Dobson whacks McCain, says he can't vote for him
James Dobson, a key leader among social conservatives, has stayed away from endorsing a Republican candidate.
But on a conservative radio talk show today, he delivered what amounts to an anti-endorsement of John McCain, the GOP front-runner in the polls who could become the de facto nominee today.
Mitt Romney's campaign highlighted the remarks by Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, in which said he could not vote for McCain as "a matter of conscience."
"I'm deeply disappointed the Republican Party seems poised to select a nominee who did not support a constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage, who voted for embryonic stem cell research to kill nascent human beings, who opposed tax cuts that ended the marriage penalty, and who has little regard for freedom of speech, who organized the Gang of 14 to preserve filibusters, and has a legendary temper and often uses foul and obscene language," Dobson said on the "Laura Ingraham" show.
"I am convinced Sen. McCain is not a conservative, and in fact, has gone out of his way to stick his thumb in the eyes of those who are. He has at times sounded more like a member of the other party."
Dobson goes on to cite McCain's flirtation with leaving the GOP in 2001 and with becoming Democrat John F. Kerry's running mate in 2004, and his remarks praising Democrat Hillary Clinton. "Given these and many other concerns, a spoonful of sugar does not make the medicine go down," Dobson said. "I cannot, and I will not vote for Sen. John McCain, as a matter of conscience."
Dobson said if McCain is the nominee, "I believe this general election will offer the worst choices for president in my lifetime," and he "simply will not cast a ballot for president for the first time in my life."
"These decisions are my personal views and do not represent the organization with which I'm affiliated," Dobson said. "They do reflect, however, my deeply held convictions about the institution of the family, about moral and spiritual beliefs, and about the welfare of our country."
Dr. Dobson insulted and demeaned the best chance we had for a fine, conservative president. Fred Thompson. Now Dobson is whining.
What an American! Great model for our youth!
What happened to the separation of church and state?
Perfect. I am in the same corner as a great Christian leader. I will not be casting a vote for John McCain at any time in my life.
Hey, Dobson, the American people have rebuked your politics thanks to George Bush.
Sorry.
Keep your vote "pastor", sit it out. Regardless of who is in the White House, you should poise yourself to pray for your leader. Typical self righteous "christians". I wonder how many of his members who he profits from on a weekly basis act like the "other party". The "other party" people support your habits pastor. If I could be a fly on the Dobson wall for a day. Do you think that Bush was a righteous man? A man of honor? A man that raised his hands to praise his god. A man that sought his god for guidance? There is no man to occupy the white house who has a shred of honor. Most of us are aware of that fact. So now we are all stuck with attempting to elect anyone that will hurt "Americans" the least. You are obligated to vote Mr. Self Righteous. So all you so called "christians" who follow this "pastor", whine and sit it out, but try not complain for the next four years!!!
I couldn't agree more!! Dr. Dobson is 100% correct!!
I'm soooo grateful he made his voice heard - a man truly to be respected and admired! It's sad we don't have more like him who will stand up and speak for what is good for the nation and its people.
May God continue to bless him and the USA!
I agree totally with Dr. Dobson.
I will not vote also for the first time ever in my life if McCain gets the nomination.
As an Evangelical Christian, I am appalled at the statements of Dr. Dobson. His whining and spoiled, control-freakish attitude is hopefully causing his influence to grow less and less. I am saddened for this seemingly joyless over-politicized populist who likes to consider himself the moral high ground, when really he's just a bitter controlling guy. I am equally saddened by the minions who blindly follow him, just because he wears the label "Evangelical." Since when did Christians check their brains at the door? Yet, there are many who have, and who have given control of their thoughts and attitudes to Dobson and his likes....I pray for our nation, and for all of us to use our God-given discernment to see through the likes of the Dobsons and his cronies who just want money and control.
Just a side note Dr. Dobson is NOT a PASTOR. It's one of my pet peeves.
And he still prays for the leader of the country, he hust doesn't want McCain, and he's not saying he's not going to vote
How about an endoresement for Gov. Mike Huckabee. You say what you don't want. Why don't you say what you do want. Mike Huckabee aligns with your values yet you remain silent. I'm so dissapointed in James Dobson. He expects everyone to rally to the cause when it is his agenda but is remaining silent when we have a great chance for Mike Huckabee to be our next president. I have to wonder what his motives are???
If everyone takes the attitude of James Dobson, the Democrats would win by default and that would be a disaster. Let’s rally together for John McCain! Nobody is perfect. But he is now the best choice for Commander in Chief. I have a lot of respect for him.
It sure is a shame that these so called leaders will spend millions of dollars to get in an office that pays pennies in comparison. I personally value Dr. Dobson's opinion and will vote accordingly.
Since when does freedom of speech become a demeaning whoa?
See how he was taken out of context, as I will have to vote for the lesser of two evils if it comes to that. God Bless America
Kristin -- Dr. Dobson is not a pastor, he's a Psychologist. I'm surprized you don't even know who he is.
Let's be real John Mc Cain is a great american hero, a fine and rational human being a Christian Conservative that may not agree with everything Dr Dobson or any other conservative says. I listen to Dr Dobson and I find him passionate and helpful and on target with family health but rather inconsiderate and intolerant when passing judgements on his fellow Christian brother who does not agree with him in every point. This is so obviously petty and personal (stemming from 2000 Falwell remarks) that Dr Dobson looses a chance to help his listeners make a wise altruistic choice to bring a man who can unite reasonable Democrats and Republicans alike.
Only way I'd vote for McCain is if he picks Huckabee for his VP. I don't have too vote, we don't really have a decent choice this time.
I remember when he was running against Bush years ago he On the eve of primaries in Virginia and Washington, John McCain ripped into Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell y as ``agents of intolerance'' who ``shame our faith, our party and our country.
I wonder if McCain remembers that.
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