On Friday, the anniversary of John F. Kennedy's 1960 speech and Q-and-A session addressing concerns about his religion, I called upon Sarah Palin to have a similar open forum in which she can be questioned about what appear to be her potentially dangerous religious views.
In his interviews with Gov. Palin last week, Charlie Gibson touched ever-so-slightly on those religious views, but did not follow up on her previous indications that she considers the "War on Terror" a holy war or ask the truly critical questions, such as whether she believes in "the Rapture," thinks (as her former pastor said while she nodded in agreement) the "Last Days" are coming soon and Alaska will be a refuge for those fleeing the Lower 48, that America is a "Christian Nation," and so on. People in the church in which Ms. Palin grew up and still visits speak in tongues. What are her views on this practice?
Such questions are entirely appropriate. Citizens are free to believe whatever they want, but in the case of those who offer themselves for high public office, voters have a right--a need--to know about beliefs that could impact public policy decisions.
Sarah Palin's second interview is scheduled for Tuesday with Sean Hannity of Fox News. We can hope he will surprise everyone and attempt to act as if Fox were a real news organization by asking her the questions that need to be asked. But who's going to hold her or his breath on that one?
If only Tim Russert were still with us . . .
But there is an answer. Bill Moyers, a deeply religious Christian who attempts to be a genuine Jesus follower, should interview Gov. Plain on her religious views. It could either be done as an individual event or as a part of a series of four interviews on religion that Moyers would do with each of the major party candidates for national office.
John McCain and the Republican campaign surely don't want to let anyone like Bill Moyers close enough to Sarah Palin to ask her any questions about her beliefs and how they might impact her governmental decisions. But the candidate's handlers should at least be put in the position of having to give reasons why they won't allow it, and sufficient public pressure might force the campaign to agree to such an interview.
Let's start the drumbeat for a Palin interview by Bill Moyers and keep it going until the McCain-Palin campaign responds.
Historian Robert S. McElvaine is Elizabeth Chisholm Professor of Arts & Letters at Millsaps College. His latest book is Grand Theft Jesus: The Hijacking of Religion in America 
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Certainly, Palin shows every sign of being an End Times believer. Observe her humble, simple lifestyle, her total lack of concern for power, fame, celebrity, or sun tan, and the general lack of enthusiasm she shows for the material world and material things. No doubt, if given the chance, she'd push the button and blow everything up. She has the look of one who would.
I think we really need to turn up the volume on this perfectly understandable and rational (and not the least bit hysterical or comically literal-minded) concern. Because it can only improve the left's image with the general public. Besides, we still have one or two toes we haven't shot off yet. This year, I mean.
what? it's my drumbeat
Legislation they would write or support, and executive decisions they would make are game.
We're not interviewing a pastor.
so citizens electing leaders should not know what a candidate will say about their beliefs (believe, not know)? so we shouldn't be allowed to know that someone thinks the world is ending and that they must go to war with those that don't believe as they are or that they must support, with military power, certain kinds of people... and that most of your fellow citizens are deserving of slavery or slaughter, because they're "evil" (don't believe what you do)... so, it's cool if they think that the real world doesn't matter, because their magical super being will make everything better if they decide that they need to nuke a few places on the earth?
So all those people ragging on Obama for what 'his pastor' has said over the past 20 years is game, but questioning Palin on her own beliefs, that could affect public policy, is not? Hypocrisy.
but i agree, Bill Moyers would be perfect.
I would suggest these are related -- apparently Todd Palin stated the reason she had to fly back to Alaska was that their son had to be born in Alaska (?). I am not sure I understand why Texas is not an appropriate place to be born; of course, I am not a member of a secessionist party.
These are questions that Bill Moyers could certainly bring up in a manner that would not be demeaned as sexist, but rather as questions of judgement.
I doubt either McCain or Palin would have the courage to sit down with Mr. Moyers, but it would be a brilliant move for Obama/Biden.
Palin wasn't even on the ticket at that point. The tide didn't turn until she was tapped. But, as the flash dies down and reality sinks in, the tide will, indeed, turn again in Obama's favor.
Obama/Biden '08
Although clearly "Lefty," Bill Moyers is also well known for being a great interviewer about religion and other humanities-oriented topics. He's about one of the only people I could think of who could thoroughly explore Palin's belief system with some sensitivity and without getting judgemental about it.
i doubt that mccain would agree....too much straight talk (and questions from moyer)....
So of course,... neither Palin or McCain would agree to such a public disclosure of their wingnut (Palin) or opportunistic (McCain) religious beliefs.
Truly an investigative reporter who digs deep for details and truth. Great idea!!!