10 Questions Rick Warren Won't Ask John McCain
By Jon Perr Thursday Aug 14, 2008 2:03pm
On Saturday, August 16th, megachurch preacher and Purpose-Driven Life author Rick Warren will host the first joint appearance of campaign '08 by Barack Obama and John McCain. In what CNN is billing as the "Compassionate Leader Forum," Warren will lead separate conversations with Obama and McCain, who will meet on stage at the beginning and/or end of the event at Warren's Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California.
While the anti-gay Warren and his co-sponsor the multi-denominational group Faith in Public Life will apparently be the arbiters of presidential compassion, Reverend Warren insists Saturday's event is not about "gotcha" questions for the candidates:
"This is a critical time for our nation and the American people deserve to hear both candidates speak from the heart -- without interruption -- in a civil and thoughtful format absent the partisan 'gotcha' questions that typically produce heat instead of light."
But for the good people at the Red State blog, that's simply not good enough. Declaring that "abortion on demand is non-negotiable," Red State's open letter to Reverend Warren insists he promise to confront Obama on the issue. Failing to do so at the event, "it would be better to cancel it." No doubt, Rick Warren will ask Barack Obama about his views on abortion and women's reproductive rights.
But among the questions on AIDS, poverty, climate change and the candidates' personal faith, the notoriously reserved on religion John McCain can rest assured he won't face tough questions about his own.
Here, then, are 10 questions Rick Warren won't ask John McCain.
1. In 2006, you recanted your claim six years earlier that Pat Robertson and the late Jerry Falwell were "agents of intolerance." What changed your mind?
During the 2000 campaign, you famously claimed that the late Jerry Falwell was an "agent of intolerance." But when Meet the Press' Tim Russert on April 2, 2006 asked whether you "still believe that Jerry Falwell is still an agent of intolerance?" you reversed yourself and said, "no, I don't." The next month, you gave the commencement address at Reverend Falwell's Liberty University. Just weeks earlier, the Daily Show's Jon Stewart asked you, "Are you going into crazy base world?" to which you replied, "I'm afraid so." Why did you change your position on Falwell and Robertson being agents of intolerance? Were you pandering to the "crazy base world" of Republican primary voters?
2. You've said, "The most important thing is that I am a Christian." Why is that the most important thing?
Campaigning in South Carolina last fall, you responded to questions about whether you were a Baptist or an Episcopalian by proclaiming, "the most important thing is that I am a Christian." What did you mean by that? Was your Christian faith the most important thing for you personally, or just for the heavily evangelical voters of South Carolina?
3. Speaking of which, are you an Episcopalian or a Baptist?
You were raised as an Episcopalian and during your "Service to America" tour in April made a point of visiting your old prep school, Episcopal High. A Congressional directory lists your religion as Episcopalian, as did a questionnaire your campaign staffers completed in August for a debate in South Carolina. Yet you've attended the 7,000 member North Phoenix Baptist Church for 15 years. Despite never having been baptized, you said of your faith in September, "It plays a role in my life. By the way, I'm not Episcopalian. I'm Baptist." So just to clear up any lingering confusion, are you an Episcopalian or a Baptist?
4. Will you ask your supporters to respect Barack Obama's Christian faith?
On more than one occasion, you pledged to run a "respectful" campaign. Yet despite Barack Obama's repeated and heartfelt proclamations of his Christian faith, many in the conservative movement accuse Obama of being a Muslim. Polling data show that the percentage of American who believe Barack Obama is a Muslim increased to 12% in July. Do you believe Barack Obama is a Christian? Will you ask your supporters to stop promulgating the myth that his is a Muslim? Will you ask them to respect Obama's Christian faith? For that matter, will you ask them to respect the faith of Muslim Americans?
5. Do you agree with Pastor John Hagee that war with Iran is the fulfillment of biblical prophecy?
Back in February, you shared a stage with Pastor John Hagee and said you were "very proud" to have his endorsement. Then in May, you announced that you "must reject his endorsement, given "deeply offensive and indefensible" remarks he had made about the Holocaust. But given your own tough talk and past jokes about "bomb bomb Iran" and killing Iranians with cigarettes, do you join Pastor Hagee in believing the United States must attack Iran to fulfill the biblical prophecy of Armageddon in Israel in which 144,000 Jews will be converted to Christianity and the rest killed?
6. Why did you change your position on overturning Roe v. Wade?
In 1999, you announced your opposition to overturning Roe v Wade, "But certainly in the short term, or even the long term, I would not support repeal of Roe v. Wade, which would then force X number of women in America to [undergo] illegal and dangerous operations." But in November 2006, you answered "yes" when ABC’s George Stephanapolous asked if "you’d be for that?" Why did your change your mind on overturning Roe? Was it so your campaign could claim in a February press release during the Republican primaries that "John McCain is far and away the most consistently anti-abortion of all the top contenders?"
7. Do you support the Bush administration's attempt to redefine many forms of birth control as abortion?
A draft proposal by President Bush's Department of Health and Human Services would "withhold government funds from health-care providers and organizations that don't hire people who refuse to perform abortions or provide certain types of birth control." Senator Hillary Clinton wrote HHS Secretary Leavitt that "this definition would allow health-care corporations or individuals to classify many common forms of contraception - including the birth control pill, emergency contraception and IUDs - 'abortions' and therefore to refuse to provide contraception to women who need it." Do you agree with the Bush administration's proposal to redefine these contraception methods as "abortion?" While you're at it, have you decided whether or not you believe insurance companies covering Viagra for men should also be required to cover birth control for women?
8. Do you believe, as you said last September, that "the Constitution established the United States of America as a Christian nation?"
In an interview with BeliefNet last September, you said that:
"I just have to say in all candor that since this nation was founded primarily on Christian principles, personally, I prefer someone who has a grounding in my faith."
"I would probably have to say yes, that the Constitution established the United States of America as a Christian nation."
After withering criticism from Jewish and Islamic groups, you backtracked the next day and claimed, "Yes, I believe a Muslim could be president." Do you still believe that "the Constitution established the United States of America as a Christian nation?" Do you agree with Mike Huckabee that "what we need to do is amend the Constitution so it's in God's standards?"
9. Do you believe Americans should pray for rain to end droughts – or to wash out Barack Obama's acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention?
Last November, Georgia Republican Governor Sonny Perdue held a public vigil at the state house to "pray up a storm" to end the drought in the Southeast. His plea followed on the heels of Alabama Governor Bob Riley's week-long "Days of Prayer for Rain" that June. Just days ago, Focus on the Family, led by James Dobson (who recently announced "the possibility is there that I might" endorse you) posted a video calling on its supporters to pray for "rain of biblical proportions" during Obama's DNC speech in Denver. Should your supporters pray for rain on Obama's parade? Should elected officials lead public prayers for rain to end droughts? Do you believe those prayers work?
10. Do you know the difference between Sunni and Shiite Muslims?
You've long touted your commander-in-chief credentials in the struggle against Islamic extremism. Yet on four occasions in under a month, you confused Sunni and Shiite, friend and foe in Iraq. Given you repeated - and mistaken - statements about a non-existent Al Qaeda alliance with Iran, can you tell the American people: what are the differences between Sunni and Shiite Muslims?
Of course, those are just some of the uncomfortable questions John McCain could - but won't - face from Pastor Rick Warren Saturday. McCain's endless reversals on teaching intelligent design in public schools and his dependence on PEPFAR opponent Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) for his AIDS policy are just two. And then there's issue of McCain's past adultery. When asked by ABC's Jake Tapper during a discussion about John Edwards if he would have "compunctions about voting for someone who had cheated on his wife," Rick Warren answered, "Absolutely I would."
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Oh for FUCKS SAKE!!!!
WTF is a goddamn preacher doin hostin a PRESIDENTIAL debate?!?!?!
GODDAAAAAAAAMNIT!
Bah....
America's a secular country, dammit! Stop pretending the only religion practiced here is Christianity! This nation is freethinking, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Shinto, and several indigenous religions as well. Asshats go home! Asshats go home!
This really chaps my hide!
I guess separation of church and state in this country has finally withered and died...fuckin great...
Since Warren told Jake Tapper today that he could never vote for John Edwards because Edwards committed adultery, he should ask McCain if he has ever committed adultery, no?
Sorry, but I think this is just about as sick and unAmerican an event that anyone could drum up. But then again CNN posts the dim-witted Beck's rantings as headline news so there you go. Just when you think it couldn't go any lower into the dumper in this country. Sick!
We the faithless patriots will watch this spectacle in horror.
#11
Is that Bigfoot in the freezer, or just some poor schmuck in an ape suit?
(wait - he probably will ask that one...)
hold the phone... obama agreed to this debate??
wtf?
this is insanity.
Samson- @ 8:
Welcome to the human race. Glad you've joined us.
"Question for the candidates: If another dude grabbed your nazz would you A: Kick him in the family marble-bag, or B: Lay your hands on him and attempt to heeeaallll him of his affliction?"
More questions for McCain
Do you feel any guilt about killing innocent Vietnamese people?
Why do you keep repeating unsubstantiated claims about Iran?
Why is Joe Lieberman always over your shoulder?
Ceasefire agreement. The bully bullying the bully from the bloody pulpit
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iU0z8n94gB9tlTOp-GGBxH7vSjZA
The Bears worry the Bulls
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/15/business/worldbusiness/15ruble.html?_r...
I HOPE Rick Warren asks Obama about abortion. Obama's stance on abortion is, essentially, that he agrees with the law as it is: abortion should be legal, although the state may impose restrictions that do not conflict with Roe. If I recall correctly, a little over seventy percent of the voting public shares this opinion. So raising the issue (provided it's done fairly, and not using some bizarro wingnut framing) can only help him.
1. How many hookers have you slept with?
2. How old is the Earth?
3. Would you be willing to be water boarded?
4. Would you allow Government contractors, who are known to have stolen for the US, to continue to receive no bid contracts?
5. As per the Nuremberg Laws, how many post WW2 Presidents are guilty of war crimes?
6. Would you serve 2 terms as President if elected?
7. Is Israeli life more valuable than Palestinian life?
8. Would you reopen the 9/11 investigation?
9. Is $600,000,000,000 a year enough money to keep our country secure?
10. Were you born on American soil?
And why did Obama agree to be the dog in this dog and pony show?
I saw Warren interviewed on tv this morning. He said he will ask each of the candidates the exact same questions. Each candidate will get one hour. Obama will go first. McCain will not be able to hear the questions asked of Obama or Obama's answers. The second hour McCain will be asked the same questions that Obama was asked.
This is not a debate at all but more of a question and answer session.
Another question for McCain. that Bay state liberal brought up over at Firedoglake
Have you ever been treated for Post Traumatic Syndrome? I think that is a fair question
Bitter Bud Hussein @ 7:
I saw that clip...looks kinda believable...but then again...it's Georgia, and the "Hawgzilla" debaucle comes to mind.
Pericles @ 14:
Becasue he thinks Warren is neutral when in fact he's moderately right.
Leadership @ 13:
11. Have you ever seen a grown man naked?
Do you think Vets should have access to all educational benefits, health insurance and all of their other benefits that you have sometimes voted against?
liberalNmoderation @ 19:
Hello, he's a sailor!!!!
I love to say it, well done on those ten questions. If I may propose a modest addition: "How does waring against another country simply because you suspect them of harboring terrorists fit with the teachings of Jesus Christ?"
Pericles @ 14:
What makes you think Obama thinks it is a dog and pony show?
I get the feeling that when Obama touts his Christian bona fides, he's serious. True, the prevailing wisdom holds that one simply cannot be elected to high office without at least feigning faith, but people seem all too willing to project their own beliefs onto Obama. So many of his supporters seem to think that Obama's beliefs only contradicts their own for political expediency.
Just tossing out an idea here -- maybe Obama believes this is a genuinely worthwhile event.
Senator McCain how was your affair any different than John Edwards affair?
Well with the exception that John Edwards does not seem to be leaving his wife
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cenk-uygur/why-doesnt-john-mccains-a_b_117...
This is what we are dealing with folks:
See that hog caller (woman) at the Illinois State Fair? Rachel had a piece about her last night on her show. Nice!
Today on Des Moines news from the Iowa State Fair they had a sort-of-poll. Asked people about which candidate they favored. Most people knew Mcshame was a republican and Obama was a Democrat. But they weren't sure what the candidates were for or against; but they did know the economy was in bad shape. One Des Moines station had also been running a "corn" poll at the Fair where people were given a kernel of corn and used it to vote for their favorite candidate by putting the corn in a jar. Some people wanted to know where the jar for Hillary was; one lady was caught on camera several times cheating by voting more than one time (don't know who her candidate was) and when I saw it Obama was ahead although mcshame was close.
You can't make this stuff up.
Leadership @ 21:
Inside of a Turkish prison, then? ;)
#23: who would jesus bomb
#24: when you say pro-life, does that include the death penalty?
#25: do you feel funny answering questions form a jesus profiteer?
#26: tell me about the first mrs. john mccain
In case any of you want to tackle the idiots who are reading the new Corsi book of lies, check out Wikileaks.
Karen @ 23:
I agree, and not just for the reasons you state. Fact is, Rick Warren is a superstar to a large number of American voters, and unlike many of his fellow megapreachers he does not seem to have a wingnut political agenda. This event is an opportunity for a lot of conservative-leaning voters to see Obama taken seriously and treated with respect by someone they admire. I think this was a smart move on Obama's part.
Karen @ 23:
HEY! Eeeeeasy now Karen...wielding logic like that...might put someones eye out!
Will they ask McCain if he has Georgia wrong?
Rice, Rove met with Mikheil Saakashvili while McCain had a conference call.
Rice visited personally on July 9-10,
Rove met with him later at the Yalta conference July 10 to July 12
*(July 10 was the congressional committee meeting that he was supposed to attend.)
McCain had a conference call with him in April (during which his foreign policy advisor's lobbying firm signed a new contract for consulting with Georgia).
Hmmmm. All these meetings and no one said, um, dude, messing with Russia would be a real bad move?
Georgia was increasingly convinced that it's a real partner of the United States, that the US would defend Georgia - practically regardless of what Georgia did.
new info:
*Ossetia is a ninety percent Russian
*Georgia invaded Ossetia trying to take control of the region and ethnically cleanse the Russian population.
*The Georgian Army, commanded by their Minister of Defense (who is also an Israeli citizen), launched a surprise invasion and attack that caused the deaths of at least a thousand people in its first 24 hours.
*This attack was committed while the attention of the world was on the Olympics.
*Thousands of Ossetian civilians became refugees from the Georgian assault.
*Instead of condemning Georgia from the outset for the invasion and massacre, Neocon controlled politicians such as George Bush are condemning Russia and attempting to move America and Europe toward a conflict with Russia.
Karen @ 26:
In an airport bathroom?
liberalNmoderation @ 32:
Over. Huh? Roger. Huh?
Leadership @ 21:
Hello, given his connections, he probably had a private shower!!!!
So when are the candidates taking questions from an imam at the nearest Muslim center? Or at the Dharma center from a Yogi? Maybe they can be interviewed by the Dhali Lama while he guest hosts "This Week With George Stephanopolis?"
No?
Didn't think so.
Bigots.
I'd like to see this question from anybody (likely not Rick Warren):
Senator McCain (and Obama), do you believe in evolution? Do you agree that humans and other living primates share a common ancestor? If not, could you please explain how the U.S. educational system became so deficient that its citizens keep nominating creationists for president, as the rest of the world looks on in horror?
Leadership @ 13:
Baadddd way to put that...
I mean, the Nuremberg Laws were the Nazi rules and regulations that turned Jews into fourth-class citizens. By that standard, only the administrations of the 1940s-1960s were guilty of breaking them, as per Jim Crow. The Nuremberg Laws provided a legal basis for genocide under Nazi law. They have little do with the War Crimes Tribunal.
OTOH, the Geneva Convention, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the abolition of statues of limitations of genocide Law, and the Genocide and Geneva conventions came through the verdicts of Nuremberg and Tokyo.
Leadership @ 21:
I think it was a reference to Airplane!, courtesy of Captain Oveur.
miss_kitty @ 34:
Do you like movies about gladiators?
Have you ever roller-skated in a buffalo ring?
Rusty The One Shackleford @ 29:
I agree, this will be good for Obama. I am interested in how McCain is going to handle this. I think it's going to be way more difficult for him than it will be for Obama.
At least this minister talks about the environment and how we should be treating the earth we were given with more care and respect. He talks about aids without damning some of the people who suffer with it. As ministers go, he surely isn't one of the worst.
so, we have debates hosted by jesus profiteers and corporate thuggies...
when do the PEOPLE get a chance? the 'commission on presidential debates' is an undemocratic joke, and ensures that the debates are full of fluff, and keep any non-corporate-speak out of the debate.
pissed off patricia @ 41:
That's all well and good...but it turns my stomach that a bloody preacher is moderating this thing...
As an atheist, I find this circus event extremely offensive.
Karen @ 33:
Got the clearance, Clarence?
ysbaddaden @ 40:
"No, my friends, but I'm proud because I have half a mind to do it."
Samson- @ 42:
The Womens' League of Voters. That was SOO last century.
When did you stop doing this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHEivPHjimw&feature=related
I can't believe Obama agreed to this event. Giving these charlitans an audience just makes them think that they are relevant after all. These people are religious wackos at best and snake oil salesman at worst.
Warren said this morning there will be no gotcha questions.
If the candidates have to have a religious forum and sadly these days they do, I think this is about the best one we could hope for.
Samson- @ 42:
This is not a debate. This is a minister asking the two candidates the exact same questions. First he will ask Obama the questions. Then McCain, who hasn't heard the questions or Obama's answers, will be asked the same questions.
Oh I see, it's a town hall meeting, in batshit delusional crazy town! Well, isn't that rich! I want all mega-churches to be taxable for this violation of law and Jesus once again, is not fucking running for president! Christians are fools and liars, no exceptions..
And just in time for this religious exercise, the right is touting John Karaagac's book written in 2000 and the claim that John McCain preached a sermon and rioted for church services while he was a POW. They claim he earned the sobriquet "Hell's Angel." Now Obama is not only the anti-Christ but McCain is the Messiah himself.
Will they ask McCain if he has Georgia wrong? MSM does it again
**just saw this video**
12 Year Old Girl Tells the Truth on Fox News about Georgia. Fox News even had to cut them off right in the middle of the account of Georgian aggression even though they had just come from a commercial break 2 minutes prior to that.
someguy @ 18:
Moderately right is neutral in Amerika today
Were any vacuums, blasts, cysts, or hot flashes noticed during your recent cerebral CAT Scans?
If you haven't had any scans recently, would you volunteer to take one, in the interest of full disclosure?
bushsuckcheney @ 44:
I find it offensive both as a Christian and as a human being.
Jusker @ 53:
I hope they don't want a Simon Bar Kokhba messiah....
Or we ain't just fucked, we dead.
pissed_off_patricia@51
it is even worse than i thought then.
this is just a mutually beneficial photo-op for obama, mccain, and warren.
i see no redeeming value.
"Circlejerk Leader Forum"
Question for McLame: "Since you have been and are currently receiving Soc. Sec.
benefits, in addition to your military retirement, are you still of the opinion, as you
have stated in the recent past, that the current Soc. Sec. system is a disgrace?"
this might be good for obama and mccain. but it is horrible for america.
now, i am not a christian, so maybe christians view this differently. i think this is a friggin shame, and my opinion of ALL involved has sunk even further.
why, pray tell, is a (supposed) secular govt's debate hosted by a christian preacher?
just another political stunt.
Going Terrier @ 55:
I don't know who told you that but it's a load of crap.
Obama will steal the GOP's evangelical base from the republicans, and the GOP will never win elections again.
ALL YOUR BASE BELONG TO US.
I'm not a religious person at all but I find this interesting. I'm curious to see how McCain holds up to the sort of questions he will be asked. This is the first time he will be on stage, minus his caretakers and on his own since his last debate. That last debate was a long time ago. He's more tired now and he's gotta be feeling more stress. Obama will be fresh and rested after his vacation. Like Karen, I feel Obama is sincere about his beliefs while McCain may well be just playing the part.
Agent_M @ 63:
If Obama can pull that off.......
wow. 8)
Senator mccain, was this your unit in the navy?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_iH1GhM2j8
OT but lookit anyway...
New fall fashions for the reichwing militant.
http://www.therightshirts.com/political/cpshop.cgi/antidemocrat.rightwin...
General_Rennenkampf @ 57:
Add anti-theists to that list.
tx @ 54:
I've posted the link twice today and I guess nobody gives a sh*t.
olo @ 68:
and agnostics
I'd say this country has cornered the market on hyper religious nutjobs. And the crazy thing is, Obama is playing along with this bullshit. At what point will US politicians stop kissing the collective ass of these smarmy preachers and pastors?
Give me secular Europe any day.
Agent_M @ 63:
It's actually "All you base are belong to us".
Senator Obama, could you translate this please?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-xHPU6NulM&feature=related
In case we think Intelligent Design movement has gone away (and isn't firmly grounded in the Fundamentalist view of reality), I wanna hear these:
1. Do you believe the Old Testament is the literal truth?
2. How old do believe the Earth is?
3. Do you consider Intelligent Design and/or Creationism to be valid science? If so, should they be taught along with Evolution?
These are "religious gotcha" questions, granted, but very relevant to how McCain will govern
and what policies he will lend his weight to as President.
Agent_M @ 63:
Sorry, "All your base are belong to us"
my bad
liberalNmoderation @ 70:
What about ignostics?
liberalNmoderation @ 43:
Believe me, I feel your pain. But for once this dynamic should work in our favor because Obama can talk the god-talk much more convincingly than McCain.
Ron @ 69:
I saw it yesterday and enjoyed the Fox guy just about sweating out loud when the little girl spoke followed by her aunt. I give a shit. I just didn't reply because I commented on it yesterday.
Ron @ 69:
That's fucked up! They ALMOST told the truth...somebody's gonna lose their job over that.
I'm copying it and sendind that to all on my mailing list.
Thanks!
#63 - With latest polls showing McCain getting about 75% of WHITE evangelicals, there's no way Obama will make any real inroads among them, let along your "glass 9/10 full optimism". Sorry. You don't know how brainwashed that group is into supporting Republicans.
The Truth Hurts @ 71:
Europe is still majority-Christian, Christian there simply has a slightly different definition than it does here. Here it has a much greater pressure to go to church. There it simply requires baptism. Melikes Eurochristianity much better than Americhristianity.
un-fkn-real!
10. Do you know the difference between Sunni and Shiite Muslims?
Other variations of this question:
-- What's the difference between Iraq and Iran?
-- Where does Iraq border Pakistan?
liberalNmoderation @ 19:
Would you like to sit in my lap, Billy?
Doggiebobo @ 60:
If i may follow that up, uh ....aren't you even a little McShamed that you, affirmatively applied for Social Security and as a multi-millionaire are currently removing money from taxpayers' pockets?
"In an interview with Arizona Daily Star editors, Sen. John McCain endorsed teaching "intelligent design" in the nation's schools because "he believes 'all points of view' should be available to students studying the origins of mankind."
August 24, 2005
Let's hear him defend that statement.
liberalNmoderation - Do you suppose the guy that shot the Arkansas democratic chair was wearing one of those?
"Obama can talk the god-talk much more convincingly than McCain"
why does that disturb me more than comfort me....? (ok, it doesn't comfort me at all)
i don't want a preacher-president.
liberalNmoderation @ 1:
One sponsored by Exxon no doubt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBS75ATI56g
Well, we all like to think the worst of Russsia....NEOCON dreams
I guess were even worse then i thought.
Jusker @ 87:
Probably not...but maybe he had one in his closet.
I can't believe those shirts are being sold...I'm gonna make the same ones but with the repuke symbol instead of the Dems. Then we'll see folks in an uproar!
b40 @ 89:
Oh GAAAAAH!
Eeeeeeasy stomach....
This country is so damn fucked!
pissed off patricia @ 86:
On the other hand, this does open the door for "Flying Sphagetti Monster 101"
Which do you prefer: Mountain Dew, or this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1sYN0PuRs4
General_Rennenkampf @ 76:
Ignostics? 'Splain, please...
Aged Blue Lensman @ 93:
http://images.cafepress.com/product/13003795v1_150x150_Front.JPG
liberalNmoderation @ 67:
Bump...
take a look folks...pretty fucked up shit here
The ONE question McSCUM really really really needs to be asked:
Senator McCain:
Why are you such a duplicitous piece of Ignorant,
Evil, America-Hating, skunk-turd?
It's a serious question that begs a serious answer.
nikto @ 98:
LOL! Perfect!
Senators, what is your stance on our sacred right to attend church with wet hair?
liberalNmoderation @ 95:
Ignosticism is the theological position that every other theological position (including agnosticism) assumes too much about the concept of God and many other theological concepts. From
the Devil-I mean Wikipedia.pissed off patricia @ 50:
I agree with you here. I wish this wasn't going to happen but it is and I think Obama is going to be the one to benefit. If some of those formerly of the Christian right who now hate Bush for hijacking their religion for votes tune in, I think they'll be much more comfortable with Obama. They watched Bush sham his way through his little "born again" story and I don't think McCain can speak with any authority or honesty about his faith the way Obama does. Hopefully they'll smell the fraud and support Obama.
General_Rennenkampf @ 101:
Thanks.
Wow...now there's one "ism" that will make my head ache for sure.
General_Rennenkampf @ 101:
Sounds like a cross (so to speak) of Protogoras of Abdera and Pelagius.
ysbaddaden @ 104:
When it comes to philosophy...make mine Eclectic!
Reality is, that there are millions of Christians that may become informed by this event. Atheists can just will them away, no more than anti-gay bigots can will homosexuals away. All the Dem candidates met for a Q&A session with LOGO. It was good... Bottomline, we are all here and have to figure out how to communicate...
The Republican party and lobbyist would like to have the old man as president,So when he takes his nap after lunch (like Regain) they can run the country and steal all the money
Rich Santoro @ 106:
Very true, and well put.
Yeah, WTF is a MegaPrick doing a CNN political debate? I could see other things, like sports; Osteen's wife could do Hockey for example, because see been thrown in the penalty box for hip checking.
Will e-mailing CNN do any good?
General_Rennenkampf @ 105:
Actually, that's a name for a Wiccae Trad, as opposed to a founder like Gardnerian/Alexandrian, Cultural (Celtic, Saxon, Norse etc), or somewhat political like Dianic and more extreme feminist versions. They draw from all as long as it works.
I'll take Eclair.
Obama agreed to do this ridiculous event. Only if they would not be onstage at the same time, of course. Obama was offered a series of townhalls with McCain but he turned them down. If Obama wants a "respectful" campaign, something he didn't run against Clinton, he could accept the townhall format. We could see them both side by side once a week from now till the election. Real people could ask them real questions instead of the ridiculous drivel we get from our hack punditocracy. It could be a great campaign. But Obama doesn't have the balls to do it.
I'd rather see Jim Wallis co-moderate this event with Rick Warren then see Warren do it alone.
Maybe Muslims and others in the United States should demand that they get to hold their own debates as well.
Being a secular nation, it should be damn near illegal for there to be any sort of preference shown to any particular religious leader, or religion, with respect to presidential debates.
Frankly, I think it should be a point of disqualification for Presidential candidates to willingly address matters of personal faith.
ysbaddaden @ 110:
Screw Wicca! I prefer Ciceronian eclecticism. Though I think the majority of the people who think Obama's the Antichrist have a little problem...
they prefer Hobbesism.
Rich Santoro @ 106:
Ya sure ya want to refer to the bottomline in a passage about anti-gay bigots and homosexuals?
Eric in Ottawa @ 113:
And yes, I know that would currently disqualify both candidates.
But this has to stop.
General_Rennenkampf @ 114:
Debating with Calvin whether a strip club in Buffalo is heaven or not?
ysbaddaden @ 117:
No...debating on whether or not Hitlerian despotism or absolute monarchy is heaven or not.
;)
That's exactly how they think.
Mr. Warren, do you feel all tingley down there in your compassionate areas when you see American Apparel or Snorgtees web ads?
Additionally, when you're dealing with the philosophy of Cicero, you're dealing with the philosphy of a PAGAN, who in spirit is closer to Wiccae than Paulician Christianity.
Johnny @ 111:
It wouldn't even have to be a weekly event. Do it once every two weeks. I'd be happy with that. I'm puzzled about Obama's reluctance to meet with McC*nt in town hall debates. Is he fearful that he'll lose in this type of format? I have to believe standing next to a 5'7", scarred, liver-spotted, wrinkled, pasty corpse who has multiple "senior moments" would be an advantage.
I don't get it.
Sent too soon.
Cicero is also in that gray mass where the line blurs between Paganism and Christianity.
Kinda like Virgil, who was in the first Circle of Dante's Inferno with pious Pagans.
ysbaddaden @ 115:
Yes... When Jesse Helms was on his tirades of ant-gay rhetoric and wanted to abolish funding to find treatment and cures for AIDS, Bono knew that he had to find a way to communicate with him... And he did. He changed Helm's stance on the importance of being compassionate for our fellow man (regardless of ideology). So, I do not advocate anti-gay bigotry... but I am preapared to communicate with the bigots... We must find ways to communicate. Theists, atheist, agnostics, ignostics (as I understand it), zealots of every sort live among us... everywhere we look.
I'm so angry that these campaigns are pandering to this ass clown. Rick Warren is a waste of space.
I find it hard to believe that any candidate would appear with a religio-celebrity. It is disgusting to think that a democrat would offend religion by appearing. It is natural to believe that the "Same" would need such assignations for his desperation to pick up a vote.
Why does the religio community interpret the words of their prince of peace to justify killing in so many horrific ways? Do any religions remain that are focused on helping their neighbor, doing the thing to others that you wish done to you? you know all that talk of peace and understanding?
The use of the term "debate" forn this non-event is pure bullshit. The only debate format worth attending to is the Oxfordian format - a clearly stated and unambiguous resolution, equal time for the pro and con arguments, time for rejoinders and then a vote by the attendees. Additionally, there must be a moderator to oversee compliance with the various protocols. Anything else is a discussion, a talk, an information session, brainstorming, a discourse, and, it goes without saying, pure and unadulterated PROPOGANDA, a.k.a., ideology (facts/lies wrapped in inevitability).
oldtree @ 125:
Didn't RFK hang around Rev. Martin Luther King?
oldtree @ 125:
Ever read the Bible?
Jainism comes to mind. But why the need for a religion at all? Normative discourse and philosophy do just fine without the metaphysical accoutrements of religion.
The Truth Hurts @ 121:
Obama's ahead in the polls. Do the state-by-state analyses, and Obama's got the electoral college.
Meaning, it's his to lose, and he could so easily screw things up. The more debates, the more chances there are of his screwing something up. His object now is not to lose.
For Gone InSane, it's the opposite analysis. He's got nothing to lose by demanding interminable debates. Either Obama accepts, whereupon InSane gets more chances to redeem himself, or Obama declines, whereupon he gets to say that Obama's scared to debate him.
It's just Campaigning 101. It's always how it plays out.
It is not a matter of 'needing' religion... Many people just believe. I admit, I have a sense that for many (too many) religion is a cruch, or a way to hide their worse nature, a means to marginalize others, or just a product of ignorance (as in "because theI was raised that way"). But this taint so of all people of faith. I cannot just shirk my belief, merely because of the reasonable arguement that "Normative discourse and philosophy do just fine without the metaphysical accoutrements of religion."
It would be quite a discussion to express the evidence that has brought me to believe that we are more that the sum of our parts... so I will refrain from too existential of a discussion here.
ohh god they are rolling our the "compassionate" word again......
here's a fucking news story for you.....how many times have the news media been duped
with the idea that republicans are COMPASSIONATE?
this world is run by fucking retards.
I hope that Obama's advance people have negotiated some reasonable distribution of tickets so that there is some semblance of fairness. I can't believe if they didn't. Rumor is that tickets went for $500 to $2,000. If true I hope someone follows the money. Could be disaster. I'm not crazy about it.
Karen @ 128:
Sadly not everyone is motivated to look after others if there is no reward in the afterlife.
Wow another "Huckster" gets the limelight. Just what does a "Purpose Driven..." know about running a country and hosting a debate. However, what he does know how to do very well is is how to prey on peoples fears and, more importantly, how to get them to part with their money. This guy should be known as the "Lamb Fleecer" . My greatest objection is that I'm not getting anything from this "Scam", I mean church that he runs. He couldn't moderate a discussion on the pros and cons of "Traffic Light Timings."
McCain has been fuming for a "town-hall" format ever since Obama became the nominee. Now, there's going to be a compare-and-contrast in a live setting for everyone to see. This has the potential to bite McCain right in the ass. If anyone asks him a "difficult" question, John becomes like Tom Servo on "Mystery Science Theater 3000" just before his head smokes: His arms start that close-in circular flail, he starts speaking gibberish, and you can see there ain't no gum balls in that dome of his.
Obama's rested and ready. No gaffes from him. Grumpy Grampy? Not so much.
In a nation where church and state are separated, it is outrageous--and UN-American--that the two candidates would agree to attend this "forum" and allow a con-artist and liar such as the parasite "reverend" Rick Warren to even be in the same room with them, let alone host the event.
What part of "...no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States" do these idiots fail to undertstand?
Open letter to the parasite Rick Warren: PROVE your 'god" exists or admit that you are a liar and a fraud and go away.
someguy @ 133:
Yes, I suppose there are those out there with none but a prudential reason to be good. I'm not sure how numerous they really are, though.
In any case, I certainly need no metaphysical promises or faith in a celestial dictator in order to be moral.
Rich Santoro @ 130:
Actually, the fact that one can be moral without faith in any religion has no bearing on whether any particular religion's claims are true. I wouldn't argue that you should shirk your beliefs merely because they're not needed to be good. I was only responding to a question that seemed to yearn for a religion that focused on being good to others, pointing out simply that, if that's your main concern, religion isn't needed.
Heh, yes, that'd be tangential to the discussion here. But I'd be more than happy to discuss it in an open thread.
Karen @ 137:
Well thats good.
If religious leaders cannot prove their claims with empirical scientific evidence, they should be arrested and prosecuted for defrauding their followers.
The fix is in. So many flags are going off with this presidential debate. Who in CNN chose this guy??
Separation of church and oh never mind. I wonder if this little move will jeopardize what must be a very profitable ministry’s tax exempt status.
liberalNmoderation @ 1:
My sentiments exactly.
Just curious....
nearly 65% of all abortions done in the US are done on white woman
Only 24% of all abortions are done on black women
Conservatives complain about having to use tax money to support black children
Why are they asking a black male why white women should have stop having abortions and why black women aren't having more?
pissed off patricia @ 41:
But ministers and politics don't mix, not in my book.
I long for a debate/interview/discussion with scientists. Maybe Neil DeGrasse Tyson as host.
Rusty The One Shackleford @ 77:
So!!! I don't want any "god talk".
1 Lust (adultery with beer barbie, Keating Five lackey, desires Hagee’s money)
2 Gluttony ( bigamy, 14 hour gambling sessions )
3 Greed ( Congresscritter for hire, flip flopping to suit whoever is paying his tab,)
4 Sloth ( bigamist, child abandonment, missing votes in Congress, surrounded by sleazy GOP scumbags )
5 Wrath ( spouse abuse, MIA denier, mining company profits before evicted peoples heritage )
6 Envy ( plagiarism, campaign issue hijacker )
7 Pride ( lying, sneering, wraps himself in flag for ulterior purposes, strange desire to be POTUS or Caesar )
these are a few of McCains favourite things…
remind me again why the christian moral majority heart McCain again !!!!!!
Karen @ 129:
2-years-of-campaigning later, haven't we already decided?
Will the campaiging for the next (next) president (2012) begin on November 6th?
Is the USA going to be perpetually campaigning evermore?
Who declared this car salesman GOD????
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