but if you click on “Read all comments” or woreds to that effect you’ll likely see all the comments. Hang in there.