The Evangelical Politico

A User’s Guide to the Silly Season

2008-01-12T00:55:00.000-08:00

It’s election season, and I think I’ve been away from the blogosphere long enough. There are issues to discuss, events to cover, and politicians to mock! I’ll be writing throughout this election season, and am open to any suggestion to what to blog about. So let the games begin!
We’ll start off slow and easy tonight, just setting up the table for future entries…

The Players

At this stage in the election process, the candidate field is still extremely crowded. The race is wide open and there are different scenarios that could play out for each candidate to win each of their respective parties’ nominations. Here’s a snapshot look at some of the candidates’ strengths and weaknesses…

Republicans

John McCain, U.S. Senator (Arizona)

A former war hero serving in Vietnam, Sen. McCain has been in the Senate for over 20 years. He has had the reputation of being principled, fair-minded, as well as having a slight maverick independent streak. Generally, he is considered to be the candidate of either party to have the most foreign policy experience. Sen. McCain was among the handful of people calling for the “troop surge” that has helped reduce violence in Iraq.

Sen. McCain has not always endeared himself to the Republican Party. He opposed President Bush’s tax cuts and voted against them in 2001. McCain was best known for years for his work on campaign-finance reform that was fiercely opposed by most of the members of his own party. The Senator is also in favor of a pathway of citizenship for illegal immigrants, joining President Bush on the side of legislation in favor of what some call “amnesty for illegals.” Sen. McCain’s age can also be an issue because at 71, he would become the oldest man ever elected to the presidency.

Rudy Giuliani, Fmr. Mayor of New York

“Hizzoner” as he is affectionately called by supporters, Rudy Giuliani rose to notoriety as Mayor of New York City. He served two terms as Mayor, and previously as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York in the Reagan Administration. His steady leadership during the 9/11 terrorist attacks gave confidence to an entire nation. Giuliani is seen as a strong leader, a candidate who has had executive experience in New York, being tough on crime and being effective in a city where Democrats outnumber republicans 9 to 1. He has also called for a tough foreign policy and strong national defense. He is a social moderate, pro-choice, pro-gun control, and pro-gay rights. Because of his more moderate views, those in the Giuliani camp will argue that his nomination will put states in play (California, New York, Illinois), that would not normally be winnable for Republicans.

Giuliani, for all intensive purposes is a liberal in terms of social issues. His personal life is also messy, going through two divorces, and questions about his relationship and possible use of city funds for weekends with his current wife. There are also questions on whether the jump from mayor to president is too much and whether or not he is qualified for the office.

Mike Huckabee, Fmr. Governor of Arkansas

Gov. Huckabee has burst on the political scene. Once a third tier candidate best known for being the governor who lost 100 pounds, playing the guitar and doing quirky commercials with Chuck Norris, he shocked the political world by finishing first in the Iowa Caucuses. A former Baptist pastor, Huckabee is extremely devoted to his faith and his political decisions are reflective of that. While he is fiercely pro-life and for traditional marriage, Gov. Huckabee also expounds on the need for government to help people. As governor, he was willing to raise taxes and increase social programs. Gov. Huckabee is one of the most articulate candidates in the field. He has a folksy persona that seems to connect with people.

While Gov. Huckabee’s faith is a strength to some, it is a weakness to others. Also, he has limited foreign policy experience and at times seems to be ill informed of events. Some in the Republican establishment have accused Gov. Huckabee of not being a genuine conservative. His record of raising taxes, granting clemency to some prisoners, as well as calling on the need to help “all people” (usually a code word for being anti-corporate) have him the target of those on the right as well as the left.

Mitt Romney, Fmr. Governor of Massachusetts

If there is a candidate that “looks” the part of president, it is Gov. Romney. Handsome, articulate, energetic, he served as a one term governor of perhaps the most liberal state in the union. Prior to becoming governor, Romney ran the Salt Lake City Olympics, bringing the games out of debt and on track. For years he worked in the private sector, accumulating a private fortune. In terms of issues, Gov. Romney’s positions are taken right from the platform of the mainstream of the Republican Party. Anti-tax. Pro-defense. Pro-life. Pro-traditional marriage. Pr-border enforcement. Those positions, combined with his “presidential air” should make him the ideal candidate.

However, there are several major problems that Republicans have with Gov. Romney. The first is the genuineness of his positions. In prior attempts at running for office, he has taken markedly different stances on issues like abortion and gay-rights. This makes Gov. Romney susceptible to accusations of being a “flip-flopper” who changes positions because of political expediency. Second, while he is articulate, Gov. Romney does not seem to connect very well on a personal level with people. Third is religion. He is a Mormon. While there can be discussion on both sides on the appropriateness of using one’s religion as a test, in reality, for many voters it is relevant. And for many voters, Mormonism makes them feel uncomfortable, to say the least.

Fred Thompson, Fmr. U.S. Senator (Tennessee)

For television fans, you may best remember Fred Thompson as District Attorney Arthur Branch from the Law & Order series. Also a conservative, Sen. Thompson has a folksy manner to him combined with experience being an actor, a flair for the dramatic in public speaking.

Issues that come up for Sen. Thompson are questions on his desire to be president and fire to see the campaign through. This has led to his collapse in the polls and probable exit from the race altogether.

Next time…

The Players (cont.) - A look at the Democrats

Money to fight AIDS in Africa

2007-06-13T17:16:00.001-07:00

President Bush really gets it. He sees the need for more funding to fight AIDS. This global pandemic is a clarion call for the United States and other countries to really examine their souls and look deep inside.

Robert Zoellick

2007-06-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

I hope that Robert Zoellick's tenure at the World Bank turns out better than his predecessor. In a developing and modernizing world, the Bank will play a pivitol role in helping to shape the global political economy.

Edwards vs. Clinton and Obama

2007-06-05T04:17:00.000-07:00

Oh come on John Edwards. If you're going to blast someone on the war, you should be the one talking. Good for Barack Obama, at least he stands up for something, even though he's dead wrong.

Darfur at the Demcratic Debate

2007-06-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

Global Warming

2007-06-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

Oh Nancy Pelosi. I wonder if the unwillingness for conservatives to accept the reality of climate change hinges on shooting the messenger rather than the message itself.

Global Warming: A Spiritual Issue?

2007-06-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

Back in February of 2006, 86 evangelical ministers called on action to combat global warming. This is a very interesting issue to be, because I am not convinced that the Bible is clear in terms of course of action. I have no doubt in my mind that it is God's intention for us as human beings to be good stewards of the environment and the resources which we have. I also have no doubt in my mind that it is God's will for people to try to provide for themselves using the resources that he has given them. This is not a black and white issue at all.

God created the world for man to enjoy. All that man needs to survive is found in this world. Global warming itself, and climate change is not an issue in regards to morality, but it is in regards to implications of equality. When the people affected most are the poorest in the world, and the ones causing it are the richest countries, there are equality issues at hand. What is the approach we should take then? The United States needs to be more open in regards to combating climate change in very practical ways, including submitting to treaty commitments to fight climate change.

Second, we need to ensure that this could be an economically viable solution. That the wrong people aren't getting hit too hard (developing 3rd world countries that cannot sustain themselves under environmental standards). It is a very touchy issue, and one that Evangelicals and people of faith need to tackle as it continues to become bigger and bigger.

Hillary Clinton

2007-06-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

I must admit, while I do not hate Hillary, I greatly dislike her. To me, she represents old political machinery that is pragmatic, measured, and ultimately gutless. Much like her husband, she seems to be willing to say anything and do anything that will score her points with the voting public. Her days as first lady do not really help her image either, as the disconnected and controlling wife behind the scenes, unelected and distrusted by the American public.

Ultimately, for Hillary to win over the American public, she must be able to frame herself as being too great of a leader NOT to elect her. It is obvious that people will not like her, period. And if she tries to be too likable, she will not be herself. Instead, she must accept her image problem, and run with it.

TB Case

2007-05-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

How could this guy get past security? My goodness, I guess advances aren't as great as we thought they were.

Wow

2007-05-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

Is the left turning on Cindy Sheehan?

Rosie Gone

2007-05-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

Thank Goodness!

Who knew "The View" could be so interesting

2007-05-24T23:19:00.000-07:00

I must admit, I'm not a fan of Rosie O'Donnell. Loud, obnoxious, not particularly attractive, not funny. But she does provide for compelling television, especially when paired up with fellow "View" host Liz Hassellbeck. Is Rosie trying to get fired or what? I'm not sure things like this help the anti-war cause, it just provides soundbites for people like me to poke fun at them, and to dismiss them as irrelevant.

John Edwards' Pirate Booty?

2007-05-24T00:56:00.000-07:00

John Edwards, Democrat. Former North Carolina Senator and vice-presidential candidate. Current presidential candidate. Owner of pirate booty? Yes...it appears that John Edwards, the man who could be controlling the nuclear launch codes has a stake in pirate treasure.

There is growing pressure on Edwards to disclose more and more of his financial holdings, in the quest for the presidency. While he continues to try to frame himself in a "populist" way, his wealth is threatening that.

Handicapping BIll Richardson

2007-05-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

For the most part, there isn't much to dislike about Bill Richardson. United States Representative, Cabinet Secretary, United Nations Ambassador, two time governor of New Mexico. Moderate in his views, pragmatic as a politician, and capable as a leader. He is hispanic, the single handedly largest growing ethnic group in the United States. Plus, he has this political ad.

Richardson is one Democrat that I can vote for, because of his capability as a leader and moderate views. However, electability still remains a concern for both sides of the political spectrum: for Demcorats eager to wipe away memories of George W. Bush, and for Republicans trying to retain the presidency despite the political liabilities that Bush provides. Richardson doesn't have the 'sexiness' that it takes to win the primary. That is unfortunate, because both sides need candidates like him, who rely on ability and management experience rather than charm and charisma.

Not so sexy...

2007-05-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

Paul Wolfowitz resigned today as president of the World Bank. Good riddance.

Carolina Fisticuffs!

2007-05-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

Perhaps one of the most interesting moments in the Republican Debate was when Rep. Ron Paul suggested that American invited the 9/11 attacks. This was especially biting for Mayor Rudy Giuliani, whose own personal experiences with that day are well documented. It's a ridiculous suggestion by Paul, a candidate who has no shot whatsoever. State GOPs should consider banning him from debates in the future. He's become the Dennis Kucinich of the Republican party - irrelevant, and bothersome.

Jerry Falwell - Rest in Peace

2007-05-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

Jerry Falwell died today. He came off more firebreathing and angry than he actually was. It is unfair to characterize the entire evangelical movement as defined by Falwell. He represented a more extreme and politically conservative brand of politics. Unfortunately, in his latter years he became an easy target for late night comedians and those who would want to dismiss Christians in the poiltical world as irrelevant.

Escalation in Iraq

2007-05-14T02:18:00.000-07:00

There has been an escalation in conflict in Iraq as the U.S. is battling the insurgents and Al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Illegal Immigration Debate

2007-05-13T02:17:00.000-07:00

What an incredibly complex issue. Here's my take.

We need comprehensive immigration reform. A policy that involves greater border security, cracking down on business, as well as a path for citizenship for the 12 million illegal immigrants here.

This is a very touchy subject, because there are compelling arguments from both sides in regards to why they don't want one extreme over the other. Republicans want more border security first to ensure that this isn't an ongoing problem. Democrats want to lay off of immigrants, and focus on their needs to ensure families aren't being split up.

There must be some give and take. Ultimately, we must remember that at the heart of this issue are millions of people who simply want to provide for their families and fulfill their dreams. What's more American than that?

Republican Congressmen take it to Bush

2007-05-10T16:19:00.000-07:00

Man...can you spell lame duck? Ultimately, Republicans are tied to Bush, regardless of what they may or may not want. It's sad that he's become such a liability for the party. From popularity to obscurity in two years. Mother politics is sure fickle.

Queen

2007-05-08T18:18:00.000-07:00

Apparently President Bush broke decorum when he referred to the Queen as "M'am." It's alright Dubya, there's no pleasing some people, especially someone who refers to herself in the third person.

President Arthur Branch?

2007-05-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

Paul Wolfowitz is "sexy"

2007-05-05T01:26:00.000-07:00

I Feel Pretty

2007-05-03T00:17:00.000-07:00

This blog has made no secret of its dislike of John Edwards. He's a guy who tries to frame himself as a populist, standing up for the oppressed and disadvantaged of America, but comes off disengenuous. Where is his soul? His image is so carefully crafted and sculpted to the every last detail, in terms of his own political rhetoric, down to his hair.

May Day

2007-05-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

Today was May Day - international workers' day. For myself, in my political transformation, I've grown from being dismissive of workers concerns, to mildly accepting, to outright sympathetic.

There are many inequalities still here in America, and around the world. People are being taken advantage of, allowing millionaries to make even more, riding on the backs of poor minimum wage labor. There is a better way of doing things. Big business America must take an active role in setting the example for the world in treatment of workers providing health care, competitive wages, and job security.

Handicapping Rudy Giuliani

2007-04-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

Pros
1. Name Recognition - "America's Mayor" gained worldwide notoriety during the September 11 attacks. During his run for the presidency, he solves half the problem when campaigning - getting your name out there.

2. Strong Leadership Image - His performance was exceptional during the days following 9/11. He came across strong and unfazed, something not easy (see Ray Nagin). People trust him to handle crises and see him as a man whom they can follow.

3. Popularity - Rudy still remains very popular and polls very high in terms of personal likability and all key categories regarding personal and professional impressions.

4. Electability - Because of his relatively moderate views, and his own personal popularity, Rudy could be the only Republican who can win election in the general in this political environment.

Cons
1. Liberal Views - Pro-Choice. Pro-Gay Rights. Pro-Gun Control. And this is the...Republican Primary?

2. Personal Life - Could Rudy be the flag carrier for the "party of family values?" A man who has been divorced twice, seen controversy in the mayoral house during his tenure in New York. That may fly in Manhattan Island, but will that fly in Manhattan, Kansas?

3. Electability - In the primary, issues regarding his personal life and views on abortion, gay marriage, and gun control could prove disqualifying.

Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran

2007-04-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

Partial Birth Abortion!

2007-04-18T21:09:00.000-07:00

Today the Supreme Court ruled in favor of upholding the Partial Birth Abortion ban. In a 5-4 decision, Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the majority, said that opponenets "have not demonstrated that the Act would be unconstitutional in a large fraction of relevant cases."

What a glorious day for our country! Abortion is an abominable practice, taking the lives of the unborn uncessarilly. Partial birth abortion is especially heinous because it involves inducing labor for the ultimate purpose of extracting the child, then killing it.

Hopefully this will mark the beginning of the end for abortion as we know it in America. Although it may be impossible to fully ban the procedure, at least it can be severely limited in its practice, helping breed a culture that values life.

Barack Obama

2007-04-17T05:17:00.000-07:00

I don't know, there is just something about Barack Obama. Perhaps its his looks. Maybe its his oratorical skills. If there is an anti-Christ, I know he has to be it, because there is no way someone as flamingly liberal as he could have won over a religious evangelical nut, like me.

I really respect that he does try to tie in faith with his leadership, although I believe that his interpretation on things is wrong. He doesn't hide who he is, and seems to be very secure with himself. That's something that is incredibly important. And despite me disagreeing about a great deal of many things, I know he stands for something, which isn't very common in today's political world.

Duke "Rape" case

2007-04-14T00:37:00.000-07:00

"We believe that these cases were the result of a tragic rush to accuse and a failure to verify serious allegations. Based on the significant inconsistencies between the evidence and the various accounts given by the accusing witness, we believe these three individuals are innocent of these charges."
- North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper

It has been over a year since the now debunked case against the Duke lacrosse team came to the world's knowledge. The case represents the intersection of sex, race, gender, and class tensions and showed once again how little society has progressed. The rush to judgment of the Duke players almost certainly arose because of their own unsympathetic background - wealthy, white young men who admittedly made stupid decisions in the pursuit of their own pleasure. Driving the firestorm was the underlying discontent of the Durham, N.C. black community, who long have not felt the same privelege of the students who go to Duke University, right in their own backyard.

When put in perspective, what is this case? It's just a false incident, drummed up by a troubled young woman, affecting about 20 young college guys, at a relatively small university in the South. If not for the backgrounds of the parties involved, it would not register even a blip on the news, let alone, giving rise to a massive public outcry and media firestorm. The reaction that the case got gives insight into something very significant for American society. It may be nice to live the illusion of true reconciliation, what drove the Duke Lacrosse case this far, and poses many problems for society as a whole, is that there are deep cleavages in America that neither left nor right, Republicans or Democrats, are ready, wililng, or capable to address.

A true sense of justice and the resulting changes in society, come not from ignoring it, like conservatives like to do. It does not come from imposing a false sense of political correctness, and affirmative policy to cover up the deep-seated predjudices, like liberals advocate. Ultimately, each of us needs to look long and hard in the mirror and as a nation to have a national, honest soul search and come to the point that we see the need for justice and reconciliation, regardless of class, sex, or race.

"So we call on you to ready yourself to engage in the struggle - the great spiritual battle for the soul of our nations and the souls of all people. Racism and injustice are a cancer on the soul of our nation and a sickness in the souls of people."
- Brenda Salter McNeil and Rick Richardson, The Heart of Racial Justice

Ann Coulter

2007-04-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

I don't know about Ann Coulter. She's incredibly intelligent, entertaining, and witty. But sometimes she just says things that make me cringe. Is she the best voice for conservatives in America today. Take this for example, when talking with John Edwards. There are a lot more things that he can be hit on, other than potential sexuality slurs.

Mitt Romney: Everything to Everyone?

2007-04-11T18:08:00.000-07:00

Big Brother

2007-04-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

Iranian Nuclear Program

2007-04-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

Iran's continued defiance over its burgeoning nuclear program proves a grave security risk to the United States, and her regional allies. A nuclear Iran means a potential destabilization of the area, leading to a potential arms race with China, Pakistan, Russia, India, and Israel. The nuclear armament of such powers would radically shift the global and regional balance of power, potentially causing rifts that could lead to devestating consequences.

The United States and the world community cannot allow Iran to go nuclear, and must continue to apply diplomatic pressure to force an agreement. Concessions on all sides must be made. However, if diplomacy fails, possible military options must be considered. The threat to regional stability, and U.S. strategic interests is too great with a nuclear Iran. This is a situation that we must hope and pray works out peacefully, because having armed conflict or an armed Iran can only mean trouble and great pain and suffering.

Day of Resurrection

2007-04-08T12:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone!

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

John McCain, Redefined?

2007-04-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

The Washington Post has an article on Senator John McCain's (R-AZ) more aggressive defense on the Iraq War. Of course, this "new" strategy is policy codification of something that has been widely known from some time - that the success or failure of Sen. McCain's presidential aspirations is tied to the progress of the United States in Iraq.

The Arizona Senator's continued support of the war, being among the first to call for a "troop surge," and his vote in 2002 for the Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of Force, along with disagreements with Congressional Democrats, highlighted by his unwillingness to call for withdrawal of combat troops, has worn away at the moderate, bipartisan image that he has enjoyed throughout his career.While conservatives have always been wary of him, McCain's position among Democrats and swing voters - traditionally demographic groups of strength - has taken a tremendous hit.

Iraq is one issue that Sen. McCain cannot run away from. By embracing his support for the war, he is making a calculated risk. If the situation turns around, the U.S. sees marked improvement in the security situation, the Iraqi government becomes more stable and democratic, McCain will reap the political benefits. However, if the progress in Iraq stalls, insurgent elements gain more power, and Iran gains a greater foothold in the country, there will be a flame out of the greatest order in the McCain campaign. Evangelicals, conservatives, liberals, moderates, will all have a beef with John McCain in some way, shape, or form. This new strategy is a gamble, one that can make help Sen. McCain go the way of fellow westerner Ronald Reagan, or become a noose around his neck and have him share the same fate as the man whose Senate seat he now holds - Barry Goldwater.

All the President's (Dancing) Men

2007-04-06T02:26:00.000-07:00

Coincidence? I don't think so

2007-04-06T02:10:00.000-07:00

I started this blog at the prompting of my Political Science lecturer, Bill Lobdell. However, upon futher examination, I'm not sure that UCI lecturer and L.A. Times journalist is his REAL profession. Everyone know the movie The Transporter? Well...I think "Bill Lobdell" is a pseudonym for Frank Martin, aka, The Transporter.

The Transporter Bill Lobdell