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"

Follow Frank Schaeffer on Twitter: www.twitter.com/frank_schaeffer

Comments

[TOJ]

Small wonder many Christians are leaving Dobson. The "president" they were sold as a "Man Of God" turned out to be a mean, uncouth, bloodthirsty Machiavellian whose talent is putting people to death. Welcome, Christians. Our principles are a lot closer to yours than the current cabal running the country.

[RicksterInGulfport]

Even Limbaugh is making fun of McCain, mocking his voice and his ideas.

Not likely to get elected as a Republican without Limbaugh.

He has sway over ~ 30million votes, and he wants none of the above....

You want to see why Obama is going to be the next President, look up Carol McCain.
The World press is all over this, ours is not.

[suzukimom]

Your post caused me to wonder if Limbaugh isn't running away from McCain because he doesn't believe he can win. Then if McCain loses, Limbaugh can continue to pose as important and powerful.

[gevan]

Did anyone else think it odd that Dobson starts off with declaiming that he is not a minister or a theologian, just a psychologist, and then attacks Obama for his interpretation of scripture? Wouldn't that be something that theologians or ministers should argue about?

[pupbayer]

"Dr. Dobson Has Just Handed Obama Victory" Who came up with this idea? There are 2 kinds of people in the world. One is the kind that admire ad listen to Dobson and won't vote for Obama. The other is the larger group which pays no attention to Dobson so he has no effect on the election either way.

[Zentrails]

How the heck do you hand someone a victory when they are already ahead by 15%?

And rising.

But we appreciate the effort, Dobson.

[Mabo]

The premise that evangelicals will be driven to Obama (a candidate that holds very few similar policy beliefs as conservatives, if any) is ludicrous.­..regardle­ss of what Dobson or any other "leader" says. Imagine someone telling you that you would switch to McCain if someone turned on Obama...not going to happen. Whilemany people vote for the smooth talkers or nice-looking candidates, I would hope that there are those that hold to their core values as a template for voting. I would never switch my vote to Obama because he does not line up with my criteria for how I think the country should be run. It has nothing to do with his Christianity or race or sexual preference or any other side issue that gets the blame. He simply does not espouse the values and policy choices that I would like for my country.

[bogues]

Mabo, Pray tell, please share with us what your criteria , values and policy choices are. Sen. Obama is open, honest and engaging in a way that we have not seen in politicians in a long time, if ever. He wants to make us more safe, he wants to create more good paying jobs so more people can live above poverty level, he wants everyone to have access to affordable health care, he wants to re-direct the mission in Iraq, in as safe a way as can be done under the circumstances and he wants to repair our standing on the world stage. He is also willing to have candid conversations about the most difficult social and religious issues of our day. I could go on but I will simply ask, what more are you looking for.

[Mabo]

I do not doubt any of the statements you made about him and his intentions. What I disagree with is the methods he endorses to reach those goals. They are, in most cases, the complete opposite means of getting to the desired results.
I KNOW that Obama will raise my taxes. I don't want that. And don't bother denying that fact. It is how all of those things you listed will get paid for in the ways he wants to reach those goals. More of MY money will taken away so that more programs can be started to "help" those in need. I disagree, not with helping those in need, but with the way it is done and will be done by Mr. Obama. I do not hate the man or think that he holds some evil plan as president. I simply disagree with his methods.
It amazes me that some people don't want me to think for myself. I am just supposed to see how great a guy Obama is and vote for him regardless of his politics. Funny how I don't see liberals flocking to vote for McCain...they must disagree with his policies, values and policy choices...go figure.

[BetterDeadthanRedState]

How do you think the country should be run? If you like McCain, but you don't like Bush, you've betrayed your consistency that you brag about above. If you like the way Bush runs the country, you must like to see your country run into the ground!

[Mabo]

I never said I "liked" McCain. In my opinion, he is no better than Bush. My point is that Obama is not an alternative to McCain for me. I am sure that there are alot of "evangelicals" that are going to vote for Obama. There will always be people that will be attracted by a popular, charismatic person. That does not mean that he is the right man for the job. His list of accomplishments as a state and U.S. senator in my state is not even being discusses...because there is barely a record to stand on. He is a great speech reader and a nice guy, but, again, that doesn't make him the man for the job...that just makes him a nice guy.

[biglover]

So Mabo you are one person. It is a fact that young evangelicals are flocking to Obama. You Mabo may just be the minority in the Evangelical community. Evangelicals who really follow Jesus Christ could no more support a John McCain or the republican party again.

[razajac]

You're basically right, though I'd put it differently.

You have to remember that Dobson's "base" (such as it is) are folks who get their sanforized belief system from Focus on the Family. I don't think Dobson is going to lose many of those folks.

On the other hand, it may also be true that when liberal-minded people of faith hear Dobson, it pretty much just serves to remind them of what they already know; these are the "last days", insofar as they're finding themselves doing battle with the antichrist; folks using the name of Christ to consolidate power.

I saw Dobson speak around 1995 or so, and back then he seemed to be running scared; fearful that his little bubble of popular fundie support could burst any minute. He lashed out at percieved threats to ingroup power theology wherever he saw it.

Some people constantly examine the claims and assertions of leaders. Those folks aren't with Dobson now, so they can't leave; they examined his claims a long, long time ago.

[Micaanab]

Why does MSM give these people any attention?

[texastornado]

One word......., MONEY.

[TovSquirrel]

M$M?

[ErnestineBass]

Why do we give the MSM any of ours?

[myshell]

Here is the thing, people are really tired of the hypocrisy when it comes to "our" government, domestically as well as internationally. I have a friend that is German and he is dumbfounded at how we (christians) profess to be against abortion and elect people who say the same and it never gets overturned, but mostly he does not understand the Right's warmindedness. Kill the living and the unborn? We condem Islamic faith for the theocrises they create, why? Because they are not christain. This country was founded for everyone to be able to choose their own religion or none at all!!!! We should not have to choose what denomination we want to embrace, as a nation, catholic, protestant, baptist, methodist etc... There are very good reasons why the founding fathers wanted the state and religion to be separate. Lastly, I wish the religous groups ( I happen to be a christian) would get over themselves we do not have a monopoly on morals, ethics, wanting to be a good upstanding citizens, it really is a turnoff. There are pleanty of wonderful, ethical, moral, honest people that do not affiliate with any religious group. I do love my country and would not want to live anywhere else but we have a lot of work to do to be good citizens of the world and not always serving our own self intest. Truth be told that is the real protection against terrorism.

[GalaxieGal]

Well said, Myshell, well said.

As someone who is a very moral and ethical person, but religion free, I really appreciate your outlook.

[Einstein44]

Mr. Schaeffer,

Thanks for the smackdown on James Dobson !!!

[goodspeed]

Hummm, someone posted "judge not least ye be judged"

Yet quoting the One that actually made that statement also said to "beware of false Christs and false
profits whom are really wolves in sheep's clothing".

And he also said that "If, then, a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit."

And that..."wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled".

So while we do not "judge" the final outcome of any individual or individuals, we are educated enough to know the difference between right and wrong or those claiming to have "a form of godly devotion but yet proving (by their conduct) false to that power".

[H.L. Mencken]

wow you almost evangelize there for aminute

[goodspeed]

YES, if you mean to speak the "gospel", and NO if you mean like mainstream evangelicals who take part in the politics of this world as per the gospel.

I take no sides when it comes to the politics of this world which is the folly of men.

Also this One said his followers (Christians) would be no part of this world because he also said his "kingdom is not part of this world".

He also spoke of this kingdom as the "kingdom of the heavens" as it was and still is, a "must" to pray for to "come".

A replacement government, as a matter of fact for all governments, that can accomplish real change for all mankind above and beyond any human efforts or human government !

Get my point ???

[njack]

Uh, it's spelled false prophets, not "profits". Those are something totally different indeed, but absolutely the thing James Dobson lives for. Doh! You just cancelled all legitimacy of your post.

[shep65]

The greatest mystery of all to me is how people like Dr. Dobson can call themselves Christians. None of their so called theology is Christ like. It is fascist rhetoric to the core.
I was raised a catholic, had trouble with some of the theology and joined the Episcopal Church as an adult but the theology of the religious right has caused me to seriously consider the relevance of religion at all.
In my humble opinion morality is much more relevant than religion.
If you frame the actions of the current administration and the attitude and platitudes of the religious right as their partners, in moral terms they become exposed for the spiritually bankrupt hypocrites that they are.
The more they preach the further they drive me from believing in any religion.

[texastornado]

Et Tu, me too. I lost my beleif some time back. It has been said that given enough rope, they will hang themselves and that is exactly what the rebublican party has done. RIP.

[texastornado]

Dobson's word are as affective as a "fart in a Texas Tornado"

[TommyMcCarthy]

No serious person needs to pay the slightest attention to what Mr. Dobson says.

As to Mr. Schaeffer's assertion that Dobson's rants might cause Christians to vote for Obama ,.....well

There are books to be sold here, and that IS taken seriously in some quarters.

Seems to me that folks with true Christian values can find MANY resons to support Sen. Obama, none of which have anything whatsoever to do with what Mr.'s Schaeffer & Dobson do or do not advise.

Ye shall know them by their works.....­..........­..........­..........­..........­..........­..........­..........­..........­.tm

[ibsteve2u]

Kind of strange, isn't it? You have somebody like Dobson who wouldn't hesitate to shrilly quote Corinthians at you if you had AIDs or if your liver had been destroyed by too much drink:

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

lolll...but let somebody like Richard Cizik try to defend the world that "temple" has to have healthy in order to survive, and WHAM! Dobson is all over them like a ton of bricks.

I guess you might call Dobson a "pragmatic Evangelical"; that is, he doesn't believe that you should let anything - not even religion - come between you and making money.

[H.L. Mencken]

hallayloua-amen brother

[EdwardUlyssesCate]

Of course, no one cares that Erik Prince (CEO of Blackwater) and family helped finance Dobson and his "outreach" programs. Strange bedfellows, murder and religion. There's always a reason.

[jood42]

I think you probably meant "common bedfellows".

[jlmealer]

Dobson had this long reining anger at McCain and has just barely pretended to release it so he could score more points with his evangelical heavy donating base of supporters.

McCain has the Econimic plan that Obama cannot do. Obama has too many plans to keep peopleNOTworking payingthem with wealthy peoples money.

Progressive Candidate John McCain comes through for America with his 3R economic plan.
In the persona of Theodore Roosevelt, McCain’s plan just makes sense.

1. RETHINK: America must rethink the global views on what America is capable of in our current state of technology, engineering and the demands that face the world.

“RE-Think” the basic job goals involve the dwindling retirement, health care and social security plans that are failing Americans. With a strong base and a higher GDP, America has a new bargaining chip way we live and retire.

framework is already in place

2. REFORM: America must rise to these demands and compete aggressively in a global economy. American people must demand higher quality products and less restricted trade routes for Made in USA components.

The USA will reform its dead manufacturing base to create the most innovative and green-engineered products possible. We will compete in a world market along with other high quality products.

3. REINVENT: America and Americans must reinvent themselves to reach and maintain these standards and by sheer American ingenuity, control marketplace in the competitive manner, #1.

six-month rapid advancement system. return additional skill g in executive management.

[Whatshop]

"McCain has the Econimic plan that Obama cannot do. Obama has too many plans to keep peopleNOTworking payingthem with wealthy peoples money."

Funny, I have read a lot about Obama's ideas on how to solve problems this Country faces and I have never come across his plan to KEEP PEOPLE NOT WORKING and even better, his plan to keep PAYING THEM WITH WEALTHY PEOPLES MONEY.

Please share the source of your information. I cannot find it anywhere on Obama.com.
Thank you.

[Awash]

Hey Whatshop

Hip me to Obama's Keep people not working plan

[Freesia2]

Thank you Mr. Schaeffer for another good article. I'm always glad to see your name under the title and appreciate seeing things through the lense you provide as a former insider.

There's definitely a change in the air. I've felt it in my own family, die hard Republicans who live in a state so red that I do believe Republican Party membership cards are issued with birth certificates. And in the heart of the bible belt, evangelicals with a political agenda are in green pastures.

But lately I've been been picking up on little changes via long distance calls. A tv turned off Fox news in abject disgust and never turned back on. An account of dressing down someone mispresenting Obama's religious beliefs. Little things here and there. Something's shifted a bit.

I have always felt uneasy over the marriage of the politically ambitious evangelicals with the conservative Republicans. It's a misuse of good souls whose only crime was to be devoted to their faith and to be conservative in their political beliefs and denies their innate and very real capacity for compassion and empathy and true patriotism.