Obama, McCain share views at forum on faith
Appearing on the same stage for the first time in months, although they overlapped only briefly, the two men shared their views on a range of moral, foreign and domestic issues.
Obama said he would limit abortions in the late stages of pregnancy if there are exceptions for the mother's health. He said he knew that people who consider themselves pro-life will find his stance "inadequate."
He said the government should do more to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to help women who give birth, such as provide needed resources to the poor, as well as better adoption services.
McCain expressed his anti-abortion stand simply and quickly, saying human rights begin the instant that a human egg is fertilized. McCain, who adopted a daughter from Bangladesh, also called for making adoption easier.
Their comments came at a two-hour forum on faith hosted by the minister Rick Warren at his megachurch in Orange County, Calif. Obama joined Warren for the first hour, and Obama for the second. The two men briefly shook hands and hugged each other during the switch.
Obama said America's greatest moral failure is its insufficient help to the disadvantaged. He noted that the Bible quotes Jesus as saying "whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me." He said the maxim should apply to victims of poverty, sexism and racism.
McCain said the nation's greatest moral shortcoming is its failure to "devote ourselves to causes greater than our self-interests."
After the September 2001 terrorist attacks, McCain said, there should have been a national push for joining the Peace Corps and other volunteer organizations. His comment seemed an indirect criticism of President Bush, who had urged tax cuts and more shopping to stimulate the economy at the time.
He also said he would pursue Osama bin Laden "to the gates of Hell," another goal that might be seen as a swipe at Bush's administration.
Both men said marriage is a union between a man and a woman. Obama added that he supports civil unions for gay partners, giving them rights such as hospital visits with one another.
In several cases, Obama gave a Christian interpretation to his generally liberal political views. He showed some familiarity with the Scripture, and said Jesus died for his sins.
McCain tended to give shorter, less complex answers. On domestic matters, he restated his call to "drill now" in U.S. lands and waters for oil and natural gas.
Recent comments
I'm LDS. I want to be part of a party that treats my faith as second…
Amazing | Aug. 18, 2008 at 11:29 p.m.
I was suprised, I thought Obama would be more comfortable answering…
JT | Aug. 18, 2008 at 10:29 p.m.
7:36 p.m. Aug 18, 2008
I'd take "Porky" over your "YOSEMITE SAM…Cartoons | Aug. 18, 2008 at 8:16 p.m.
