Dr. Dobson Has Just Handed Obama Victory

Senator Obama just took another giant step toward winning the presidency. Actually, someone who considers himself a sworn enemy of Senator Obama took the step for him. Dr. Dobson of the Focus On the Family radio program (and evangelical media empire) has aired a program in which he attacks Senator Obama, the Senator's theology and his credentials as a Christian. With enemies like this Senator Obama doesn't need friends.

No, I'm not talking about Dobson energizing liberal Democrats. I'm talking about Dobson energizing his fellow evangelicals to vote for Senator Obama.

I first met Dobson when I was on his program back in the early eighties. At that time I too was an evangelical right wing agitator. I describe my encounter with Dobson and my journey from the heart of the Republican/evangelical right to sanity in my book CRAZY FOR GOD-How I Grew Up As One Of The Elect, Helped Found The Religious Right, And Lived To Take All (Or Almost All) Of It Back.

In the bad old days Dobson gave away 150,000 copies of a shrill bestseller evangelical screed of mine called A Time For Anger. (There was a lot more money in the God business than working as a legitimate author let me tell you! If any of my novels made the kind of money my evangelical books did I'd be set! ) Along with my late evangelical leader father Francis Schaeffer, like Dobson we were busy welding the evangelicals and the Republican Party into what amounted to a new party of soft theocracy. I changed my mind and got out in the mid eighties. But I have plenty of friends still in the evangelical movement, and they say unequivocally that Dobson's time has passed.

Dobson is one of the Evangelical religious right old guard. He's to the right what Nader is to the left. Like the late Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson and others Dobson has alienated as many evangelicals -- let alone moderate Christians -- as he's inspired. In fact, ever since he tried to get Richard Cizik, vice president of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) fired last year Dobson has found himself painted into a reactionary corner. Many evangelicals still fear him and so won't denounce his posturing power-plays but they also despise him.

Cizik is the future of evangelicalism. Dobson is the past. Cizik is a strong environmentalist advocate on the issue of global warming. Dobson tried to get the board of the National Association of Evangelicals to fire Cizik because of that fact. Dobson said that Cizik's environmental beliefs ran counter to what Dobson thought was in George Bush's best interests. He also said that the environment distracts from the favorite issues Dobson raises most of his funds on: abortion and gay bashing. But Dobson failed. The board of the NAE rejected Dobson's power play, for the same reason many evangelicals will reject his telling them how to vote this year. Dobson also failed in stopping John McCain (who failed to kiss Dobson's ass sufficiently) from becoming the Republican nominee.

If you're one of many Americans who thinks that the war in Iraq was a mistake or believe that the Republicans have run the economy into the ground or think that perhaps the chaos George Bush unleashed in our foreign affairs has something to do with the price of gas at the pump... then you have Dr. Dobson to thank -- personally. No one worked harder to get Bush elected then reelected. Dobson delivered his millions of dupes. But now many of them see through him and like most Americans, are appalled by Bush.

Nevertheless Dobson has -- for eight years -- been George W. Bush's personal shill. In return Dobson has had ego-stoking "access" to the White House, or rather to the lackeys in the White House laughing at him but charged with stroking Dobson and the other pompous asses masquerading as religious leaders.

But the new generation of evangelicals is sick of being labeled as backward rednecks because of their association with fossils like Dobson. There are many evangelicals like Cizik too who are not all about homophobia, nationalism, war-without-end and American exceptionalism or the Republican Party. Like Cizik they believe that the America has a responsibility to do something about global warming, poverty, AIDS, human trafficking and other issues. They see through Dobson and the other so-called pro-life leaders, who have actually done nothing to reduce abortion. In fact Dobson has increased abortions because of his "abstinence only" crusade.

As a result of his power grabs and bullying of other evangelicals, not to mention his telling people how to vote and pointing them to the failed W, Dobson & Co. have zero credibility with a growing number of otherwise conservative evangelicals who happen--this year--to be looking favorably at Senator Obama's holistic Christian-based world view. Unlike Dobson they like Obama's theology just fine.

All that was missing to put the frosting on the Obama cake was for Dobson to attack him. For Obama to win all he needs to do is peel off a chunk of heretofore solid evangelical Republican votes. Dobson just handed Obama those votes.

Frank Schaeffer is a writer and author of "CRAZY FOR GOD-How I Grew Up As One Of The Elect, Helped Found The Religious Right, And Lived To Take All (Or Almost All) Of It Back"

Comments

[Dramaticlookcat]

Dobson attacking Spongebob Squarepants -- could he be more of an idiot?

[Jazzbeau]

There's a quote I like to use as an email signature:

"If heaven means spending eternity with James Hagee, Pat Robertson, and James Dobson then, thanks anyway, but I'll pass."

[1pioneer1]

It is unfortunate that Dobson has become this right wing activist who have caused so much damage to how Christianity is viewed in this country. My daughter's generation of twenty- somethings, view these so called Christians, like Dobson, as total hypocrites. That is why so many young Christians are attracted to Obama. I am a Christian and I strongly disagree with Dobson's stance against Obama, especially Dobson's idea that people cannot be moral if they are not religious. I have met lots of non-religious people who are morally upright, and I have met a lot of Christians who are hypocrites. I am glad that Frank Schaeffer has finally come to his senses!

[dartagnan]

I don't have any hard data, but I would bet the farm that there are a hell of a lot more self-described Christians in our nation's penitentiaries than self-described atheists.

[unitron]

"...a lot more self-described Christians in our nation's penitentiaries than self-described atheists."

And both are probably rapidly being overtaken by the number of followers of some flavor or the other of Islam.

[Jazzbeau]

No doubt.

[nellie]

Mr. Schaeffer, I really enjoy your posts. Thank you for your insiders view of this important aspect of modern politics.

[rh654]

The Left for far too long chose not to engage on the Christian Religious front and that has been a huge mistake.

Obama is going after those voters and Dobson's engaging Obama on the topic is excellent news for Obama because it shows a lot of people who might not have known it that Obama is talking about Faith and Scripture and a lot of voters eat that stuff up.

The Democratic Party - if they would only moderate their hyperbole on a few key positions would be a slam dunk to win election after election but the Far Left keeps them pigeonholed from winning big time - and they have to essentially wait for the Republicans to self-destruct to regain power.

[dartagnan]

I totally endorse your last paragraph. By focusing on issues like gay marriage and gun control -- which really are peripheral -- instead of on kitchen-table issues like health care, wages, job security and taxation, the left has alienated what should be its natural constituency, the working class. Time to "get back to basics."

[Nova16]

And just what would those fronts be-freedom of choice, intelligent design masquerading as science in the public schools, faith based initiatives, etc., etc. Positions on these issues have divided the debate between the secular and the "religious" for decades and show no signs of weakening on both sides. Faith based politics are a deterrent to real discussion of the "real" issues facing this nation. To those not paying attention, the economy is in a shambles, we are involved in a phony war without end squandering billions , budget deficit, unemployment increasing daily, the stock market in free fall, energy costs thru the roof, infrastructure collapsing, galactic personal and public debt, the dollar worth 40 cents, outsourcing, heavy borrowing from abroad, trade imbalances, Social Security and Medicare costs and increases looming, etc., etc., There rally isn't a lot of time left or energy to be expended on useless debate relating to the supernatural or who knows the unknown when the country is headed for a land fill.

[rh654]

And that is why Liberals keep losing until the Republicans blow up...

Simply put - too many Liberals do not understand the majority of the voting population of the United States.

Obama is moving to the Center - he is moving away from some old Liberal talking points and moving to where the majority of voters reside.

If you really care about the points you listed - well then - you should be willing to move to the center - align yourself with the moderates (not the far right radicals) and go for the Win instead of feeling good about being of a better morality while everyone sits there wondering how McCain could have possibly pulled off a win...

[JohnnieP]

Whatever happened to Rev. Ted Haggart, who was the leader of the multi-million member Evangeli-
cal Church and was, until a few years ago, W. Bush's Spititual advisor? That's right. He got
caught going down on his gay male masseusse. As it turned out, after disclosing that he had suffered
from a sexual preference crisis since his childhood, the then married father of his and his wife's children seemed to drift off into oblivion. Oh well, so much for the Evangelical morality..

[mandycat]

Haven't you heard? He's baaaaaaak! Back in Colorado Springs, at any rate, and all straightened out into the bargain. He underwent some sort of evangelical exorcism and has had the foul demons of sin cast away. Can't wait for the next chapter in that particular story.

[AfzaalKhan]

Genesis-Jesus he knows me

http://youtube.com/watch?v=eu9smjjncFA

enuff said;)

[HerbTee]

I only wish many of these religious right-wingnut ministers like Dobson would simply shut up and stay out of politics, or at least cease making brash public and polarizing politic statements wrapped in religion. BO has his own interpretations of the Bible and pretty much so does everyone else. So why is does Dobson wish to call BO out in public for his own beliefs and interpretations. That is like a Baptist minister publicly lambasting a Methodist minister because of their different interpretations of the Bible.

Of course, if BO interprets the Bible differently in his own views and beliefs, he's also going to interpret Biblical applications to the Constitution differently. But that applies to almost everyone, not just BO. It's clear that Dobson is trying to get some political mileage out of this at BO's expense. It's not going to work Dobson, so shut up and go back behind your pulpit.

[Nova16]

Militant Christianity and its quest for power and control over our lives has interfered with goals and principles established in the Constitution of the United States by attempting to force Biblical cantations and theological superstition into every facet of our lives. This quest for power by the "religious right" is a threat to freedom by definition.

[philosopherkingtomas]

"FOC-us on the Family" just the name says it all!
Dobson should LOSE tax free status, he is a con man at the least !

[provgrays]

You took an extraordinarily long time to get to the point.

[Beardedfish]

Mr. Schaeffer tends to do that in all his posts. He seems compelled to give an abbreviated autobiography each time he writes an article.

Note to Mr. Schaeffer: I understand your need to identify yourself each time since your perspective and life story is quite unique to this corner of the web. However, you need to tighten up that reintroduction, many of us know, you can get it down to two sentences easily.

[DemsUnite]

Another one of the many Republican crusaders hiding behind their fascist intentions. We see you. They and their leader, GWB have created so much turmoil here at home and abroad. These are the waters they have been led to wade in by their leader. They are deep waters and there is no return. We see you!

[spiderbucket]

I don't think you can apply logic to the far, far Right. So there is little sense in speculating what they might or might not do. You think some of them will wake up and suddenly come their senses ? Get real.

[KarenSL]

What's the latest on the whole Larry Sinclair situation?

[maribelle1963]

Larry Sinclair was arrested at his news conference and led away in handcuffs. He has outstanding warrants in two states. I dont' need any more updates.

http://www.bloggernews.net/116292

[UPDATE at 6:53: Sinclair was arrested by DC Police after 2 US Marshals showed up and presented a warrant from the State of Delaware for Sinclair"s arrest. Montgomery Blair Sibley, who"s had his law license suspended by the District of Columbia and Florida, and who was previously Sinclair"s attorney, reviewed the warrant and then Sinclair was led away.]

Speculation is that the arrest stemmed from a Delaware warrant, although there is also an outstanding felony warrant out for Sinclair from the Pueblo County (CO) Sheriff"s Department.

[DemsUnite]

Larry Sinclair? You must be kidding. A better question might be, what's the latest on our economic crisis, or when are we going to bring those young men and women-who are on 3rd and 4th tours in Iraq-home, or maybe you might ask what's the latest on the failed foriegn policies of the past 7 years? Go ahead, ask away.

[AmericanSinceFeb08]

I am tired of arguments like Dobson's. He believes that he is a better Christian than the rest us (200 million or so), his God is better than our God, his Jesus Christ is better than ours, he goes to a better heaven than we are. You get the picture.

We all have to figure out how and what to believe. We do not need distorters like Dobson to tell us.

Dobson should go back and read Micah 4:6: Walk humbly with thy God. Some one should send him a post card.

[indalay]

Go to JamesDobsonDoesntSpeakForMe.com and sign the declaration there - join with others who feel as you do!