James Dobson, influential leader of the anti-gay Focus on the Family and spiritual guru to millions on the Christian right, makes it abundantly clear in an email to supporters that he will not support Republican presidential hopeful Fred Thompson.
The reason? Thompson's not quite anti-gay enough. The email was strategically leaked to the Associated Press:
"Isn't Thompson the candidate who is opposed to a Constitutional amendment to protect marriage, believes there should be 50 different definitions of marriage in the U.S., favors McCain-Feingold, won't talk at all about what he believes, and can't speak his way out of a paper bag on the campaign trail?" Dobson wrote.
"He has no passion, no zeal, and no apparent 'want to.' And yet he is apparently the Great Hope that burns in the breasts of many conservative Christians? Well, not for me, my brothers. Not for me!"
Dobson and other social conservatives want to amend the U.S. Constitution to bar gay marriage nationally. Thompson will "support a constitutional amendment that would prohibit states from imposing their gay marriage laws on other states"—which is already codified by the Defense of Marriage Act and falls short of their goal.
This is wonderful news. Dobson will not support Rudy Giuliani or vote for John McCain under "any circumstances." It will be very interesting to watch his position on Mitt Romney. Although the former Massachusetts governor panders to the social conservatives, there is historic animosity between the Mormons and evangelicals on key doctrinal issues. Social conservatives can casually embrace or reject political candidates on minor political positions. On the other hand, it would be quantum leap of faith for "born again" Christians to embrace a candidate who personally believes Jesus was born again in the 19th century and the Garden Eden was located in present-day Jackson County, Missouri.
More James Dobson HERE.
More Fred Thompson HERE.
Dobson Won't Support Thomspon [AP]
Did You Read? ...
Thompson is "Right with God" But Not Churchgoer [R20]
James Dobson: Just Say "No" to Giuliani [R20]
This is the One Photo the Republican Party ... [R20]
Anti-Gay Thompson (Finally) Launches Campaign [R20]
Dungy Sits Down with Anti-Gay Dr. James Dobson [R20]
Why Is Dungy Endorsing Anti-Gay Fundamentalists? [R20]
News: Rudy and McCain Court Anti-Gays [R20]
Giuliani: Pro-Gay Views "Not the Issue" [R20]
News: Giuliani's Not-So-Secret Plan [R20]
Hypocritical Gingrich Admits Affair [R20]
Falwell "Praises" Gingrich [R20]
Dobson Doesn't Have Time to "Cure" Haggard [R20]
Dobson on GOP Defeat [R20]
Blacks and Ex-Gays [R20]
"Ex-Gays" Refuse to Apologize [R20]
Ex Gays: Blacks Better Off Under Slavery [R20]
"Christians" Opposed to Obama [R20]
If, they don't support the "good old boy," who will they have left to endorse? I can't see their minions, sorry, fellow evangelicals voting for Mitt the Mormon and flip flopper.
Posted by: Luther | 20 September 2007 at 14:02
This is hilarious. Before Thompson entered the race, everyone talked about him like he was the great white hope. Apparently he isn't.
Posted by: tony d.. | 20 September 2007 at 16:03
So the Christian right wing hates Giuliani, hates McCain and hates Thompson? Who will they annoint, Huckabee?
Posted by: earl w. | 20 September 2007 at 16:06
While it is true that the evangelicals have their doctrinal differences with the Mormons, we have to remember that the evangelicals' first allegiance is not to doctrine, but to viciousness.
If Mitt Romney proves himself to be vicious enough, the evangelicals will vote for him, Mormon or not.
Posted by: Jim | 20 September 2007 at 23:33
"We have to remember that the evangelicals' first allegiance is not to doctrine, but to viciousness."
Touché.
Posted by: rod mccullom | 20 September 2007 at 23:41
This is rich. The Republicans are in total panic mode.
Posted by: derrick | 21 September 2007 at 06:57
Dobsonn almost said the "great white hope."
Posted by: derrick | 21 September 2007 at 07:49
Thompson is NOT the great white hope. This has become very obvious.
Posted by: greg g | 21 September 2007 at 08:11
I almost hate to agree with Dobson, but he has a point. Thompson has never really stood for anything and he is incredibly lazy.
Posted by: timothy | 21 September 2007 at 08:42
Thompson needs to quit now before he FULLY embarasses himself.
He should have stayed on Law and Order, and kept getting those $60K-$100K a week paychecks he was getting on the show..oh wait, he sucked at THAT also.
The Republicans are such a horrid mess of a group right now. It's like watching a train wreck happen..GLEEFULLY
Posted by: Ryan | 21 September 2007 at 11:38