President Obama?

John Armstrong sees presidential potential in Barack Obama.  Interesting.

Does Obama have these qualities of real leadership?  We will find out if he runs for president, or at least I hope we do.  He has a lot to offer to a nation that hungers for a new kind of leadership.

Comments

[Trevin Wax]

The Democrats need someone different to rally around. Obama may just be the guy they're looking for. It wouldn't surprise me to see him win the presidency one day, mainly on the strength of his charisma (not ideas).

[Travis Hilton]

So Steve, what is Obama's record? Is he pro-life? Where does he stand on family issues?

[Paul Schafer]

Here in Texas, the name of the person matters for the Governor race. A good sounding name gets votes. You got Rick Perry, Chris Bell and the two independents, Kinky Friedman (got his nickname kinky on the ballot) and Carolyn Strayhorn (she wants to be called Grandma on the ballot). The names matter for voters.
Do you think the name Barack Obama would hurt or help him when the national president race?
Steve, did his name help him in your state of Illinois?

[Steve McCoy]

Travis, it should be pretty easy for you to Google all you want to know about Obama.

Paul, I don't know.

[Travis Hilton]

Oh, thank you for pointing me in the right direction! I had never heard of google before. Let me ask another way, do you care how Obama fairs on pro-life and family issues?

[TJL]

travis...relax dude. i think the point was made clear by steve (e.g. "find out for yourself."). it was just an observation of what j. armstrong said. either way, here in NJ we're dealing with gay marriage, corruption, etc. at this point in the "game" 1 tim. 2:1-2 makes more sense than ever.

[Travis Hilton]

TJL- Dude, I couldn't be more relaxed. I'm not picking on Steve, just asking a question on issues on which you apparently have the same concerns. Steve and I go way back in blogland. I get on his nerves sometimes, but I think we both extend grace to each other when needed.

Sorry about the situation in NJ.

[Steve McCoy]

THilton (that's what I call you when you are getting on my nerves ;) ),

Sure I care what Obama believes. Wouldn't you assume so? But TJL is right; I'm just pointing to Armstrong's post. Not trying to make a political point either way other than it's nice to see that a real Christian doesn't think Obama is the anti-christ.

You're welcome on the Google "heads up." It's a great search engine and should help you navigate the internet.

[Joe Thorn]

But Steve - how do you feel about his view on abortion? I mean, who cares about war, poverty, justice and the other issues. What do you think of Obama's position on abortion? It is the only relevant question a Christian can ask about a candidate. That, and "Is he gay?"

[Trevin Wax]

Abortion isn't the only issue that's important, but it used to be one of those issues that tells you a lot about the candidate's worldview. It used to be that if the candidate was pro-life, you could bet that he/she was conservative on a host of other "life" issues.

Now, that's no longer the case. The Republicans have figured out that throwing the "pro-life" bone to the religious base will keep evangelicals voting their way. Meanwhile, there's a lot of talk, but not a lot of progress going on in actual pro-life legislation.

It's going to be interesting in '08. It could be that we have two candidates who are both liberal on social issues (abortion, gay marriage). If that happens, Christians are going to have to *gasp* think!

[Ted Gossard]

Steve, Thanks. I like your senator.

I'm ready to vote for a pro-choice democrat like Obama, who would express the goal of addressing root issues behind abortion, and work to minimize or negate them altogether, over a republican who pays lip service to pro-life yet does nothing about it.

We need a heart change in this country. And not a mere overturning of Roe v Wade.

[cavman]

The most effective Presidents have had experience as Governors, or something like that. Making laws is not really leadership... though some legislators are good leaders.
He's got looks, charisma, style, and isn't a screamer like Dean or Gore. Sadly, that is most of what it is about to get elected. Being a good President is something else.

[Travis Hilton]

Excuse me, Joe & Steve, I'm just a tool for the Republican Party. I believe whatever they say, no questions asked. I really don't care about anything but two issues. Maybe you're right Joe, maybe the Democrats really do care more about justice and defending the innocent. I mean, who could be more innocent than an unborn child. But, who am I to say? I'm just a non-thinking stooge for the religious right. Let's give Obama a chance and not question his record. After all, he has charisma.

[Steve McCoy]

Travis, who here isn't questioning his record? Who is only fawning at his charisma? Beware of doing exactly what you hate when others do it to you. That almost sounds biblical.

If you are a one issue voter, that's cool. Do what you think is best. Others look at the issues differently, and I think that can be a good thing too.

[marc]

Going in a slightly different direction, I think that part of the fascination with Obama is that he seems like the kind of guy who can bring the country together. It is the same reason why so many of us like John McCain and Colin Powell. Frankly, I think we are yearning to lose our cynicism and allow someone to inspire us again. Race is part of the equation for sure, but mostly in the sense in having someone who can demonstrate that we are truly a changed nation, no longer living the shame of our past.

[Travis Hilton]

Steve,

I'm not a one issue voter. There are a variety of things I beleive we must review in any given candidate. (Family issues and pro-life is plural- meaning many issues, btw) I just happen to bring out those first because they are still a fairly reliable measure of where a candidate may stand on other issues. I don't think any analysis is full-proof. It still can reflect what kind of decisions will be made in the future. For instance, what kind of justice will be approved for the Supreme Court? The philosophical view of the candidate needs to always be examined. For instance, how will he interpret the Constitution? I'm concerned about issues on the war and poverty as well. Maybe I asked that question first just to have Joe chime in and mock me. He's good at that.

[Steve McCoy]

Travis, you are 100% mockable. :) Thanks for your thoughts.

[Joe Thorn]

Travis,

All kidding aside. You only seem to show up here when you want to argue about something. I never see you show up to engage in conversation unless you want to take issue with some Steve has said (real or imagined).

In this case Steve suggests that his readers check out Armstrong's post on Obama. He said it was "interesting." Then you seem to want to call Steve out on his political views. ???

I have a hard time believing that you would have a engaged at all here had he posted a link to a Christian arguing for the election of a Republican candidate, or a candidate that was against abortion.

Sincerely Travis - you should stay off the internet. You are much more personable and reasonable in person. Online you... well you come off a lot different.

[Travis Hilton]

Joe,

We all seem much nicer in person, don't we?

I think you have a short memory, my friend. If there is any way that you can pull up my comments on your blog in the past couple of years, weigh what I have said and then tell me whether your acessment is accurate.

As for Steve's blog, we have known to be at odds on several issues. He has visited my blog and knows I have been fair with him in a particular dialgue. As a matter of fact, I have defended him in the recent past. In a discussion on alcohol right here a couple of weeks ago, I thought I was fair in my presentation. I held off continuing the discussion when I thought it was innappropriate.

Joe, I was not trying to corner Steve on his political views. I was genuinely curious where he stood. I hear all this talk about Christians being too political and I wanted to know how people like Steve think about these issues. That's all.

Quite honestly, Joe, your recommendation for me to "leave the internet" is beyound the beyond the pail. I post very few comments to begin with. If I recall, you left a drive-by comment on my blog a while back. Do recall how I responded? Please and will not accept you

[Travis Hilton]

Please remove "beyound"

[Travis Hilton]

Alright, I'm having trouble thinking because my kids are distracting me. That last sentence makes no sense and I don't think it really matters to you anyway. Joe, maybe you should have conversations with which you agree.

[Joe Thorn]

Travis,

I was referring to how and when you show up on Steve's blog. Perhaps it is not an internet issue, but a blog-specific issue. At any rate, I would venture to guess that others would agree your presence here comes off as contentious. I could be wrong.

Here's the thing. If you would have come here and said, "I hear all this talk about Christians being too political and I wanted to know how people like Steve think about these issues." That would have been more well received. At least it would have come off as genuinely interested. But as it is, you came in and said, "...do you care how Obama fairs on pro-life and family issues?"

Why would you not give the benefit of the doubt? I don't know a Christian of any stripe who does not care how a candidate stands on the issue of abortion.

Concerning the rest of your comments; I could not understand them. :)

[Benji Ramsaur]

I have to admit I like him. I have seen him interviewed twice and he is thoughtful, articulate, and does not seem to have an axe to grind. If he were conservative I think he would destroy anyone else. But since I don't think he is I probably will not vote for him. Great demeanor though.

[Chris W]

Didn't do my homework - didn't read the article. Dog ate it.

BUT...

I've seen an intriguing ticket suggested:
Powell/Obama '08

[jthomas899]

Seems like there are assumptions on both sides:

Republicans don't care about the poor, or justice. I am a Republican and I care about the poor, and other social issues.

Democrats don't care about the unborn. Several in my church are democrats and do care about the abortion issue.

[Dustin]

I may be the most liberal person here, politically, and yet I still see many generalizations on both sides of the aisle. For instance, on the Republican side, I find it hard to believe that their concern is for the sanctity of human life, because to me that would mean ALL human life. Yet, many have stood behind the President as he pushes through legislation which allows him to define what torture is and is not.

Then, you have the Democrats who are champions for the poor, in so far as they desire to keep the programs which aid them going and perpetuate the system that creates it. They do not want to see a solution to the issue of poverty--rather they simply want to continually prop up a program which is failing.

Each side has its own bugaboos and thorns which crop up at the worst of times. I think what is so refreshing about Obama, to me at least, is that he doesn't seem to be tainted by all that, which is why I think he stands a better chance in '08, rather than 2012.

[Joe Thorn]

I have not made any generalization about either party, but I did make a joke about some people not caring about more than one issue. I think both parties are unsuitable companions for the church of Jesus Christ.

[Joe Kennedy]

Jeff, Dustin, and Joe: exactly. Why this wasn't said about 20 comments ago, I don't know.

[jthomas899]

Joe, I didn't have you in mind. I have friends on both sides. I have a republican tax accessor in my church, my secertary used to work in D.C. for Sen. Wilbur Mills and David Pryor.

My hope for America doesn't rise or fall based on who is in hospital. I most definitely agree that neither part has a lock on Jesus.

I read Armstrong's article and found it refreshing. The problem line is I doubt I would vote for him since he and I have different views on how govt should work.

Jeff

[Joe Thorn]

Thanks for clarifying Jeff - my bad. And fair words here.

[bjnotbk]

Interesting topic Steve which brings up a great question….how involved should Christians/the church be when it comes to politics and or government?

I am currently teaching from the book of Acts, chapter 4 and found the apostle’s response to the politics and the government very interesting. Every time the apostles preached the gospel they were harassed, beaten, threatened, imprisoned even given an order to not preach in the name of Jesus any more. What was there response?

Instead of praying for God to fill the Sanhedrin with godly leaders, instead of encouraging others to vote, they continued to preach the gospel. The apostles knew that Jerusalem didn’t need another political leader, a new direction, new laws, Jerusalem needed a change of heart, a revival, repentance and forgiveness, the Holy Spirit. Jerusalem needed the same thing that the world needs today, Jesus.

More and more I see a common theme among the “church” today and it looks something like this…. “If we can only hire a dynamic pastor then our church will grow. If we can only get an evangelist then…If we could only elect godly leaders then this country would turn around.”

I wonder if Satan isn’t using our two party system as a means of dividing the church and diverting our attention away from the most critical mandate period….sharing the Gospel.

While we should never shun our civic duties we should always make sure of our focus.

[Martin]

I think one only needs to recall Alan Keye's race against Obama for Senate. You may not like Keye's rhetoric - his points of difference with the Senator he called Obama's "Obaminations". I thought that Keye's was right about how little leadership is really coming out of obama... more rehashed liberalism.

Personally, I think the buzz about the man's running for President is a sophistry, a red herring to see how that message "flies" with the press and the people.

I'm struck by John Armstrong's sense of charity and willingness to think the best of someone.

Democrats are now in full Jesus mode since their consultants told them it sells with people.

They'd be wearing bells on their shoes and pointy purple and red court jester hats as readily if they thought it would get votes.

[christian]

thought it was interesting that armstrong got something from obama's conversion story. i found his conversion story (ie. commitment to his religion)uncompelling