MyDD :: Barack Obama ad "Christian family man."

Barack Obama ad "Christian family man."

by TomP, Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 01:11:59 PM EST

Senator Barack Obama has a new radio ad in South Carolina.

The ads says:

"It's Barack Obama time. A Christian family man, community organizer, civil rights lawyer, courageous legislator, and U.S. senator who's told the truth as a soldier for justice."

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/200 7/07/24/new-ad-calls-obama-soldier-for-j ustice/

It's just an ad, but one phrase jumped out at me: "A Christian family man."

It reminds me a bit of Harold Ford's senatorial campaign in 2006 in Tennessee. He also made a big deal about being a Christian. That also failed in a southern state.

More after the fold.

I don't want to make more out of this than it is. I understand all the leading contenders are Christians of one sort or another.

Certainly John Edwards makes no secret of the fact that his religious values inform his views regarding the dignity of all people and the need to do something about poverty in this nation. Hillary Clinton attended prayer breakfasts in the Senate.

I have no doubt that John Edwards is a good family man and Hillary Clinton is a good family woman. Both have and are raising children. John Edwards has young children and an young adult child. Hillary Clinton has a child who is an adult, but as a parent, you never are done. I have no doubt that both are loving and good parents and are devout in their faith. And they are Christians. But so far, neither has made advertisements to my knowledge trumpeting that they are Christians.

A "Christian family man" -- that's a new theme for a Democratic Presidential candidate. What does that really mean in the context of South Carolina culture? What is he trying to say? With $50 million or so raised, I am sure he has hired the top in advertising minds. The word choices likely are no accident.

He wants South Carolinians to know: (1) he is a Christian and (2) he is a family man.

Is this a subtle hit on Bill Clinton? Is Obama subtly referring to Lewinsky here? "Family men" stay at home and avoid sex with other women. Hmmm. What do you think?

I am not uncomfortable with Democrats talking about their religious beliefs. I am vaguely uncomfortable about this. It reminds me of Republican attempts to appropriate religion for political purposes, an action that some in the Christian tradition describe as idolatry, and others see as divisive. If a Republican made this ad and said he was a "Christian family man," I would make fun of it. Should I have a double standard for a Democrat?

In my view, God, if he or she exists, is not a Democrat or Republican. As being a "family man," I can think of many family men who don't cheat on their wives and raise their children, but who would be lousy presidents.

As one who was raised Catholic, but who is more Buddhist and agnostic than anything, I also have family values. I do not see that Christian family values are any different than my family values, except maybe Falwell's values, but I think he was not very Christian. I am a "family man" also. I have helped raise a wonderful daughter.

Should Presidential candidates have advertisements proclaiming that they are Christians? That they are family men? Do you like this?

Now I expect a few Obama supporters may love the ad and tell me how he is the new Reagan, but what about the rest of you. What do you think? If your candidate did it, would you like it?

Poll

Votes: 25
Results : Vote Link : Polls

Tags: Barack Obama (all tags)

Permalink :: 33 Comments :: Post a Comment

"Christian family man." (3.00 / 2)

I just don't think candidates need to advertise they are Christian.

by TomP on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 01:15:07 PM EST

Re: "Christian family man." (2.00 / 1)

Hillary supporters trying to say Obama is a muslim

Your outlandish smear record needs to be called out.

Hillary: We will finally have a president who doesn't mind pulling over and asking for directions. Am I right, ladies?

by areyouready on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 02:58:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "Christian family man." (none / 0)

I agree..I dont see nothing wrong in him saying he's a christian family man, specially when his rival tried to derail his campaign by telling folks he 's a muslim that went to a madrassa school.

by JaeHood on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 05:17:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack (none / 0)

I have no problem with it.

When I speak I have a southern drawl.. When you come down here Stop and say hello I'm an American from south of the Mason Dixon line

by lori on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 01:21:12 PM EST

Thanks. It should be (none / 0)

interesting to see how people view it.

by TomP on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 01:22:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thanks. It should be (none / 0)

Although I understand how akward it might be for others but Dems have decided to talk about their religion and it plays well in South carolina especially among the African American's there.

When I speak I have a southern drawl.. When you come down here Stop and say hello I'm an American from south of the Mason Dixon line

by lori on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 01:25:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "Christian family man." (3.00 / 1)

No more piety parades, please. (Matthew 6:5-6)

by KimPossible on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 01:24:35 PM EST

pushback against "he's a muslim" rumors (3.00 / 4)

I think it's appropriate to publicize his religion given his name and the attempts being made to confuse people about his religion.

by JoeCoaster on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 01:30:28 PM EST

pushback (none / 0)

Interesting. Maybe that is why he is doing it. I had not thought about that.

by TomP on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 01:31:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: pushback (3.00 / 1)

Not really. The ads are circulated among AA radio stations. Many are churchgoers. He's trying to appeal to them. I don't believe it has anything to do with 'muslism' stuff.

Hillary: We will finally have a president who doesn't mind pulling over and asking for directions. Am I right, ladies?

by areyouready on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 01:34:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: pushback (3.00 / 0)

I think it's both actually and throw in some of the family stuff to remind AA voters of his AA wife and AA kids lest there be any 'Call Me, Harold' type smear attempts...

by jg40 on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 01:45:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You don't know (none / 0)

how deep the "Muslim" thing has penetrated. Perhaps these are just people looking for an excuse not to vote for him, but there have been a lot of emails being forwarded around the country. It seems to be a problem especially among the older population... I've had a lot of seniors tell me they'd never "vote for a Muslim"

Never separate the life you live from the words you speak. -Sen. Paul Wellstone (Minnesota)

by Max Fletcher on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 02:39:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It's just pandering (1.00 / 0)

It's just pandering. Nothing wrong with that. Just point out for future reference when Obama supporters accuse Hillary of pandering.

Hillary: We will finally have a president who doesn't mind pulling over and asking for directions. Am I right, ladies?

by areyouready on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 01:33:38 PM EST

how old are u? (none / 0)

seriously? you make this site look juvenile and it just sucks because the site has some 'deep' patrons.

yuck.

by pmb on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 01:45:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's just pandering (none / 0)

areyouready, it seems like every time I read a diary, you've got at least two or three comments. How much time do you spend on MyDD?

There's nothing wrong with advocacy on behalf of your candidate, and there's nothing wrong with being active in the MyDD community. But sometimes the sheer volume of your comments and diaries is overwhelming.

Walberg Watch - Following Radical Conservative Rep. Tim Walberg in MI-07

by Fitzy on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 08:21:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama (none / 0)

It his a value that a lot of Black voters find important - and vote on - can you blame him for being who he is?

Bring Back MyDD - Just say No to Rec'ing Candidate Diaries.

by CardBoard on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 01:54:26 PM EST

Re: Barack Obama (3.00 / 1)

It is fine with me that he is Christian.

Do you think black voters find Christianity more important in choosing a president that white Americans?

My question is not about who he is. It is whether candidates should advertise that they are Christians. What does that say to people who are not Christian?

by TomP on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 02:13:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama (none / 0)

I think there's definitely some double standard there. Edwards gets hammered by that religion question, but I doubt they'll do the same to Obama.

Hillary: We will finally have a president who doesn't mind pulling over and asking for directions. Am I right, ladies?

by areyouready on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 02:16:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Barack Obama (none / 0)

I think there is a double standard - Black politics runs through the church for a large part - White politics (other than fundamentalists) does not... if you have been a part of any campaign with a black politician you know your sundays are spent going to 5 or 6 different Churches - the week is spent meeting with pastors - most of the community runs through the Christian paradigm. This may upset White America to see, but this is how politics is in Black America.

Bring Back MyDD - Just say No to Rec'ing Candidate Diaries.

by CardBoard on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 02:37:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Perhaps... (3.00 / 1)

...it has something to do with the fact that because of Fox News, etc., a fairly significant portion of casual media consumers still believe that Obama attended a radical terrorist training school.

That's reason enough for Obama to clarify his religion whenever the opportunity arises.

What's the Point?

by Vermonter on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 02:14:43 PM EST

I see where you are going, TomP, (3.00 / 1)

and Obama is a Christian and a Family Man. I know the church he frequents, because my mother belongs there. I am in the NW burbs, so I do not go to this church, but I am familiar with it. And whether ppl want to believe it or not, this does matter, especially in the Black Community. And these are the voters he is targeting. It does not bother me one iota, because as we all know, his religion is not and should not be the ONLY guide to decisions he will make for this country. We have had enough of that with George W. Bush. Talking to God? God telling him what to do? Let's be real here, anyone else would be sent for psychiatric evaluation. Really they would.

"I want my voice to be read"

by icebergslim on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 02:29:21 PM EST

I am not sure you do. (3.00 / 1)

It is the advertising of it.

I read his books and have no problems with his personal religious beliefs or the fact that his "values" are formed by his Christian faith. I have no problem with him talking about his faith if he must.

It is the overt advertisement that he is Christian that I am slightly uncomfortable with.
If a Republcian ran that ad, I would not like it.

by TomP on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 03:01:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

"SOLDIER FOR JUSTICE" (none / 0)

I'm more bothered by the characterization of him as "soldier for justice." Not sure why exactly, maybe it's just so corny...

I just get the image of Barack entering the stage at a debate and the announcer introducing him pro-wrestling style as 'Here comes Barack Obama, the Soldier for Justice!' (followed by some hard rock entrance music)

p.s. And I agree with an earlier poster that the "Christian family man" reference is just pushback against rumors that he's a Muslim. It's no big deal.

by End game on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 02:30:41 PM EST

Re: "SOLDIER FOR JUSTICE" (none / 0)

Yup, that one is weird.

Hillary: We will finally have a president who doesn't mind pulling over and asking for directions. Am I right, ladies?

by areyouready on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 02:35:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "SOLDIER FOR JUSTICE" (none / 0)

you are are trying to judge a community you know very little about - this is standard fair for outreaching to AA communities.

Bring Back MyDD - Just say No to Rec'ing Candidate Diaries.

by CardBoard on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 02:38:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

"Christian family man." (none / 0)

Is it that some want to exclude Christians and family men from the party?

Lets call it the Atheistic Single Guy party!

I'm so there... oh wait that is me...

Y'know this doesn't bother me at all.

by enarjay on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 02:38:00 PM EST

you've learned well from Edwards (1.00 / 3)

better to snipe at sad non-issues to undermine Obama, to Hillary's benefit, than make a genuine run for the nomination. Especially when your record is a running mockery of your newfound "convictions."

There's a difference. Hillary can drip crosses and do five rosaries every day, but nobody would ever believe it. Edwards has no perceived affiliation with religion at all beyond what his Southern accent would connote.

You're just pissed that Obama can pull it off, because his track record doesn't contradict his campaign pitch.

Thanks for the concern trolling. Now get back to haplessly trying to salvage Edwards' campaign.

by jforshaw on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 03:08:31 PM EST

You are both factually (none / 0)

wrong and obnoxious in your comment insulting me.

Edwards and Clinton are Christians and their lives reflect it. How dare you doubt the faith of others? Only God may judge that.

I knew there would be a few hard-core Obama followers who would attack.

You well deserve a zero but I practiced Christian compassion and gave you a "1."

by TomP on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 03:27:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

"Christian family man." (none / 0)

1. Harold Ford was expected to do worse if I recall

2. Republicans don't have a copyright for religion in politics. If you pay attention, you might think they do. Obama is just fighting back. You can be a proud Christian and be liberal. That's all there is to this. You reading into it like "He's pounding religion into our faces" etc. etc. are just overlooking the obvious.

3. Going back to Harold Ford, he was pounding in the Christian image to blur/hide the playboy party he went to or whatever. Obama is doing it to show you can be a liberal and Christian.

by JeremiahTheMessiah on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 05:03:49 PM EST

I have absolutely NO problem with the Ad (none / 0)

He's advertising in South Carolina. Very religious territory. It's aimed towards the Black community. Nothing wrong with the ad.

by rikyrah on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 05:24:40 PM EST

Wouldn't it be nice? (3.00 / 3)

United States Constitution, Article VI

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.

Wouldn't it be nice if candidates could say, "My religious beliefs are my own business. Isn't it great that we have a country with a Constitution which shows that to us and everyone else in the world?"

Treaty of Peace and Friendship, signed at Tripoli November 4, 1796 (3 Ramada I, A. H. 1211), and at Algiers January 3, 1797 (4 Rajab, A. H. 1211). Original in Arabic. Submitted to the Senate May 29, 1797. (Message of May 26, 1797.) Resolution of advice and consent June 7, 1797. Ratified by the United States June 10, 1797

ARTICLE 11.

As the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion,-as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Musselmen,-and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.

543,895 votes

by Michael Bersin on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 06:34:52 PM EST

Re: Wouldn't it be nice? (none / 0)

Some people look at more than the issues. Religion isn't a part of the issues, but Obama is showing his character and style here. Republicans don't have a copyright on religion. We're breaking the stronghold they've had on Christian = Republican.

by JeremiahTheMessiah on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 07:06:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Wouldn't it be nice? (3.00 / 2)

Some people look at more than the issues. Religion isn't a part of the issues, but Obama is showing his character and style here. Republicans don't have a copyright on religion. We're breaking the stronghold they've had on Christian = Republican.

And if someone isn't a believer, isn't this conversation telling them, "You are not one of us"?

543,895 votes

by Michael Bersin on Wed Jul 25, 2007 at 08:08:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

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