This new ad from Matthew 25, a progressive religious advocacy group, features Brian McLaren, a popular Christian author, and KirbyJon Caldwell -- George W. Bush's pastor. It may seem schlocky but the idea that Obama appears to be a good family man does matter, and may help combat charges that he's a latter day Stokely Carmichael. Matthew25 says it will air the add during coverage of the Saddleback candidates forum.
But I'm most intrigued by this moment: KirbyJon says,"Throughout his entire career he's stood by families." And then his wife, pastor Suzette Caldwell says, "Including his own." Kirbyjon nods and hmphhhs in agreement.
Might this be intended to poke John McCain for committing adultery in his first marriage? Seems that way to me.
I saw this issue come up on Hannity & Colmes this week too. Most reporters have assumed that McCain's adultery and first marriage would be a non-issue because it happened so long ago and McCain has taken the blame. "My marriage's collapse was attributable to my own selfishness and immaturity. The blame was entirely mine."
But there are details that may give this one traction anyway, especially in Christian circles. Carol had raised their three kids while McCain was a POW. She was in a devastating car accident, losing five inches of height and causing her to walk with a limp. When McCain returned from Vietnam the marriage disintegrated. McCain began pursuing Cindy Hensley -- a wealthy, young beer heiress who would become his current wife -- while he was still married to Carol. He says they were separated but not yet divorced; other accounts say McCain went after Cindy while he and Carol were still together. McCain and his first wife reportedly still have a good relationship, and Carol doesn't seem bitter. The most thorough account I've found is this from the Los Angeles Times.
Looks like Democrats are now starting to float the issue, especially in religious circles. Will this seem like a cheap shot? Or a pugnacious counter-punch to McCain's ads implying that Obama has a Messianic complex or conservative activists talking about his drug use?
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Sin is only equal when it comes to the judgment seat of God. Sin is not equal when it comes to consequences and choosing a leader. Adultery from 30 plus years ago that has been repented of should not be part of this election. But someone who currently supports the death of innocent children through abortion is not fit to be president!
Paul C. As I said, the government has NO BUSINESS interfering with a woman's reproductive rights. If indeed the courts were foolish enough to put a stop to it....then women would just return to coat hangers and back alley abortions. Is that preferable to legal and safe ones? I think not! If you don't want a president who has the sense to recognize reality (abortions will continue, whether legal or not) then don't vote for that person...even it that candidate might be a great president on world affairs and running the country. There is no such thing as a one agenda platform for a candidate. BTW, a group of cells isn't a child.
Bill Clinton was vilified because of his relationship with Monica Lewinsky. In what way was his adultery worse than John McCain's?
No one has ever suggested that Carol McCain was not totally supportive of, and loyal to, her husband while he was a prisoner and when he returned. John McCain's behavior suggests he wasn't willing to continue in a marriage with a woman who no longer fit his image of "wife".
The right is trying to label Senator Obama as an elitist which is amusing in that Senator McCain, the son and grandson of admirals in the US Navy, was a crown prince within that culture. McCain grew up watching the men in his family being deferred to by those whose rank was lower. He experienced a life in which orders given were orders taken without question. As an officer himself and as a senator, McCain has lived a life in which he has had few people to challenge him.
No one questions his commitment to this country but his sense of entitlement in his youth and as a senator should raise some questions. He clearly felt he was entitled to a different wife.
That is a dangerous
The Defense of Marriage Act is a Republican initiative. The 2008 GOP Platform uses the word "marriage" 15 times, making it a national issue.
Bigamy is a legal term, and correctly used in describing the status of John McCain between March 6, 1980 date of his marriage license to wed Cindy Lou Hensley) and April 2, 1980 (date of his divorce decree from Carol McCain).
John McCain took an oath when we married his first wife. For better or for worse, till death do we part.
If he broke that oath, why in the world would we trust him on national issues and as our president? Some say that adultery is not as bad as murder. Who will stand before God and say their sin wasn't as bad as the other persons sin?
Sin is sin and neither is better or worse than the other. Voting for the lesser of 2 evils is still voting for evil, isn't it?
Maybe Christians ought not vote for either party if neither qualify by the standards that God set.
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