WASHINGTON – Evangelical Christians who were rooting for Fred Thompson to join the White House race are now pulling back and more carefully scrutinizing the man they might rally behind and call their commander-in-chief.
“A month or two ago, I sensed there was some urgency for people to make a move and find a candidate,” said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, according to The Associated Press. “Right now, I think people are stepping back a little and watching. The field is still very fluid.”
Thompson, a former Tennessee senator and an actor on the hit TV drama “Law & Order,” has portrayed himself as a conservative candidate opposed to abortion and gay “marriage” – two key political concerns of evangelical conservatives.
However, under closer scrutiny, Thompson has been seen by some Christian leaders as not firm enough in defending core issues of the Christian right.
In August, the former senator told CNN that he supports an amendment that would prohibit states from imposing their gay “marriage” laws on other states. While Thompson’s position is a conservative one, it is much more lenient than what evangelical leaders want – an amendment banning same-sex “marriage” nationwide.
“The problem I’m having is that I don’t see any blood trail,” said Rick Scarborough, a Southern Baptist preacher and president of Vision America, according to The Associated Press. “When you really take a stand on issues dear to the heart of social conservatives, you’re going to shed some blood in the process. And so far, Fred Thompson’s political career has been wrinkle-free.”
Mathew Staver, president of Liberty Counsel, voiced concern of Thompson flip-flopping on the gay “marriage” issue. Staver and other evangelical leaders had met with Thompson in June and were assured of the presidential hopeful’s desire for more significant constitutional changes on the topic.
“At one time, he said he was against it,” Staver said to AP. “Then he said in June he was for it. So if now he’s saying he’s against it, to me that’s a double-minded person. And that would be a real concern for religious conservatives.”
Evangelicals, however, are forced to take into consideration the current lack of GOP presidential options.
Front-runner Rudy Giuliani is seen as too liberal with his support for abortion and gay rights. Meanwhile, Arizona Sen. John McCain has made a couple strong criticisms against evangelical leaders, while former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has also been criticized for flip-flopping on the abortion issue and for his ties to the Mormon church – which many evangelicals consider a cult.
As evangelical leaders acknowledge the need for more assessment of potential favorite Thompson, they have also pointed out that the ultimate goal is to win the White House seat.
“This is a dilemma a lot of people have,” said Tim Wildmon, president of American Family Association. “They want to support the candidate that most reflects their values. But at the same time, you have to balance that against finding someone who can actually win.”
According to the new USA Today/Gallup Poll released Monday, Thompson is said to be in second-place behind former New York mayor Giuliani.
Comments
Freds the man. Being legalistict and nick picking will only get you what you really don't want. No man is perfect and does not measure up, not even you. Any other choice will make Hillary president. The choice is simple.
ARE WE VOTING FOR PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY SAY THEY ARE CHRISTIANS AND ATTEND CHURCH OR ARE WE LOOKING AT THEIR FRUIT, ARE WE LOOKING AT THE SERVICE THEY RENDER WITHIN THE LOCAL CHURCH BODY, ARE WE LOOKING AT THEIR CHARACTER BEFORE, DURING AND NOW AS A PRIVATE AND PUBLIC PERSON. HECK, ANYBODY CAN JOIN A CHURCH PAY THEIR TITHES, GIVE IN THE OFFERING AND SUPPORT MISSION OBJECTIVES. WHO IS GOD IN THEIR LIFE, WHERE IS GOD IN THEIR DAILY LIVING. I AM TIRED OF 007 CHRISTIANS, IT'S LIKE PEOPLE WHO'S "MO" IN PRISON IS TO FIND GOD (AS IF GOD WAS THE ONE LOST) FOR THE HUNDRETH TIME; AND TO LOSE GOD 2 WEEKS AFTER RELEASE OR WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH. WOLF CRYING I AM A CHRISTIAN IS NOT THE SAME AS SAYING AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE WE SERVE THE LORD, WE ARE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WE SEEK GOD IN ALL THINGS. NOW LET US WAIT AND SEE WHO WILL DO SOME REAL CONFESSIONS OF FAITH IN THEIR WORDS, LIFE AND DEEDS
First let me say it is about time we get someone in the white house that will say what he / she believes in,instead of telling us what we want to hear just to get elected. I think Fred is the guy for us. The part that said he does not go to church on a regular basis does not matter because you do not go to heaven because you go to church,it helps but does not mean anything. Fred,you have my vote.
My first impression of Thompson is very positive. He appears very honest and willing to stand on principle. He is very pro-life. 100% as noted in another comment. Guilianni, on the other hand, is not only pro-choice, but wants to pay for abortions with federal dollars. Guilianni would be a disastrous choice. Even his family is not supporting him. Thompson has the best chance of beating the Democrat candidate (whoever she ends up being). For right now - I like Thompson better than any of the other Republicans. Thompson has a beautiful wife and his two cute little kids (ages 1 and 4). It would be wonderful to have litte children in the white house!
Consider Duncan Hunter. www.gohunter08.com
His visibility is growing & he just won the Texas straw poll. He's one to watch. He is a conservative Christian who also has a good handle on Defense & trade relations with China.
I am voting for him in the primaries & I hope everyone will take the opportunity to do their own research. We must be educated voters & not just blow to & fro with the wind of the media reccommendations. I'm not saying everyone should agree with me - just check it out for yourself.
Thompson was divorced in 1985, (Note: she is supporting his bid for president)
He married his current wife in 2003. He met her in 1998. They married about six months after Fred's oldest daughter died suddenly. They have two children (3 years and another 10 months.
Scripture is clear...you know a tree by its fruit. On issues important to evangelicals Thompson has a record that can be evaluated. For instance, Right to Life rates him 100%. Tastes sweet to me.
Remember Ronald Reagan was divorced and remarried. For those of you actually considering Romney, need to check out his record and statements on abortion, gay marriage, and the Boy Scouts. It is clear Romney will do anything to get elected. His campaign has been down here in Tennessee trying hard to dig up dirt on Fred.
As a conservative Christian, I voted for Fred Thompson twice for the US Senate. He never disappointed me. If you vote for him, you won't be either.
Visit http://www.AnotherRonaldReagan.com and learn more about Fred Thompson.
I don't think "finding someone who can actually win" has anything to do with a canidate.. We as Christians have a obligation to God and this country to vote our convictions and what is best for this country to stay in God's favor and protection. I will not vote if there is no one to vote for..in other words.. doen't believe the way I do with the same biblecal fews I have etc.etc..... Mr. Huckelby said it best "if the Rep. party votes Rudy n as the rep canidate, then we owe Bill Clinton and apolege"....I agree..
What happenned with his first marriage? Was he divorced and when? Did his first wife die?
Is his current wife his second?