Is God-o-Meter becoming the Romney-o-Meter? Give it another day or two to digest the fallout from Romney’s “religion speech” and it promises to return to normal. But this is pretty big. Focus on the Family’s James Dobson, ruler of the modern Christian Right–and beloved parenting guru/radio host–has issued a glowing review of Romney’s speech. Excerpts are below. Can anyone remember the last time Dobson had words so kind for Mike Huckabee, the leading evangelical candidate for president?
Here’s what Focus on the Family emailed out last night as part of its daily Citizen Link newsletter:
“Gov. Romney’s speech was a magnificent reminder of the role religious faith must play in government and public policy,” said Dr. James Dobson, founder and chairman of Focus on the Family Action. “His delivery was passionate, and his message was inspirational. Whether it will answer all the questions and concerns of evangelical Christian voters is yet to be determined, but the governor is to be commended for articulating the importance of our religious heritage as it relates to today.
“Many in the media have been busily crafting the obituaries of ‘values voters’ in recent months. They are dead wrong. Religion has already played a major role in this election cycle, and will continue to be evident through ’08. The sanctity of human life, the institution of marriage and the care and nurturing of children will be important issues to people of faith as they choose a new generation of leaders. You can take it to the bank.”
Gary Schneeberger, vice president of media relations for Focus on the Family Action, made it clear Dr. Dobson’s comments should not be construed as an endorsement of Romney.
“Dr. Dobson simply thought it was an excellent speech,” Schneeberger said. “In the context of so many in the media writing off the importance of a candidate’s religious faith as it pertains to his policy positions, he thought Gov. Romney deserved to be praised for articulating the opposite view with such zeal.”
8