CNN: Where Politics and Religion Mix

Last night, I watched CNN's "God's Forum," which was dubbed, "The Compassion Forum". It was disheartening. Have the Democrats become so desperate that they need to emulate the Republicans? The focus was on Obama and Clinton being given ample opportunity (one hour each) to self advocate their unshakeable and longstanding reliance on their faith and respective denominations.

How did this forum serve the large percentage of Americans who do not believe in God or who are agnostics?

Hillary filled her allotted time with what was a rather incoherent almost seamless "me...me...me" monologue about herself and her "Jesus moments". Somehow she doesn't seem to be the turn-the-other-cheek type to me. Every opportunity she gets, she tries to scratch Obama's scabs.

Obama fared slightly better, which wasn't too difficult, following Hillary's lead.

Right from the getgo though, his CNN interlocutors put him on the defensive about his gaffe in San Francisco. And of course, since they were there to talk about religion, he had to answer yet again, that question about his early education... you know the "Madrassa" one. Didn't you know that Obama went to Catholic school in Indonesia? But the Muslims he saw while he was living there, not that he was mixing with them personally of course, but you know they made him realize that they aren't all terrorists after all by golly. Some of the women were actually out walking in the street, even holding jobs!!

What did the voters learn about Hillary and Barack from this forum? That they can both give impressive lipservice to their faith and spirituality if it turns out to be politically expedient? It almost appeared as if they were being called to testify before a modern day inquisition. What if Hillary and Obama had just said outright that he or she didn't believe in God? Never had and never would? Would voters accept that as a viable prerogative?

One's spirituality or belief system is not skin deep, and it's a testament to the superficiality of our political system that we have to put some spin on that last untouched area that really should be left between each person and their conscience, or if he or she chooses to view it as such, his or her maker.

"Religion and Politics do not mix," a small piece of advice from someone who grew up in Jerusalem and who has observed the politics of religion and fear.

Jamal Dajani produces the Mosaic Intelligence Report at Link TV

Watch: Obama a Winner in the Middle East

Comments

[justice2008]

I just can't stand Hillary's phoniness. She criticizes Obama for being an "elitist" as if she and Bill did not make $109 million and now she want's to be declared a saint. Give me a break!

[jad114]

This was disgraceful and hard to watch with no real substance. And Hillary...What an actress!

[grendl]

I hope Tom Cruise runs for president, if for no other reason than to inject some real life into forums like the one last night, bringing "thetan"s into the discussion of societal redemption.

We have a separation of church and state for a reason, and I don't really care what god these people pray to. ( In God We Trust seems the predominant belief of most ) I don't care if they're atheist, agnostic or druid. Actually a druid might actually do something about de-forestation.

It's a bit like watching American Idol this race. This week songs of prayer, next week economic blues. And Hillary changes her tune to fit the show. At first she mocked Obama, with the cynicism of Randy Newman, now she's " On the Good Ship Lollipop", and doesn't see any bitterness in Bubble Gum Bay.

Well, her ship is sinking, which is appropriate on this the day of Titanics sinking in 1912. And the band played on.

[RobinVZB]

I think CNN was rather soft in their questions. If I had been interviewing Obama on the subject of religion, I would have asked the following questions:

1. How could you spend 20 years attending a church that teaches: a. God Damn America, b. The U.S. deserved the 9/11 attacks, c. The U.S. government provides illegal drugs to black people, d. anti-Semitic views, e. anti-White views

2. Why didn't you choose another church?

3. Why didn't you stand up an denounce these views in your congregation?

4. Why did you wait 20 years until these teachings started hindering your political career to denounce Rev. Wright's controversial statements?

5. Which of these controversial teachings were your daughters exposed to?

6. What have you told your daughters about these controversial teachings?

7. Louis Farakhan received a lifetime achievement award from your church? Do you think he deserved that award? Which of his teachings do you agree with? Which of his teachings do you disagree with?

[RickO]

Someone needs to remind CNN of Article VI, Section 3 of the constitution. No religious test for any public office.

- Agnostic

[Michale32086]

Speaking as one of those agnostic types, I say "Hear Hear!!"...

The US Constitution forbids any kind of "religious test" for the Presidency...

Why is CNN violating the US Constitution???

Michale.....

[MPeter]

CNN is a joke. They only sensible person there is Jack. Wolfie is a stoopid big-eyed hack who will push race and divisive Hillary tricks to promote the Clintons. He is helped along by little nobodys like Yellen and lately, Candy who is probably scared of losing her job there, she now must abandon honorable news coverage. What ajoke!

[V4Vigilance]

"Have the Democrats become so desperate that they need to emulate the Republicans?"

You haven't been paying very close attention to the Clinton campaign, have you?

OBAMA 08

[hopeless277]

You have been reported to the Hillary bashing police. Expect a call soon. Unkind words toward 'Our Hillary of Peace' are not tolerated and will be recorded for use against you once she becomes Queen of America. You are on notice.