Focus on the Family leader James Dobson came out tonight saying that he will sit out the general election if former New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani receives the Republican nomination.
“If given a Hobson’s — Dobson’s? — choice between him and Senators Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama, I will either cast my ballot for an also-ran — or if worse comes to worst, not vote in a presidential election for the first time in my adult life. My conscience and my moral convictions will allow me to do nothing else.”
Dobson decision to come out this early against Guiliani is striking. It is just less than 9 months until the first caucus is held in Iowa in the first week of January. But it does come at a time when the former Mayor is taking an incredible amount of heat during the first two Republican debates. It also comes at a time when many social conservatives are waiting for a savior like candidate to come around. Rumors continue to swirl about former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson, current actor on Law & Order or the likes of former Speaker Newt Gingrich. In fact Gingrich was praised by Dobson not too long ago.
Furthermore, my strongest criticism of the Christian right is its inability to branch out on the issues. The only thing Dobson cares about in the political realm is abortion, same-sex marriage and his own idea of morality. This is a man who said that Richard Cizik should step down as head of the National Association of Evangelicals because he had the audacity to care about climate change!
As Christians who are invovled in the political aspect of our society we have a moral obligation to focus our efforts on creating change in MANY areas. Many of us care about taking care of the poor, the hungry, the homeless, those affected by AIDS/HIV, high gas prices, climate change, the use of torture, and the ultimate struggle of bringing peace to areas of conflict!
If Dobson chooses not to vote for Guiliani (if he gets the nod), then great! I am happy that he will not fulfill his civic duty of voting, it will be one less vote for a Republican in 2008!
