Yesterday a visitor to my blog left this comment for me (on, weirdly, my “My YouTube Videos” page): “How could any ‘christian’ [sic] even consider voting for anyone other than Senator McCain!”
In that challenge there’s much implied and assumed—but I doubt its author was looking for an in-depth conversation about, say, the differences between a democracy and a theocracy. She was being personal.
So, speaking personally: I like John McCain. I’m not thrilled with the way he’s handled this presidential campaign, but I believe that once in office he’d settle down and do a good enough job. I’m afraid I have to say, however, that what got me waving adiós to Mr. McCain was his choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate. There was no way I personally could avoid thinking that choice had a good deal more to do with McCain’s immediate need to get elected than it did with any long-term vision of his for getting America back on track.
When he first picked Palin, I thought, “Wow! Excellent way for Our Man John to snag disaffected Clinton women and the right-wing Christian vote he’s so thoroughly alienated. Sweet!”
Then I saw her interviewed, and realized that half the women who shop at my Albertsons (which, since I’m a house-husband, is about the only place I ever see anyone at all) are as prepared as Sarah Palin is to be vice-president of the United States—let alone president. (And I know that’s not true—or fair. It’s probably only a third. Kidding! It’s a fourth.)
I could be wrong about that. Yesterday I thought sautéing onions and mushrooms in canola oil instead of olive wouldn’t compromise the flavor of my spaghetti sauce–and I sure was wrong about that. But whaddaya gonna do? Life is a series of judgment calls. You gather your information; you decide; you execute; you hope you did the right thing; if you didn’t you try to fix it.
In matters of consequence we Christians, of course, add to that first step, “Ask God.”
If, when you ask God for whom he wants you to vote, the answer you receive is, “Vote McCain!” then you can tune out the media, because you’re definitely decided.
I personally won’t be voting for McCain, because I fear the lack of judgment I believe he’s too often shown during his current campaign. But if God does tell me to change my vote, you can trust I’ll have a “McCain/Palin” sign in my front yard faster than you can say, “This way to heaven!”
Until then, all I can do is all any of us can do, which is make my best call according to my best lights. I’ve got good friends—real friends, people of God whose judgment I’ve come to respect and rely upon—who are voting for McCain. I’ve got dear friends who think Obama is the bomb. We sometimes get together, all of us, and we talk, and exclaim, and expound. And after a long, heartfelt prayer, we all return to our homes and loved ones. And all along the way each of us hopes and prays that this country, which we so passionately love, is going to be all right.
(Postscript: After I wrote the above, I clicked on to the website of The New York Times. And there I saw today’s headline story [Powell Backs Obama and Criticizes McCain Tactics] about how, on this morning’s Meet the Press, Republican Colin Powell had endorsed Obama. A bit from the article: “Mr. Powell told Tom Brokaw, the host of Meet the Press, that he had been disturbed in recent weeks by the negative tone of Mr. McCain’s campaign …. Mr. Powell, who was secretary of state in the first term of President Bush, also said that he was concerned about Mr. McCain’s selection of Ms. Palin as his running mate and had come to the conclusion that she was the wrong choice. ‘She’s a very distinguished woman [said Powell], and she’s to be admired, but at the same time, now that we have had a chance to watch her for some seven weeks, I don’t believe she’s ready to be president of the United States, which is the job of the vice president.’”)
Follow-up to this post: Beyond The Christianization of Abortion.
Related post o’ mine: Does the Holy Spirit Vote Republican?
![John Shore on The Huffington Post](http://johnshore.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/huffpost.jpg?w=120 "John Shore on The Huffington Post\")
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I cannot resist commenting on this recurrent phrase "murdering babies" used even by our enlightened, liberal Mr. Shore. Could there be a phrase that is MORE divisive and simple?
In the range of embryonic development, we have a fertilized egg (zygote) at one end and a sentient being that can survive outside the womb at the other. Some of you here claim that destroying the zygote is the equivalent of sneaking into a nursery and popping a cap in the forehead of the Gerber baby. For those of you that have the intellect to see the difference, you are being disingenuous by using such an inflammatory term as "murdering babies". There are arguments to be made against abortion (and types of abortion) and you are better served to use arguments that demonstrate some understanding of physiology instead of dogma.
http://discovermagazine.com/2005/dec/fetus-feel-p…
@'Seriously?': After I posted, I realized that they were one and the same. I erroneously was thinking that freedom of speech was separated. My bad. Thanks for pointing it out.
Morse: Wanda said, "…God would rather someone with less experience be in office than someone who supports the murdering of babies." Claiming that Obams supports the murdering of babies strikes me as a fairly dramatic thing to say, thangaverymuch.
Oh, well, then, never mind. (But in case you DO come back to look—because people always say they won't, but do: Nice answer! And it wasn't fair of me to use you personally to represent a whole body of people; it was a convenience I didn't take the time to construct my way around. [Also, I used to have a reader/responder named Wanda, who was WAY rabid about All Things Godly. I think I too quickly assumed that was you---but, looking back on your answer, I think you may be a different Wanda. Or you've mellowed admirably.] Anyway, thanks for your thoughtful response, and God bless you.)
John, did you mention something about drama?
Strange, looking at Wanda's post, I just don't see it…
I did not say that in anger or hatred, but truly in broken heartedness as tears roll down my face. I do not wish to argue. It does no good, besides we have to answer for every vain word.
When I stand before God, I can only give account for my own sins, I cannot give account for yours.
You don't have to respond, I will not be on here again to see it.
No, they're not, of course—and they don't care, because they are filled with the fire of conviction. And, like any sane person, I actually share their core sense that abortion is … horrible. Of course it is. No one SUPPORTS the murder of babies; the very assertion that people who vote for Obama are in favor of people murdering babies is so stupid it wipes out the rules of normal engagement. Such people never want to have a real conversation; they just want to yell at you about how much better they know the mind of God than you, and how wrong you are, and how surely you're going to hell. In the end, with such people it's always about hell: who's going to hell, and why, and when, and how. I think sometimes, for some Christians, it's too easy to sacrifice the relatively abstract love of God for the immediate drama of the fury of hell.
Gee, John, you really started something here! I think Kelly has it right, it's more important who we select at the local level. Presidents can promise all they want but can enact few, if any, changes to laws. Look at Mr. Bush's promise to remove women's right to choice from the lawbooks. In 8 years, that has not happened. However, there are a lot of voting Americans who think the abortion issue is the ONLY criteria for choosing our leader. I have been following the campaigns and debates of both parties since they were nominated and find something admirable in both of them. It will be a hard decision, but people like Wanda and Jennifer, above, certainly aren't swaying many undecided voters to their side.
I only have one comment, John McCain isn't perfect, he's a human being like the rest of us, however he doesn't promote abortion which is a definite sin. So if you are not voting for John McCain and you claim to be a Christian, then I am left to assume you are not voting at all. Remember only one being is with you in the voting booth…GOD!
I usually do have trouble falling asleep at night. But then, to soothe myself, I sacrifice a black cat, troll the Internet (if not the nearby 7-11) for effeminate teenage boys, and stomp on the head of one of the child's dolls I keep on hand for that purpose. Then I usually doze right off.
Wanda: I didn't quote the Bible to support my choice of vote because: A. I explained my reasons for voting as I will, and B: I've yet to hear any assertion, no matter how outrageous or vile, that someone somewhere couldn't use a passage in the Bible to support.
Believe me, Wanda, I'm as Christian as you are—your "shall"s and ominous proclamations notwithstanding.
LOL! Do you hear that John?!?! It is YOU that is responsible for the failure of this country!! I don't know how you can sleep at night.
I see that you did'nt say one thing about all the moral issues facing this nation and us as christians. Based on God's word and how he chose kings in His word, I have to say that God would rather someone with less experience be in office than someone who supports the murdering of babies, and supports men having sex with men and women having sex with women. Thats just mentioning two of many moral issues. Based on these two issues alone(which is enough) I don't see how you or any christian can vote for obama. You did'nt use one example fom the Bible or scripture to support YOUR reasons. We should'nt be following a multitude to sin. Sad to say, but it is leaders like you who are causing the failure of many and possibly the failure of this country. The blind shall lead the blind and they both shall fall into the ditch. God please help us all!
@Liz: Do you know why Obama voted against that bill?? BECAUSE THERE WERE ALREADY LAWS ON THE BOOKS TO PROTECT THOSE BABIES! We are not in a contest to see how many laws we can get on the books.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord’s side.”
To be honest, while I will vote for a president this week (I am voting early) – I am concerning myself more with my local and state level politicians. Those are the people who can make a difference.
I like Sarah Palin. Do I think she is ready to run the country? Maybe not…but, I honestly don’t think McCain or Obama are ready either. One thing I do love about Sarah Palin – rather than sitting around Starbucks – with all the other moms – complaining about things she thought needed to be changed…she stepped up and got involved in making those changes happen. That’s what we should all be doing.
Let me give you another example, my 17 year old son was involved in a car accident in August. The young girl (who is 25) did not have a driver’s license and ran a red light – hitting him so hard it flipped his Chevy Tahoe (which means she was speeding, too). She was given 2 tickets. She has hired an attorney to try and “get out of these tickets”. I am mad. MAD. I have contacted my state representative and several other local politicians and am ready for a fight in June 2009. (Yes, the court date is 10 months AFTER the accident – which is ridiculous, too).
Anyway, I have several family members and friends (all Christians) who tell me – “it’s not worth the fight”, “just let it go”, “do you really think you can make her pay the consequence for those decisions”…and my response is “HELL NO I won’t just let this go”. The reason? My husband and I have purposefully taught our son that with every decision you make comes a consequence…good and bad. It’s about responsibility. It’s an integrity issue. It’s time for a change. The reason people keep breaking the law is because they can. There are no consequences. This is an issue of principal. It’s worth the fight.
It’s time that we, as believers, quit thinking that the Godly thing to do is just “silently pray about it”…that if we somehow stand up for what’s right – that we are damaging our Christian walk by not being gracious or merciful. I think God is more disappointed that we are not standing up and speaking up – for Him, for ourselves, for our kids and our families! It can be done in a very God honoring way!
I think D. James Kennedy said it best (in his book, “How Would Jesus Vote”) – “Christians have failed to fulfill their responsibilities as citizens in this country, and we have allowed this great blessing of a godly nation to slip through our hands.”
@’Seriously?’: The first amendment has to do with separation of church and state, not free speech. On the former, I am very, very afraid that the first amendment would be further eroded under another GOP term.
@’Mike Boyce’: Supreme Court appointments are very possibly THE single biggest impact that a president has. Our Constitution is ONLY what the Supreme Court SAYS it is and appointments here are LIFETIME and can well outlive a fleeting presidential term. My great fear is that one more religious conservative justice would have every presented case decided in the light of a theocracy. Already we have profanely bigoted statements like this coming from the bench:
(This from a 10 commandments / courthouse case)
It was Scalia along with three other justices effectively said that unless you are a monotheist, you can be disregarded.
As far as Palin: Here we have a woman that spent here entire adult life in churches that preached end-times theology. We have her on video with the opinion that our involvement in the middle-east is God’s plan. We have her on video participating in church rituals and prayers about Alaska being a refuge during the End Days. We have her on video saying “she is seeing things happening” (which I took to mean things lining up for Jesus’ second coming. Palin’s church calls themselves the ‘final generation’
Readers here span a range of religious sensibilities. I expect that some of you believe that Christ’s return is imminent (in our lifetime). For the rest of you more pragmatic types; do you really want a Sarah Palin that close to the nuclear launch codes? This is not abstract. Actuarial tables give McCain a 1 in 5 chance (or worse)of not being able to complete his first term… giving us a President Palin. Do we want our nuclear arsenal accessed because Sarah Palin thinks she if fulfilling biblical prophecy? Seriously! Can there be anything more frightenting than someone with that power to act on voices in their head?!?!
Though I won’t be voting Obama, I appreciate your forthrightness. Though both an Evangelical Christian and a Conservative Republican, I have grown tired of the politicization of Christianity. The Republican Party does not have a monopoly on Christianity in the US and, for the record, the US does not have a monopoly on Christianity througout the world. It is often asked, “Is God a Republican or Democrat?” The question is an attempt to coopt God for political advantage and has no place among reasonable Christians. So, though I disagree with your choice for president, I appreciate the fact that your decision is based on substance and born of genuine reflection.
Well, John, I’m going to avoid answering any of the comments because you know how much I hate arguing politics.
I’m pretty sure that God will forgive voting for or against Sen. McCain. (My endorsement still goes to Joe Schriner, by the way.)
I think you’re right about Gov. Palin. I kind of liked her at first … you know, before I actually knew anything about her.
I am very disturbed by the number of Christians who think that the Republican Party is a Christian organization — maybe a parachurch or even its own denomination. Worse yet, those who seem to think that the Church is a branch of the GOP.
Describing someone’s alliances and their ideology is part of appropriate political discourse.
For example, if a presidential candidate had written a positive book review on something written by Eric Rudolph, the abortion clinic bomber, I would want to know that. I would hope that candidate would be aware of the ramifications of supporting the views of someone who thinks it’s STILL OKAY TODAY to bomb clinics — because I do not support domestic bombing as a solution to any problem in our country, regardless of the agenda. I abhor violence.
Vile political attacks are “a natural affront to normal, everday decency,” and I do not support them in any way. But free speech is a tricky thing.
I wanted to be sick when I heard a vitriolic, unsubstantiated attack on national TV that Mr. Palin “probably” “abused” his daughters. It’s beyond disturbing to see pictures of activists smiling while wearing T-shirts that say: “Sarah Palin is a ****.” I was afraid for my first amendment rights when I heard callers to a non-partisan, Jewish Chicago radio host try to intimidate him for interviewing an author who questioned their candidate. (The campaign had time to send an e-blast to tell people to shut down the radio station, but the same campaign couldn’t be bothered to send a representative to clearly debate the issues in a rational way.) But I support free speech, when I respect it and when I don’t.
And the most vile of all, the “Kill him” statement (mentioned by Senator Obama in a debate) was investigated thoroughly by the Secret Service, and it seems to be an urban myth, thankfully.
If you know of vile statements from the right, I’d like to be made aware of them. But I will not agree with a label of “negative” or “vile” for statements that address true issues of policy or ideology. They are two different things.
If He doesn’t forgive you, we’re both in a lot of trouble!
I’m astonished at your thoroughly unbiblical analysis of McCain almost as much as by what appears to be a complete absence of analysis of his competitor. You are supporting a candidate who openly fights for the unhindered right to kill children be they newly born or unborn. You are supporting a candidate who will grow the federal government’s influence much further beyond its already-intrusive state. You are supporting a candidate who will do much to eliminate a church’s right to hire and teach biblically. You support a candidate who has systematically buried the record of his academic and legislative past – for what reasons are too simple to guess.
Simultaneously, you seem to have bought the big media portrayal of Sarah Palin, who just happens to be more qualified for president than does Mr. Obama. She has accomplished more than has Mr. Obama. What about the early interviews at Saddleback Church do you not understand? Since biblical values loom paramount, which candidate aligns best with such values? Pray for discernment, brother (James 1:5).
I have many issues of concern in this election, but I’m an idealist, and it is coming down to the ideals of basic freedom and liberty vs socialism. Mr. Obama and Ms. Pelosi may very well enact the Fairness Doctrine, which will basically sound the death knell for Christian and Conservative talk radio. Mr. Obama is soundly anti-Second Amendment and I do honestly believe that the disarming of America would become a reality. But, the most troubling feature of the Democrats, and especially the Democrats controlling the Senate, the House, the White House and most likely the Supreme Court, would the the totalitation nature of their government and the damage that would do to all who disagree with Socialism. And finally, the coup de gras is the anti-God anti-Christian policies of the Democratic party and the special interest groups they garner votes from and look to support for. This last point is the most troubling to me when I hear of Christians supporting Mr. Obama.
Mr. McCain and Ms. Palin both seem to be persons of charachter, and Mr. McCain’s proven charachter is without question. Mr. Obama’s charachter is defined, in my opinion, by his association with persons of apparently poor charachter, lyMr. Ayers and Rev. Wright. His association with Mr. Resko also is a negative. Add to this Mr. Obamas indications of a policy of appeasement toward avowed and vocal enemies of America and Israel, and his obvious lack of education and knowledge of the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns and the Surge which at this time appears to have wound down the major action in Iraq and his management of America’s armed services is severly in question.
I am concerned with the economy but the Republicans are not solely to blame and to be honest, my pocket book comes second to the principles of freedom, liberty, Christianity and strong self-defense. I don’t see Mr. Obama or the Democratic Party standing for any of these principles, plain and simple. In my idealistic view, I too must ask, how could a Christian vote for the party who seems bent on the persecution of Christianity and removal of God from our culture?
Seriously: I’m afraid I’m not sure what point you mean to make via your Titanic allegory—but, for sure, we all understand that political campaigns are, by their nature, “tough.” But there’s “tough,” and there’s shamefully, baselessly toxic. One’s barely okay; the other is a natural affront to normal, everday decency. But, as you say, typically in such engagements it’s all gloves off.
As someone with a degree in political science, I have to laugh when people mourn the “negative tone” of campaigns. Serious discussions about issues are not to be avoided; they are healthy and necessary.
Here’s a little story to illustrate:
Once upon a time, we were all gliding along on the Titanic (economically, socially, etc.).
There were two captains vying for the right to guide the ship through the dark waters of the night. (Yes, it’s an odd setup, but go with me here.
One captain (1) saw an iceberg ahead on the current course, and said, “We need to slow down and change directions; otherwise, we will hit the iceberg, and it will tear a fatal hole in the hull.”
But the other would-be captain (2) said, “I’m not sure if that’s really an iceberg up there, but even if it is, to keep things fair, and arrive on time at our destination, we should actually increase our speed and hit it full on. The iceberg will be shattered, and all will be well.”
Captain 1 was clearly concerned: “I’ve sailed these seas for years, and I can see the iceberg, and I know our hull cannot withstand any contact with it, let alone hit that iceberg head on.”
Captain 2 took offense: “Why do you have to be so negative? Why are you criticizing me? I’ve explained my brilliant plan quite well.”
Captain 1 said: “This isn’t about you personally. And even if the steps you want to take as captain sound eloquent, your plan will cause our ship to sink after we hit the iceberg.”
Questions:
Is it “negative” to yell, “Iceberg ahead”?
Is it a personal attack to say, “Your plan will sink us?”
We are currently choosing a “Captain” (President) to guide the ship of state. We do not have a higher job to fill than President. We are looking at resumes right now, and we’re listening to 4 to 8-year plan proposals.
Campaigns are not for wimps, and tough talk is a given — because political arguments are needed to uncover the real issues and the real solutions.
Greta,
I don’t want to turn this into a huge political debate, but I have to respond.
“Sarah Palin has integrity”
Please give me your definition of integrity.
Someone who uses her political power to solve person vendettas does not strike me as someone with integrity.
Someone who accepts the blessing of a priest who drove a women from a town because he accused her of witchcraft does not strike me as someone with integrity.
Someone who refuses to answer direct questions, from the press or at a debate, does not strike me as someone with integrity.
And someone who lies about their political opponent, accuses them of hanging around with terrorists or being a religion they are not in order to scare voters does not strike me as integrity.
So perhaps you’re using a different definition of the word than I am.
This video interview with Geraldine Ferraro re “the lipstick war” a month ago, sums up the racism and sexism by politicians nicely. http://gretawire.foxnews.com/2008/09/11/geraldine-ferraros-view/
Sorry for my typos earlier. I was typing at daffy duck spitting speed.
I wish I were an American…..I would vote Mccain-Palin….Obama is smooth talking….. I don’t trust anyone who only has head knowledge! McCain has been there and done that when it comes to understanding war and international negotiations. Sarah Palin has integrity….Biden appears flimsy to me…. However, it is God who sets up kingdoms and brings down rulers. I wonder what He is thinking about American politics?
I’m pretty tough on women who expect favoritism because of gender. Just like race, gender should be irrelevant. I’m one who believes in judging by the “content of the character,” as MLK, Jr. said.
However, I’m starting to wonder. Although I’ve never been one to look for or expect sexism, racism, or the reverse of each, I cannot for the life of me figure out why similar experience levels and resumes are treated so differently during this election. How can a 1st term senator running for the top of one ticket be given accolades because of smooth oratory, while the 1st term female governor of a state — who is not running for the top spot — be completely dismissed?
Edited interview clips cannot fully tell the story of a person’s intellect or abilities; I imagine you’ve experienced that personally if/when reviews of your work have taken statements out of context. All 4 of the candidates have made significant verbal gaffes during the campaign, but some are considered serious and demonstrate lack of intelligence, while others are ignored.
It’s very painful to watch such a double-standard taking place.
Hey John and Kat!
Glad to see how you have been able to find a little more time together since John took a “rest” from blogging. Really, he has recently narrowed down his activity by only discussing religion and politics.
Video blogging remains purely playful, so my hat (which is actually an item I never wear) is off to ya!
My decision so far in the upcoming election is based on 2 things. Integrity of character and most impressive record.
John McCain is a man of integrity and even if he is not the model of perfection and could be smoother for the camera, he prooved himself when noone was watching and that’s good enough for me.
As for Sarah Palin, the first fermale governor of Alaska. She has a solid walk with God and has more more guts and beauty that any woman I have seen come on the political scene in decades.
Before you criticize my opinion let me say this one thing, Sarah has raised the bar of this election just by agreeing to the nominiation. It is a fact that men become more competitive whenever they have to compete with a woman. So if McCain and Obama have become a little more fiesty since the Republican convention, you can credit that to Sarah Palin. I think you have even become a little more fiesty yourself John. Your comment about women at the grocery store was very sexist and bad form. Shame on you! She deserves a little more respect than a broad based comparison like that. Gee one minute I’m pushing a grocery cart…the next I’m Vice-President, “How’d ya suppose that happened?” As the first female Governor of a historically male dominated state, that speaks volumes to me. My older sister was the fist class of women allowed into a Maritime Academy in NYC back in the late 70′s. Let me tell you, that class had to prove themselves 24/7 and could never let their guard down for one minute. Many were hoping they would not succeed. If Obama and Biden get in…all I can say is I hope those two “good old boys” better work plenty plenty hard for the people of the US. Mavericks like Sarah and John don’t come around everyday. We’ll be watching closely!
I don’t know if your God will forgive you John. But I won’t forgive you if you do vote for McCain.
Will God forgive you? Gee, I don't know, John. You're going to be voting for a guy who voted to withhold medical care from babies born as a result of botched abortions. I can't imagine that God would be too pleased with that.
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