Online exclusive: Who do you support for president?
Are you supporting a particular candidate for president? If so, who and why?
The Christian Chronicle asked this question in a survey of ministers and members in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
A sampling of the responses:
“I do not support any of the remaining major party candidates (McCain, Clinton, Obama). I was a supporter of Dr. Ron Paul while he was still in the race for the Republican nomination. I liked his libertarian/constitutionalist views (i.e., limited government, non-interventionism in foreign affairs, etc.).” — KEITH BRUMLEY, Northtown church, Milwaukee
“I am still praying about that.” — BETTY FITZSIMMONS, Lakeview church, Tacoma, Wash.
“Barack Obama — because he reflects my sense of our need for unity and compassion.” — BILLIE SILVEY, Culver Palms church, Los Angeles
“I think I have figured out who I’m going to vote for. But I wouldn’t use the word ‘support.’ There are definitely some I don’t want more than others.” — BRUCE BATES, Blackstone Valley church, Cumberland, R.I.
“As of now, Hillary. She has the most leadership qualities; if Obama wins nomination, will support him. We must have relief from the Bush years (most disastrous administration of my lifetime — 70 years).” — WAYNE NEWLAND, Greater Portland church, Portland, Maine
“John McCain. Not because I like him. I consider him to be the person I can live with as president.” — CHARLIE HARRISON, Brunswick, Maine, church
“At this point I am favoring Barack Obama. I like that he is trying to inspire people to something better and that he is not as much of the party machine as the other two candidates. I also want to pull out of Iraq as soon as feasible and he seems to be the candidate that will make that happen. McCain and Clinton seem like they will be more of the same and I am ready for something different.” — CHAD BEWLEY, Caldwell, Idaho, church
“John McCain, because I do not like either of the Democratic candidates for president.” — CHARLOTTE MIZE, Quaker Avenue church, Lubbock, Texas
“I support John McCain. Of the choices currently available, McCain has the experience and his political positions on the war in Iraq are better than those held by the Democrats. To some degree, my vote for McCain is plainly a vote against Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Neither of the Democratic candidates appeal to me in any area.” — BILL DENTON, Southside church, Grenada, Miss.
“I’m supporting McCain because he is the best alternative in the remaining field. He was not my first, second or third choice.” — COLIN WEBB, Edmond, Okla., church
“I am supporting John McCain, primarily because of his character, experience and leadership. Also, I generally agree with Republican views on issues more than those of Democrats.” — DAVID DAVENPORT, Culver Palms church, Los Angeles
“Barack Obama. I believe he has the intelligence, experience, but most importantly a way of thinking that looks for common ground, that transcends the black and white thinking that is typical and tends toward division with segments of society being left out, and that is built on hope and not on fear.” — DEBBIE PAULS, Stamford, Conn., church
“McCain is the most pro-life candidate so that’s who I’ll vote for, but if Obama gets elected, I would be pleased for what that represents regarding racial reconciliation in this country.” — GERALD FRANKS, University church, Tuscaloosa, Ala., church
“I initially supported Fred Thompson, then Romney, etc. I have been disappointed in McCain, who was largely selected for the GOP by the media and by Democratic crossover voting. And the conservatives were unable to unite behind one candidate until it was too late. I do hope McCain selects Condoleezza Rice for his running mate. I think this would help him with conservatives.” — HOUSTON BYNUM, Lavergne, Tenn., church
“I am going with McCain. He does not inspire any great confidence in me, but considering the other possible options, I will have to go with him.” — DANNY DODD, Gateway church, Pensacola, Fla.
“Not anymore. My candidate of choice washed out early — Fred Thompson. I’m really conflicted about being stuck with my party’s default candidate or voting for the other party in November, something I’ve never been forced to do until this year. Of the two on the Democratic ticket, Obama has my vote — hands down. Lesser of two evils. — TROY STIRMAN, Southern Hills church, Abilene, Texas
“At the moment, I’m still a little undecided, but I will more than likely lean toward McCain because he seems to be fiscally conservative. I think that’s the most important thing for our economy right now.” — LARA GIESBERS, North Main church, Mount Airy, N.C.
“Although I’m not on the campaign trail, my conversations flow around the contest between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and I am leaning toward Obama. Why? I believe he brings a fresh approach to the candidacy and between the two, he has managed to keep his campaign focused on the issues.” — LOVENTRICE FARROW, Naperville, Ill., church
“Barack Obama; I feel that he is the candidate who is best qualified to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq and at the same time improve the reputation of the United States in the international system. He seems to be the kind of person who will be able to transcend many of the divisions that have been opened up in the U.S. in the last several years.” — MARK ELROD, West Side church, Searcy, Ark.
“In truth, I am not a particular fan of any of the remaining candidates. I really believe that Senator Clinton would move us too close to a socialist economy, Senator Obama is very under qualified for the office, and Senator McCain is socially too liberal and unpredictable for my taste. Only because I believe that the freedoms we currently enjoy as churches will be preserved longer under a Republican administration and the hope of having a more constitutionally strict interpretation of the Constitution by the Supreme Court will I support John McCain.” — MICHAEL SWANSON, Rio Rancho, N.M., church
“I am supporting Senator McCain because I believe he understands the constitutional duties of the rresidency. The president is first the Commander in Chief of the United States Armed Forces. The office was created to be a position to be on par with the Royalty of other nations, not a manager of the nation. Neither of the candidates being offered by the Democrats understand the office in it’s constitutional role. They see the office as ruling the nation, and micromanaging the country. Managing the country is the job of the Congress. It also appears to me that McCain is the only person who understands the proper use of the nation’s armed forces. To withdraw from the conflict in Iraq now would only invite more attacks here in the U.S. mainland. The actions that President Bush has taken in Iraq and Afghanistan are working. After talking with troops who have just come back from the combat areas, I know that the media is not telling us the truth about what is really going on there. The media wants the left wing liberal politicians in power, and seems to only put forward the information that supports those positions. I was present, in the front row, in Salt Lake City when the national media took away the cameras and tape recorders from the speakers as the soldiers who had come back got up to speak, but they took them over to the anti-war protesters who had NEVER been to the Middle East.” — PAUL JOHNSON, Lander, Wyo., church
“I am strongly supporting Sen. Barack Obama because of my belief that the politics of the past has been divisive and has failed to bring solutions to major problems, like health care, prescription drugs, education, the environment, and ending a costly war that we can no longer afford. I believe that Sen. Obama is best positioned to bring about bipartisan efforts to solve those problems. He is the ‘change’ candidate that I have been praying for. He appears to me to be the potential leader of a lifetime.” — PHIL STURM, Lynn Street church, Parkersburg, W.Va.
“I’m moderate in my politics and believe McCain will make informed decisions. However, I’m also for health-care reform. Most likely I will side with McCain.” — BARRY POYNER, Kirksville, Mo., church.
“Yes, Obama. I believe Obama’s stance on most issues is more in line with the stance I take as a follower of Jesus Christ. I think we’ve had too much militaristic posturing over the last several decades, and not enough REAL peacemaking. As I look at all of the candidates and ask, ‘Who is a peacemaker?’ the answer, for me, is clear: Obama. For too long we’ve ignored the straight forward and simple description that Jesus gave us in Matthew. People of the Kingdom don’t look like people of war, or people of money, or people of power. I think Barak Obama looks more like Christ than anyone else who is running. I think that’s why so many are flocking to his call for change.” — SCOTT SIMPSON, Canyon View Vineyard church, Grand Junction, Colo.
“Surprisingly, no. I am not inspired by any of them.” — STEPHEN MICHAEL KELLATT, Victory Road church, Henderson, Nev.
“At this point I am not supporting any particular candidate. The candidate I wanted did not make it through the primary process.” — STEVE SHANER, Ottawa, Ill, church
“I have not decided for sure but am leaning toward McCain. I might consider Obama but not Clinton.” —
STEVE MAHONEY, Newark, Del., church
“At present, I support McCain because of his party’s positions on social issues. Mike Huckabee was my favorite candidate in the wider field of a few months ago.” — BILL LITMAN, Lebanon, Pa.
“I have not decided for sure but am leaning toward McCain. I might consider Obama but not Clinton.” — STEVE MAHONEY, Newark, Del., church
The Christian Chronicle asked this question in a survey of ministers and members in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
A sampling of the responses:
“I do not support any of the remaining major party candidates (McCain, Clinton, Obama). I was a supporter of Dr. Ron Paul while he was still in the race for the Republican nomination. I liked his libertarian/constitutionalist views (i.e., limited government, non-interventionism in foreign affairs, etc.).” — KEITH BRUMLEY, Northtown church, Milwaukee
“I am still praying about that.” — BETTY FITZSIMMONS, Lakeview church, Tacoma, Wash.
“Barack Obama — because he reflects my sense of our need for unity and compassion.” — BILLIE SILVEY, Culver Palms church, Los Angeles
“I think I have figured out who I’m going to vote for. But I wouldn’t use the word ‘support.’ There are definitely some I don’t want more than others.” — BRUCE BATES, Blackstone Valley church, Cumberland, R.I.
“As of now, Hillary. She has the most leadership qualities; if Obama wins nomination, will support him. We must have relief from the Bush years (most disastrous administration of my lifetime — 70 years).” — WAYNE NEWLAND, Greater Portland church, Portland, Maine
“John McCain. Not because I like him. I consider him to be the person I can live with as president.” — CHARLIE HARRISON, Brunswick, Maine, church
“At this point I am favoring Barack Obama. I like that he is trying to inspire people to something better and that he is not as much of the party machine as the other two candidates. I also want to pull out of Iraq as soon as feasible and he seems to be the candidate that will make that happen. McCain and Clinton seem like they will be more of the same and I am ready for something different.” — CHAD BEWLEY, Caldwell, Idaho, church
“John McCain, because I do not like either of the Democratic candidates for president.” — CHARLOTTE MIZE, Quaker Avenue church, Lubbock, Texas
“I support John McCain. Of the choices currently available, McCain has the experience and his political positions on the war in Iraq are better than those held by the Democrats. To some degree, my vote for McCain is plainly a vote against Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Neither of the Democratic candidates appeal to me in any area.” — BILL DENTON, Southside church, Grenada, Miss.
“I’m supporting McCain because he is the best alternative in the remaining field. He was not my first, second or third choice.” — COLIN WEBB, Edmond, Okla., church
“I am supporting John McCain, primarily because of his character, experience and leadership. Also, I generally agree with Republican views on issues more than those of Democrats.” — DAVID DAVENPORT, Culver Palms church, Los Angeles
“Barack Obama. I believe he has the intelligence, experience, but most importantly a way of thinking that looks for common ground, that transcends the black and white thinking that is typical and tends toward division with segments of society being left out, and that is built on hope and not on fear.” — DEBBIE PAULS, Stamford, Conn., church
“McCain is the most pro-life candidate so that’s who I’ll vote for, but if Obama gets elected, I would be pleased for what that represents regarding racial reconciliation in this country.” — GERALD FRANKS, University church, Tuscaloosa, Ala., church
“I initially supported Fred Thompson, then Romney, etc. I have been disappointed in McCain, who was largely selected for the GOP by the media and by Democratic crossover voting. And the conservatives were unable to unite behind one candidate until it was too late. I do hope McCain selects Condoleezza Rice for his running mate. I think this would help him with conservatives.” — HOUSTON BYNUM, Lavergne, Tenn., church
“I am going with McCain. He does not inspire any great confidence in me, but considering the other possible options, I will have to go with him.” — DANNY DODD, Gateway church, Pensacola, Fla.
“Not anymore. My candidate of choice washed out early — Fred Thompson. I’m really conflicted about being stuck with my party’s default candidate or voting for the other party in November, something I’ve never been forced to do until this year. Of the two on the Democratic ticket, Obama has my vote — hands down. Lesser of two evils. — TROY STIRMAN, Southern Hills church, Abilene, Texas
“At the moment, I’m still a little undecided, but I will more than likely lean toward McCain because he seems to be fiscally conservative. I think that’s the most important thing for our economy right now.” — LARA GIESBERS, North Main church, Mount Airy, N.C.
“Although I’m not on the campaign trail, my conversations flow around the contest between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and I am leaning toward Obama. Why? I believe he brings a fresh approach to the candidacy and between the two, he has managed to keep his campaign focused on the issues.” — LOVENTRICE FARROW, Naperville, Ill., church
“Barack Obama; I feel that he is the candidate who is best qualified to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq and at the same time improve the reputation of the United States in the international system. He seems to be the kind of person who will be able to transcend many of the divisions that have been opened up in the U.S. in the last several years.” — MARK ELROD, West Side church, Searcy, Ark.
“In truth, I am not a particular fan of any of the remaining candidates. I really believe that Senator Clinton would move us too close to a socialist economy, Senator Obama is very under qualified for the office, and Senator McCain is socially too liberal and unpredictable for my taste. Only because I believe that the freedoms we currently enjoy as churches will be preserved longer under a Republican administration and the hope of having a more constitutionally strict interpretation of the Constitution by the Supreme Court will I support John McCain.” — MICHAEL SWANSON, Rio Rancho, N.M., church
“I am supporting Senator McCain because I believe he understands the constitutional duties of the rresidency. The president is first the Commander in Chief of the United States Armed Forces. The office was created to be a position to be on par with the Royalty of other nations, not a manager of the nation. Neither of the candidates being offered by the Democrats understand the office in it’s constitutional role. They see the office as ruling the nation, and micromanaging the country. Managing the country is the job of the Congress. It also appears to me that McCain is the only person who understands the proper use of the nation’s armed forces. To withdraw from the conflict in Iraq now would only invite more attacks here in the U.S. mainland. The actions that President Bush has taken in Iraq and Afghanistan are working. After talking with troops who have just come back from the combat areas, I know that the media is not telling us the truth about what is really going on there. The media wants the left wing liberal politicians in power, and seems to only put forward the information that supports those positions. I was present, in the front row, in Salt Lake City when the national media took away the cameras and tape recorders from the speakers as the soldiers who had come back got up to speak, but they took them over to the anti-war protesters who had NEVER been to the Middle East.” — PAUL JOHNSON, Lander, Wyo., church
“I am strongly supporting Sen. Barack Obama because of my belief that the politics of the past has been divisive and has failed to bring solutions to major problems, like health care, prescription drugs, education, the environment, and ending a costly war that we can no longer afford. I believe that Sen. Obama is best positioned to bring about bipartisan efforts to solve those problems. He is the ‘change’ candidate that I have been praying for. He appears to me to be the potential leader of a lifetime.” — PHIL STURM, Lynn Street church, Parkersburg, W.Va.
“I’m moderate in my politics and believe McCain will make informed decisions. However, I’m also for health-care reform. Most likely I will side with McCain.” — BARRY POYNER, Kirksville, Mo., church.
“Yes, Obama. I believe Obama’s stance on most issues is more in line with the stance I take as a follower of Jesus Christ. I think we’ve had too much militaristic posturing over the last several decades, and not enough REAL peacemaking. As I look at all of the candidates and ask, ‘Who is a peacemaker?’ the answer, for me, is clear: Obama. For too long we’ve ignored the straight forward and simple description that Jesus gave us in Matthew. People of the Kingdom don’t look like people of war, or people of money, or people of power. I think Barak Obama looks more like Christ than anyone else who is running. I think that’s why so many are flocking to his call for change.” — SCOTT SIMPSON, Canyon View Vineyard church, Grand Junction, Colo.
“Surprisingly, no. I am not inspired by any of them.” — STEPHEN MICHAEL KELLATT, Victory Road church, Henderson, Nev.
“At this point I am not supporting any particular candidate. The candidate I wanted did not make it through the primary process.” — STEVE SHANER, Ottawa, Ill, church
“I have not decided for sure but am leaning toward McCain. I might consider Obama but not Clinton.” —
STEVE MAHONEY, Newark, Del., church
“At present, I support McCain because of his party’s positions on social issues. Mike Huckabee was my favorite candidate in the wider field of a few months ago.” — BILL LITMAN, Lebanon, Pa.
“I have not decided for sure but am leaning toward McCain. I might consider Obama but not Clinton.” — STEVE MAHONEY, Newark, Del., church
-
FeedbackCHRISTIAN for OBAMA/CLINTON OR CLINTON/OBAMA,April, 19 2008To any “thinking” person, Christian or not, our security has to be the most important issue, followed by the economy. If our security is not firm, the economy won’t matter anyway. More taxes is NOT the answer. Less government is! I cannot imagine Clinton or Obama, both haters of the military, being our Commander-in-chief. The last democrat in the White House practically destroyed our military. The democractic candidates advocate more government, less security, more immorality and more taxes.
James May, Union City, TN,April, 18 2008As far as it stands now I’m going to vote for McCain. He’s the lesser of two evils, regardless of who wins the democratic party’s nominiation. I would consider a third party candidate. More and more, I think we should abandon the two-party system. Joseph Pauley, Belle, W.Va church,April, 18 2008
View Comments
But when a wicked man rules, people groan.” If Obama whens prepare to groan .