David,
I totally agree. I hope that these little snafus go away quickly and we get to go back to what really matters in this election. We want the media and candidates focused on what really matters not this smut.

And BTW...gas has gone down here in Georgia. It is $3.89 here..woo hoo! LOL

Cindy...Ga.

Well said; historians will say that the VP has little influence on an election, however, I truly believe this year will be different. Due to McCain's age and Obama's lack of experience, lack of military background and lack of foreign policy experience, the VP selections will be crucial. I believe that McCain and Obama need to select their candidates as soon as possible. Waiting until the conventions will be death. The first person to present a team approach that captures the middle will win come fall. The sooner McCain stands alongside a strapping VP like Bloomberg, he will deliver the first blow. The sooner Obama stands alongside his VP, he will be able to remove Michelle Obama from center stage and start capturing the middle. Hurry up, it's getting late.

Mr Dobson. I suggest you get all your religious answers from George Carlin

Well, well, well. . .

Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black!!! From the article:
"Dobson said Obama should not be referencing antiquated dietary codes and passages from the Old Testament that are no longer relevant to the teachings of the New Testament."

And what about "antiquated codes" about homosexuality, women's right to choose. . .etc.? Oh, I'm so sorry - I forgot that Dobson and his ilk have the God-given right to interpret everything exactly as THEY see fit. WE don't!!!

When will this country ever learn the "separation of church and state" rule? What has the Bible got to do with running a country. I grew up a Catholic and saw through that hocus-pocus when I was a 12 year old altar boy. Happiest day in my life was when I got religion out of my life. Have enjoyed 60 years of peace of mind and not fear of going to hell. By the way, where is heaven and hell? I am still wondering!

Personally, Dobson should stop mixing politics and religion, or perhaps he has forgotten Jesus's warning 'to render unto Ceasar that which is Ceasar's and unto God that which is God's'. I'm personally sick to death of the listening to endless diatribes for the religious right telling the rest of us what to believe..it is downright un-American. As for Rove, I expect at some point he;ll be charged and pardoned..and Black ENOUGH.

Whenever the Dems pull ahead in the polls be ready for the Christian Right low blow!

Let's face it, it's easier for the media to focus on well know figures as composites for entire groups of people (Dobson = evangelicals; Rove = Core Republicans). It simplifies the message into one, albeit exaggerated, messenger.

Unfortunately, it is a complete disservice to the citizens of this country, and reinforces the indentity politics that have distracted this nation from progress.

You hit the nail on the head, Mr. Gergen. The media needs to pass these moments up. CNN having it as the main story of its home page is no exception. It reinforces our stalemate.

David,

I enjoyed your blog. Unfortunately the GOP, and I've often voted along with them, are becoming the shrill, white, intolerant party once made famous by a speech during the 1992 GOP convention by Pat Buchanan. There's no denying that this is the year of change and Obama is one of the most articulate and intelligent presidential candidates that we've had in a very long time. Meanwhile John McCain is certainly a hero however, like Bob Dole before him, he looks a bit feeble at times, and certainly is too old for the job given the many messes being left by President Bush & Co.

I look forward to the contest but I'm already thinking ahead to a President Obama.

Thank you for that, I agree completely. I don't believe all arguments disassociated with policy are necessarily arbitrary, some arguments do make a point that voters need to know. However, Charlie Black making a to-do about the Old Testament is ridiculous and Karl Rove's ignorant remarks about Obama's "elitism" are just results of vaguely noteworthy people wanting their fifteen minutes in this election.
Regardless, they are out there and whether or not Black wants to admit it, Obama's statements about the bible were correct. As well, I doubt Rove eats at Burger King and hangs out at the B-Ball court in his free time.

Adage reminds us that "we become like our enemies" The US is quickly becoming a religious state – politically and corporately. I think Obama offers some hope that this trend will be reversed.

That article from James Dobson is laughable considering his interpretation of the Bible which is bizarre at best. They use Old Testament writing all the time to validate their bigotry.
Someone needs to tell Mr. Dobson GLASS HOUSES!

Some time ago Lou Dobbs commented that it seemed the media was giving Hillary Clinton a raw deal in that they had given Obama more air time than Hillary ( I am paraphrasing his comments). Now it seems that the media is giving McCain more air time, and when not so doing, is giving a pass to McCain on controversial issues. Today it seemed that the Imus-Pacman Jones story received way more coverage than did the McCain-Black comments–as it is soo much more important? As Queen Noor once commented that she is so amazed at how the American public and press put so much emphasis on celebrities and their stories than on what really matters in the world! (I am paraphrasing her comments also.) You press folks really can do a better job!

In all fairness, it's not like Dr. Dobson was not provoked. He had a legitimate reason to respond to this particular speech. Sen. Obama called Dr. Dobson out by name and compared him to Rev. Al Sharpton. I don't blame him one bit for responding.

The U.S. Stock market is in a power dive. I don't know what is causing a lack of confidence in others, but I'm not buying a home, car or anything in America as long as people persist in this ignorant "Yes we can" nonsense. If Obama gets in with his mouth, America will shortly become a third-world nation due to internal strife and lack of investor confidence. Like those who elected Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe, people will soon wish they had stayed away from this charismatic puffer of magical smoke.

Can someone tell this moron to read his bible and stay out of politics please.

David,

The idealist in me hopes for the same, but, for many if not most, the controversy is what puts up the competition necessary to warrant a departure from "Celebrity Circus" or whatever other junk people are addicted to on their flat screens. Issues? That would require people to care about something besides personal entertainment.

I think I was born in the wrong decade.

Adam
Murray, KY

Dr Dobson is wrong,
Here's why, in the pulpit it's easy to spout your views, i'm sure everytime he utters a word people are in his audience nodding their heads up and down, because like Obama, Dobson doesn't agree agree with abortion either. He's a preacher not a politician. Comparing these 2 occupation is like comparing apples and oranges, a preacher represents 1 group, a politician or president all groups. As a christian who hates abortion and think that it's wrong, my comment to James is, God gave every human the ability to make their own choice. Their is nothing we can do to stop them from making it.

In referencing Obama's "confused theology", I challenge Mr. Dobson's confused theology.
Over the years, I have heard some very different interpretations of the Bible. As a matter of fact, I would prefer a re-editting of the bible to include some of the books that were not included in the current versions. Like the DEAD SEA SCROLLS! I believe that the selection committee that compiled the Bible, in the 14th century, did so with a purpose. That purpose was to tell only the parts of the story that they could use to control the congegation. That was before more than 3 percent of the world population could read. Now that most of the population is educated to some degree, the pulpet pounding falls on a questioning congregation that can ask and will ask questions. Blind faith is a thing of the past!

I agree the Black, Rove and Dobson 'issues' really aren't issues at all and the only thing that makes them "newsworthy" is that they show what the GOP's mindset is regarding the election and the electorate, which is nothing more than a continuation of the same sanctimonious ,self- serving and ultimately hypocritical tactics they have employed for many years. Let's hope this year the people are finally wise to their ultimately meaningless distractions.

It is "the press" – including, alas, CNN – that whips up these storms and then beats them to death. Dobson is entitled to his views; Rove has done his damage and is thankfully retired. There's no need to give such talking heads free publicity at the expense of verbatim statements from the candidates themselves.

The campaign from the Religious Right to sell fear has begun in earnest. The suggestion that Obama is "twisting" the Bible is crudely designed for the Republican "base" (pun intended) to whip up their prejudices and get them to turn out. Besides, what could be more twisted than admiring a man of color (like Christ)?? I'm just surprised he hasn't been called the the Devil.....yet.

I think that Dobson was right on target. Yes, gas prices and food prices are the worst ever. People are really struggling. money and food is not going to help anyone. God is!! When will America see that if this country continues to ignore the principles that we were founded on, the Bible and God, we will never be a properous nation. If we continue pushing God out of schools and out of places where our founding Fathers placed them because some seem to think that it is "offensive," then our country will certainly come to ruin.............read the Bible, that is what God says will happen. We continue to kill unborn babies, gay marriages, etc, and allow so much that is far from what the "interpretations" of freedoms that our founding fathers would have wanted. They were Christian men who set this country in motion founded on religious beliefs. So why are we straying so far from that now? If you don't read the Bible from cover to cover and make an attempt to understand it, then you shouldn't try to take things out of context. That is what Obama and now sadly many other Obama supports are doing. I wouldn't want a President who thinks these things about the Word of God. The thing that is so important to me. That is God breathed and is my food and water every day. It is my sincere prayer that this counrty opens their eyes and sees the Truth for what is really is before it is too late. A concerned but NOT angry Christian. : (

I can't understand why any news organization would give James Dobson the time of day. Leave it to conservative, read fundamentalist, Christians to jump on anything that might compromise their narrow and distorted biblical interpretations. Rantings like these should stay where they belong, outside the public eye.

Rich... Oregon

These are the trademarks of a neocon religion, war and slander.

Dobson = religion
Black = war
Rove = slander

All this = a screwed up America.

Yeah, I agree with David Gergen. I believe there should be less sensationalizing and more serious discussion of vital issues. I think James Dobson would contribute far more by starting a discussion of the morality of killing people we did not have to kill, as in Iraq. And whether it is morally defensible to perpetuate a system that provides health care only to people who are wealthy or lucky enough to have the right job. I am a Christian and I am embarassed when people like Dobson pretend to speak for me when they espouse positions that are fundamentally immoral.

Focus on the issues. That headline about Dobson was almost an imbarresment CNN!!! Obama was right!!!! And I'm a Lutheran. Focus on the issues!!! There is soooo much personal stuff Obama could hit McCain with its not funny and he's being a real gentleman. Take a look at Obama vs McCain energy package. Put them side by side. Obama's is for the American people and the future. McCain's is again for big oil companies. Just like all the other issues. American middle class vs oil. We have had 8 years of big oil and corporate control–time to change!! Nothing more to say!

You know what would be nice? Um, a link to or discussion of those issues that you are afraid will be lost to others. Hmm, who could do something like that? CNN? Maybe you, David Gergen in your blog post since you are political corresponsdent? Nothing like complaining about something that you have the power and job to do, but clearly have chosen not to. Too bad there's no one around to, you know, actually cover the news at a news organization. If you can't get around to blogging about it, how about if you bring it up when you're on the air?

What happend to the separation of church and state? We're not voting for a paster or priest, we're voting for a president. Religion should NOT be an issue in this or any election!

Dobson gives Christianity a bad name. He is the fruitcake. Unfortunately, his wacko comments make all of us Christians look like we're from another planet. It gets pretty tiring.

David: I notice you want those "snafu's " go away for those three right wing thugs, but you welcome all the mud that is thrown against any one of the Democrats. I notice most of the networks are bombarding Obama every day, but rarely do I see anything against McCain. But I think the American people are wising up to your dirty news.
Stan Yelm Wa

David:

You are certainly well connected enough to know that comments like James Dobson's are no accident. They are calculated to take public attention away from a discussion of energy policy, education, social security, health care, and the war in Iraq – all issues the vast majority of voters believe Republicans have done a miserable job on.

In the past we have had politicians try to distract voters with flag burning amendments, the Pledge of Allegiance, "Mediscare", U.N. command of American Troops, immigration, and of course if all else fail you can always bash homosexuals.

I have a funny feeling Jame Dobson is just test driving the Republican's latest wedge issue to see if it gets any traction. If it blows up in their face there isn't anything lost, after all what can you expect from someone like James Dobson? If the focus group shows it is working, it will be on Sean Hannity's show by the end of the week.

Henry Drummond
Dayton, Tenn.

If we never heard from all three of these guys again, I would throw a party.

Politics should be about real issues, not soundbites from them.

I agree. The trouble is there is such a fine line between news and enterainment in so many places. We need campaign and electoral reform to get our elections out of this three ring circus.

KC MO

On the contrary, I want to see people like Dobson keep opening their mouths. They should remember an old saying: "It's better to keep one's mouth shut and be thought a fool, than to open one's mouth and confirm it."

Dobson won't remember that one.

He keeps telling us we non-believers don't know the Bible (which turns out to not be true; I was a Christian once), and when we prove we do, he tells us we're distorting it. Which one is it, James? When we come across stories in the Bible that you insist are literally true and criticize them, we're distorting the Bible?

Why do you think rational people are leaving the religion?

He thinks he's making McCain look good by saying these things. Oh, he says he won't vote for McCain, but who is he kidding? Not me.

Remember the adage in the first paragraph, James. You'll be glad you did.

I would add, too, that in its discussion of some of the above mentioned issues, particularly the more controversial, often the media allows only the two most opposing points of view, perhaps because it makes for more interesting television, rather than including voices that might represent the middle ground or a third way.

For example, not all Christians, including those who would identify as Evangelicals, espouse the views of Mr. Dobson, or for that matter, of Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council on a broad number of issues. When issues like teen pregnancy, the war, pro-life, or the role of religion in politics comes up on AC360 or any other program, I hope there may be a broad range of voices heard instead of only "the Christian right" or the far left.

David, I completely agree. I actually responded to your comment on the live-blog last night with basically the same sentiment you've posted here. Unfortunately, though both of us may hope that minor controversies stop pushing the bigger issues out of the headlines, I know they won't. Ever.

This is how news works now–with regard to the 24-hour cable networks anyway. It's all about controversy, tapping into people's sense of outrage, and outright sensationalism. Sure, paid sick leave is important, but tell me, where's the pizzazz? Feet showing up on a beach, teenagers maybe or maybe not pacting to get pregnant, and Don Imus once again opening his big mouth to say something racial? That's good TV!

Of course, we can't completely blame the media. Just look at the number of comments the flare-up stories get versus those based on actual issues. Last week's post on Boumediene v. Bush wasn't exactly hopping. Our friends in the media have a responsibility to stop feeding us junk over substantial news (something the soldiers fighting the two wars that no one talks about anymore would probably appreciate), but ultimately when it comes to a story's staying power, ratings rule and if we watch junk, we can look forward to more junk in the future.

What utter nonsense. James Dobson, self appointed keeper of things religious, is an irrelevant demagogue. So-called religious leader should focus on their core values and keep their political beliefs off the table.

I agree as well David. And an issue I hope we don't lose sight of in the midst of all these distractions is ...The FISA Compromise...if you can call that a compromise! It seems the Dems have given up so much... to gain so little! One has to wonder what "dark secrets' are the DEMs in Congress hiding from the public.

It just makes you loose trust with the lot of them- DEMS and RePub and politions as a whole. Now, we have no right to privacy...seem dictorial to me!

Dobson want some publicity- he needs everyone to pay attention to him!
Let's hear more facts and a lot less opinions.
China will be a huge issue...economically and militarily!
More dangerous than even the terrorist

David,

Yes, I agree, as well. And as a resident of Colorado Springs where Mr. Dobson radiates his messages from, I can tell you that many of us are angry, really angry, with the media attention that he has somehow been given. Why? What difference does his criticism make to mainstream America and with the past scandals (Haggard, et al) why would anyone care what he has to say?
This too, shall pass. Soon, I hope.

Barry...Agree with everything you said-

Am also bothered when religious leaders inject themselves in politics!

Amy..Are you for real? What silly comments! God does not micro manage our lives- God helps those who helps themselves.

LEAVE GOD OUT OF OUR POLITICS!!

Karl Rove needs to go to Capitol Hill, be sworn in and testify before Congress. Hopefully that will keep him busy for a while

Black needs to be fired. His past activities and this comment should be enough for Senator McCain to fire him. If he keeps him he is probably doing Senator Obama a favor.

Mr. Dobson needs prayer.

The candidates need to stick to the issues which are more important to the American people.

Who looks and sounds more like a 'fruitcake', Obama or Dobson?
Thank God we don't have to listen to Dobson's voice very often. It sounds like strained juice.

As most people point out here, CNN should have probably made this a short quip that one would have to read by following a few links. As a person that is training in Christian theology and working toward a fuller and more wholesome understanding of God in the world, Dobson is fraudulent in his claims and at risk spiritually for his unchristian behavior. CNN, please give us a break from this man in the future.

amy and dobson are both dangerous fools who had better learn that religion is a cancer for the entire world that should have been buried centuries ago. now, religion will bury us instead. wake the hell up you fearful cowards, let go of your bibles and korans, utilize reason and embrace the uber-humanity within us all and focus on real issues. religion has no place in politics and consistently holds us back from evolving into a world-improving species.

We have twelve people to interpret the Constitution and they can debate for weeks. For the Great User Manual for the soul we have several millions of interpretations We all have one Judge and someday we will be judged. Most every faith has this belief yet we must exist with one another under one flag. Those that refuse to acknowledge the belief of another are only admitting their own lack of faith.

This is important – because we are seeing Obama's real self come out: He is a man that creates division and strife between the classes, races, and different religions. He is not a man of unity, but a man of division. He keeps saying he is a man of unity, but all I have seen is the opposite from him – which is deception and lies.

Dobson, Black, Rove................who cares. What they say and do are mostly nonsense...............

Dobson does not really matter any longer. His influence has waned and as a percentage of all Americans, very few people listen to him. And I live in his home town.
Get used to this Dobson, President Barack Obama!!

if the religious right is so concrned about issues, the direction of the country etc...why don't they run their own candidate, these guys are just getting tiring....I thought the religious leaders decided a few months ago to focus on religion and not politics...guess Dobson couldn't ressit the media attention....pretty sad and patheitc...if anyone looks to a fellow like DObson for religious enlightment they need to read the bible again themselves...

Dobson is totally ignorant of what the Good Book means, if he did he would not be spouting comments that would make a certain Nazi proud. When I here him speak and close my eyes and I could swear that I have been transported to the rally's in 1930s and early 40s Nuremburg, Deutchland. What a fascist and racist.

Will CNN please get that silly Dobson face and headline off their website.
For all the news in the world this is the most compelling one you have found to highlight ? Good grief !

CNN : Cartoon News Network

What hypocrites – distorting the bible you say! The "Bible" and Christianity has been used throughout history to reinforce slavery and countless other calamities. Please, Mr. Dobson, I bet you can also find in your history distortions.

I agree, I think all the talk about "who is a better Christian" or "Who's distorting the words in the Bible" is all a bunch of nonsense. The facts are really simple and should be looked upon as such. John McCain is without a doubt in favor of Big Oil and high priced Energy (just ask his old buddy Phil Graham, part of the Elect McCain team). Barack Obama has his finger on the REAL problems with our economy and that has a lot of Republicans affraid of their positions with the major energy companies who back them. I want to know who the candidate is, what he stands for, and how he is going to fix this country's failed economy, PERIOD. I guess when James Dobson and the like start attacking you, it must mean you're doing something right, even if your views lean a little left. As a Christian, I'm more than a little embarassed by Dr. Dobson's rant.

Once again, Dobson opens his ridiculous, bigoted, petty, small, sad little mouth and embarrasses the whole state of Colorado by insisting that his own narrow reading of what the bible says is the only accurate, relevant reading. What is it, Jim-Bob? Is the bible the last and only word of god or not? If it is, it DOES say the things Obama iterated...are you telling us that one CAN cherry pick the bible, as it appears you are doing? And if the Old Testament is irrelevant, as you indicate in your rebuttal comments to Obamas speech, than the whole Leviticus passage about homosexuality is irrevelant, too, throwing your whole homophobic argument out the proverbial winder.

So which is it, Bible Boy?

Amy,
Before making comments about our founding fathers, you really should put down your bible and pick up a book on American history. The founding fathers were Deist. You should also read up on the Treaty of Tripoli.

At 72 years old, I have seen elections and presidents come and go.
I was very pleased this time with candidate voter turnout. Now, towards the presidential elections I only see and hear personal and partisan attacks between the two camps. It's sickening and boring to watch the "progress" and endless TV commentary by strategists.

And exactly why is it that we value the opinions of people like Dobson who believe in mythical, invisible, beings that live in the sky? (That speak in English to Republicans.)

For the sake of fairness, we should get an opinion from astrologers and those who read the future in sheep's intestines.

Mr Dobson is the worst kind of holier-than-thou bible-thumping con artist. You only have flocks if you have sheep.

billm

People like Dobson talk about how great heaven is and how they cant wait to get there, Well i wish they would all hurry up and go so we can get to whats important. Like war, globel warming , the national debt, healthcare, economy and world starvation...Quit bible nitpicken and maybe focus on what Jesus would do.....not your ego..Shame on you James Dobson.

i hate to ruin the nice tone of this discution but lets be honest , Dobson is just a self appointed voice of god wind bag, he represents no christian i know AND IS JUST A CLOWN , CAN I MAKE IT MORE CLEAR ? as a god fearing person i can say ,he is NOT talking about the same jesus i know...hey AMY GOD BLESS YOU, ILL PRAY FOR YOU...JUST REMEMBER FALSE PROPHETS BEFORE YOU AGREE BLIDLY WITH THAT CLOWN...

I totally agree with David. Why does the media even give people like Dobson any press or air time? I think it's Dobson who drags the Bible through the gutter with his literal translation and ideology like he actually walked with Jesus 2000 years ago. This is Dobson's way of trying to stay relevant, which he really isn't. More important issues are blotted out certainly with the press give people like Dobson valuable press and media coverage that should be spent on other issues. The press should be examining themselves on the issue of why all of you, all networks, just give McCain a "free pass" on everything. You should be questioning him HARD like you do Obama. You can't have it both ways media. Cover real issues and leave people like James Dobson alone in his state of confusion and irrelevance. Thanks.

Wow what happen to the economy, war and domestic issues? I wonder if the folks that is expediting the flood really cares about this crap – separate church and state please and that goes for all parties concern and stick to the issues of America.

Mr. Dobson should spend less time trying to insinuate himself into the political process as a power broker for the religious right fringe, and more time in Christian pursuits like feeding the hungry and nursing the sick.

As we like to say in Colorado Springs, Focus on your own damn Family!

James Dobson is right and it point directly at the inexperience of Barack Obama when it come to the details. Barack Obama's notion of taking the democratic approach for any political solution is not possible. If Barack Obama does not believe in the Biblical truths, he should note that this country is founded on its core beliefs. German Nasicsm was a populistic apporach and was morally accepted among their people at that time. At times, the president would have to take a stand on the firm beliefs that he is grounded to and thats what will determine the future direction of this nation.

Dobson is a raving nut-case. You should check out his child-rearing books and his advice on what to do if you think your child might be gay!

I agree that the news media should focus more on the issues and the candidates rather than a retarted right wing church freak, a sleezy political advisor and whoever charlie black is. People couldn't care less about what they have to say. I completely agree with you david.

P.S. You should inform wolf of us viewers feel

Dobson say something and it's THE CNN Headline !
We are all in trouble.
Big Corporate Media/ will not let Obama win.

The three little pigs.

These three are no longer relevant or newsworthy, and I question if Dobson ever was! Dobson is part of the search for the "BogeyMan"...he scans the scriptures, he scans the text of Obama's speech(es), searching for that evil-doer, that Bogeyman...please, please, Dr. Dobson, consider your constant haranguing and whining, embrace the scriptures and retire! for all of our sakes!

What an article. CNN is notorious for bias coverage FOR Obama. Lou Dobbs can't get through 1 show
(and that's what CNN is,because it's not about News anymore)
without putting the President Of the United States down in some way.
As well as many of the CNN anchors. Little bit late to be crying foul now. What;s the matter is most of the 300 million of Obama's money going to another rival show?

If James Dobson would spend more time doing what Christ asked us to do, feed the hungry; minister to the sick; love one another, treat one another as we would like to be treated, tolerance; etc; the world would be a better place.

It just goes to show you how out of touch many organized religions are.

While it's true that most of the people who colonized America were Christians in one form or another, our actual constitution and identity as a nation was formed as secular. If you read the writings of Jefferson, Washington, Madison, etc, you will see that they all advocated a clear seperation of church and state.

I wish religion would mind its own business, and let people make up their minds on the basis of the issues that actually will impact ALL of our lives.

David,

I also agree with you. You are one of my FAVORITE !

So I'm a little surprised by this Mr. Gergen. You are a CNN Sr. Political Analyst, and you are saying you're tired of the amount of press that these satellite and often extreme political figures get, and yet it is the lead story on the CNN web news right now. I mean, I couldn't agree with you more, that I can't stand this sort of opportunistic hay making succeeding in making hay, but isn't that at least in part your responsibility?? I realize filtered news reporting may place too much message control in the hands of the news reporters, but that cat was let out of the bag long ago, and for one would appreciate a filter that keeps these segues from the real issues at bay.

Republican party is soo messed up this election cycle that even if the democrats were to put a monkey as their candidate..they will win..All these distractions do not seem to matter to the public..they just need a job and be able to fill a gas of tank to drive around and waste it..

Sarah, Obama is not creating divisions. The divisions between the religious right and the religious left, the hawks and the doves, the blacks and whites, the men and the women, the educated and the non-educated, the rich and the poor, the pro-life and the pro-choice, and countless others, have existed for decades. Obama is simply not afraid to point them out, suffer through the pain of exposing these divisions as they are, bringing them into the scrutiny of the full light of day, and then, and only then, being able to move on to some level of compromise. To be a man of unity, as you suggest, would be to simply sweep all of these divisions under the rug and to pretend they don't exist. The person of deception was actually Karl Rove/W, who chose to use these divisions as wedges in our society.

Who will pay for these sick leave? Many small business's most are runned by families because they can't afford the extra cost of paying somebody eles. Obama needs to do his homework about this issue.

I've seen a few mentions of our Founding Fathers in these comments. Weren't many of our Founding Fathers deists or were at least influenced by deism, which some people thought at the time were atheistic? They preferred logic and reason versus interpreting scripture. That's why they included separation of church and state. Also, don't ask what they would do about today's issues – that's anachronistic.

John McCain is experienced? At what? Blindly following the 'great" George W. Bush. McCain voted 90% in lockstep with Bush over the past 7 years and a staggering 95% with Bush this year.

Being a POW as McCain was DOES NOT make him a foreign policy expert. Otherwise, all those US detainees in Guantanamo are experts too.

McCain's 'experience' is blind obedience to the evil Bush-Cheney regime.

By using the so-called bible as a lunch buffet where you can pick and choose what you want to believe at the moment, only shows what a farce religion is one would think with all the knowledge humans have become aware of since these so-called words of god were written,the bible and all other written material attempting to control minds would have been rejected long ago,people like dobson only hasten the demise of religions.

Imagine that some one from Obama's campaign said that a terrorist attack on American soil would be a big advantage for Republicans. What would be the reaction of CNN? They would spin it 24.7. I haven't noticed that Charlie Black gets that much coverage, even though he will be one of McCain's major advisors if McCain gets elected. For Charlie Black, protecting Americans against terrorists is not as important as whether a terrorist attack will help or hurt Republicans.
McCain claims he wants to protect America – but Charlie Black is still on McCain's campaign team, so for McCain protecting America is not as important as protecting is wealthy lobbyist friends. And that seems to be the number one priority for John McCain.

You know, Karl was one of the boys but let's just say he broke his contract. And Black, well, let's just say I only say that, thank you very much. And as for Dobson, let's just say he's hoping that the messiah comes. You know, I could care less about Karl or Black but Dobson, ohhh yeah, now that's in my ballpark....

David Why print such utter nonsense. You're a better journalist than this. James Dobson should know that the bible is open to interpretation. I am so sick of all these little demi-gods prancing around. This will not be any part of the election this time – not this year. CNN would do well to print news.

People are misinformed about our FOUNDING FATHERS, READ YOUR HISTORY BOOKS. EVERY ONE OF THE SIGNERS OF THE CONSTITUTION WERE........ MASONS! YEAH, MASONS.

Dobson's comments DO NOT deserve the attention given! I listened to what Sen. Obama said, back in 2006...... and I heard NOTHING BUT CALLING FOR US, CHRISTIANS TO FIND COMMON GROUND AND WORK TOGETHER!

DOBSON, JESUS' GREAT COMMANDMENT: LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU! NOT ATTACK, CONDEMN, NOR CRITIQUE!

there needs to be a re-birth in this country and the world. we need to abandon this outdated notion that a man with a white beard is watching you and protecting you(sometimes). we need to embrace reason andintelligence and renew our commitment to science and math again. china is producing more engineers than us.the us is falling behind.if there is a god why does he or she allow children to be born in this world only to suffer and die? what kind of divine plan is that? I wish George carlin was still around to comment on this. these so-called religous leaders need to get off their church welfare and get a real job. and these fools get a tax exempt status? please. the world would be better off without religion. look what religion has done to the world. the founding fathers wanted there to be a separation of church and state

There are too many "little" people out there – Dobson et al – who think their opinion matters to the majority of Americans and the press perpetuates this belief by giving them air time I could care less what they think – I want to hear what the candidates propose to do about the issues that are dragging us down. The American people are the losers when the Dobsons of the world get more attention than the candidates' speeches on the issues.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

David:

The media determines what they want us to see. All these incedental people and their comments feed on each other thus creating controversies attacting viewers and yes comments on a blog.

I do not see an end to this. It will be up to the individual to filter out what they think is unimportant in their decision as to who becomes the next President.

Here is an idea: Mr. David Gergen gets a show of his own on CNN.
Build it and they will come !!!!!

Susan
Phoenixville,PA

Anyone that listens to what James Dodson said about Obama and the Bible should remember what Dr. Bruce Prescott of Mainstream Baptists Oklahoma (and a member of the Americans United Board of Trustees), said about him: "Only a fundamentalist demagogue who has made a career of 'manipulating' and 'brainwashing' people to read the Bible through medieval lenses could find cartoon characters teaching tolerance so threatening." ( he was refering to a spongebob / winnie the pooh, barney cartoon about tolerance)
Key words been " Fundamentalist demagogue"

ryan:
I believe the reason for separation of church and state was not becasue iof atheistic tendencies by the founding fathers but because of their civilized nature and respect for other religions (Something the English did not give them and they had escaped from)

Hi David, Please comment on this issue. I have heard Obama referred to as the being viewed by many as a "Messiah figure". This past weekend I watched an interview with ? Ford of the Demo. party on the BBC & the moderator asked Mr. Ford several questions about the Obama/Messiah image projected in the USA.

I totally agree with this. Hopefully the media will get smart and focus on Obama and McCain.

yeah but separation of church and state had an entirely different meaning than it does today!! Read your history books. Just think back to the way that schools and courtrooms were run 100's of years ago! Most schools were started by churches. Children were educated because of religion. Heaven forbid that we bring religion into schools now.

David,

We have to watch and read SO MUCH news coverage just to get bits and pieces of the substantial and necessary information.... It's difficult, and I imagine that many of us are missing more than we're getting. There is such a distracting tabloid mentality!

I like Senator Obama, and though he is (no doubt) lacking in areas – as, I imagine any presidential candidate would be – I trust that he will surround himself with great advisers who really know their stuff. I think he has the "right stuff" for the role, overall. And, no one knows better than you how important a presidential adviser's role is!

the God that I know loves you and helps you that helps OTHERS. You are seeing things from truly the world perspective and not Gods. The people who have made comments that Dr Dobson doesn't know the Bible or doesn't know what he is talking about...........hum, that's interesting. If you know anything about the Bible (old and new testiment) as I have heard some references to, then you would know that some laws changed after Jesus death. So, there were some things in the old testiment that are no longer laws that Christians practice today. So if you read the Bible from cover to cover, you'd get it. Not trying to throw anything in anyone's face. I am just saying that Sen Obama obviously doesn't do the reading yet pretends to do so and Dr Dobson does. So please before you criticize, judge, or call him or Christians (including) a racist, just get the facts straight.

These words from the Dahli Lama give me comfort when this religious chatter and self righteousness is spotlighted: "Ignore all organized faiths and keep the road of higher consciousness. Without relying on religion, we look to common sense, common experience and the finding of science for understanding." Religion – spirtual belief – is very personal, not political. There is a reason why our great country was founded on the separation of church and state. No one can control what I believe in.

WOW David your right on target. We as a country are in dire straits and we have better pay attention or we will continue the devil in all the details that have managed to ruin all of us.

James Dobson needs to focus on the family_preferably his own_ and leave politics alone. It is really silly for him to have a theological debate with a politician in order to draw attention to himself. Is he so attention-sarved that he had to inject himself into the presidential race? Dobson is not the spokesman for all Christians, not even a majority of evangelical Christians, especially when it comes to politics.When Dobson speaks a lot of us don't even listen.

I think that these guys are just embarrassing themselves. I can't imagine that this helps McCain. What about real issues?

Well, unfortunately the lines between news and entertainment are so blurred that the media are in a race to entertain rather than inform and we through conditioning and lack of alternative sources are going along with it. In some ways a bit if this cycle is being broken in this campaign, but not nearly enough

Thanks David, you can help by telling the people who run CNN not focus on it; especially religion. There is seperation of church and state. The american people get cheated every time by the media when comes to covering the issues.