On the anniversary of the September 11th attacks, one frequent theme is the concept of evil and how to fight it. During the Obama-McCain forum at Saddleback Church on August 16, 2008, Pastor Rick Warren asked both presidential candidates about their views on evil. Watch John McCain's response.
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Quite a difference between McCain and Obama's response. McCain supports his militarism thrust which has been the cap stone of his campaign. For him, "Evil" seems to be dressed in rag-tag military garb. Whereas, Obama's description of "Evil" comes to humanity's dancing ball dressed up in all sort of clothing. Here evil has many faces and as Obama stated, needs to "be confronted" politically, religiously, collective and individually.
I think Rick Warren allowed McCain to rather than explain, Rick allowed McCain to campain. Did Rick lose control of the debate or just allow his colors to show?
Jerry F. Guthrie
Retired Pastor.
I agree with Pastor Guthrie. McCain was allowed to go above and beyond the answer to Rick's question.
Evil is in those who abuse and torture children and animals; evil is in dishonesty and manipulation of the facts for one's own end. The list is lengthy.
Regardless of politics and religion, I believe evil is the need and justification to control and punish others through any means possible; it is not democracy.
Donna Davis
U.S. Citizen
Jerry:
I agree with you. McCain appeal to the American nature of wanting simple answers for complex problems. It is that attitude that has caused us to lose the moral high ground that we held for decades in the eyes of the world. Obama is a thinker, who realizes that evil is bigger than terrorism, I believe McCain is capable of such thought, but trying to get elected has clouded his judgement.
I totally agree with Jerry in terms of the examples of evil provided by the two canidates. The description given by the candidates also gives light width of the spectrum each candidate will focus on, whether foreign or abroad. Thought McCain was able to drop right into speaking points rather than thoughtfully answer the question.
I agree with what you are saying but I think both answers were right... I like what Obama had to say but what is he going to do with it, some examples are important.. I think McCain hit on the biggest evil that first came to mind... Which I do agree with but like Obama said we are surrounded my evil. And yes I agree we are never going to get rid of it but we need to do something about things like child abuse, and on and on…. Again I think they both did a great job! And the part about McCain campaigning is right that’s why they are both here, to campaign…