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A Very Civil Forum

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By CAL THOMAS Tribune Media Services

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 22, 2008

The "civil forum" featuring presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain may not have been as exciting as Michael Phelps winning his eighth Olympic gold medal, but it was civil and it was a forum from which emerged useful information.

McCain had the most to gain. Judging by the applause, he won the night among evangelical voters. He told them what they wanted to hear: He would be a pro-life president with "pro-life policies." He believes the unborn have human rights "from the moment of conception," that marriage is between a man and a woman and that the California Supreme Court was wrong to strike down the state's existing statutes, limiting marriage to opposite sex couples. "I'm a federalist," he said, but added that if the federal courts start forcing one state to accept rulings on same-sex "marriage" from another state, he would then favor a constitutional amendment to define marriage as between opposite sex couples. McCain said he would allow "contracts" between same-sex couples.

McCain also gave the strongest answer on the theological concept of evil. He said his approach to evil would be to "defeat it." Speaking of Osama bin Laden, to get him he said, "I would follow him to the gates of hell," which might be easier than following him to the mountains of Pakistan.

Asked to define "rich," McCain offered a mini-sermon, noting that "some of the rich" are "the most unhappy," adding that he doesn't want to take from the rich; rather he wants "everybody to get rich." He opposes "redistribution" - a code word for higher taxes - proposes a $7,000 tax credit for every child and health care choice. In contrast to Obama, McCain said that spending is the reason for the deficit, not taxes that are too low.

Obama did himself some good among evangelicals by giving them the bottom line for their faith: "I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and I am redeemed through him. That is a source of strength and sustenance on a daily basis."

Obama's faith tells him nothing about human life (knowing when a baby acquires human rights is "above my pay grade," he said).

Rick Warren was right when he told CBN reporter David Brody, "I happen to be in the kingdom of God. My kingdom is not of this world. And sometimes when people don't understand that they want you to be on their political bandwagon."

The Saddleback Forum was a useful contribution to one kingdom and a reminder to evangelical Christians of the source and strength of their faith and hope. It shouldn't be in politicians.

Cal Thomas' column is distributed by Tribune Media Services Inc.

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