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CNN Faith Forum Live Blog

By Big Tent Democrat

Jeralyn is tied up right now, so we will start the Live Blog in the traditional fashion.

Campbell Brown is explaining that the questions will be deeply personal. Grrreat. Sheesh. Anyway, the Live Blog continues on the flip.

Clinton up first.

JON MEACHAM has the first question - Asks about Obama's Gaffe. Clinton responds Obama can speak for himself, but for her it was elitist and out of touch. this is a problem for Dems and how Dems have been perceived. It is important that we make clear that people are people of faith not out of a moment, because of its importance to the entirety of their lives. Issue and policies and problems are problems to be solved. Alluding I presume that faith is not a reaction to issues and problems.

Campbell Brown says but Obama says "shame on you Hillary." Hillary says it is not about Obama's faith - it is about his elitism and condescension. this is an issue that matters to voters. It is a legitimate political issue.

BROWN - You have said you believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and that you have felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, can you name them.

HILLARY - Faith has always been a part of my life. And at times I have felt that the Holy Spirit has been there.

MEACHAM - You discussed describing your moment in NH as a "moment of grace."

CLINTON - Well, because of my personal reserve it is not always easy to discuss those moments. Faith is "mystery, love, provocation." It is what makes life meaningful. The importance of how important and serious politics and the issues are and that moment was a kind of "grace moment" when the importance was recognized.

Grace is not always about me. It is often about the people around you.

DR. HUNTER - The issues we will be talking about tonight Darfur, AIDS, torture. what are your first principles?

CLINTON - these are daunting question for those of us in public life with the power to effect lives in this way. [Sound has gone bad]

Being challenged is a part of her decision making process.

I must say I think Hillary missed the point of the question. Which was her moral first principles in making Presidential decisions. I would have been answered in her answer to the question. I do not know if she did not understand the question or whether she missed it.

MEACHAM - Do you believe that life begins at conception?

CLINTON - I did not hear her answer frankly. She is a Methodist. They have struggled with the question. She has struggled with it and has decided that individual must be entrusted with this personal decision because the intrusion of government in this private decision is against our principles.

She is for abortions be safe, legal and rare.

Discusses her experiences in China and Romania.

BROWN - Asks about end of life questions.

CLINTON - Discusses Terri Schiavo case. Portrays it as a difficult one. Her answer seems quite muddled to me.

BROWN - there are a lot of Americans that think religion plays to big a role in our life.

CLINTON - We must be vigilant in making sure discussions of religion are respectful. It is a balance to make sure religion does not have too much power but also to include what can be beneficial to public policy. It is a fair question to raise but I am here that we must be respectful and cautious.

AUDIENCE QUESTION - China is bad. (My paraphrase. You have said USA should be a moral force. Should we participate in the Beijing Olympics.

CLINTON - I called on Bush to not attend Beijing Olympics. To attend would be a ratification of these offensive acts by China. Ties it to Tibetans and Darfur.

the challenge is how can we influence the Chinese government. Our policy has been incoherent.

REV SHAW - Asks about AIDS and what we should do.

CLINTON - We must do more. It is one of the reasons why I voted against Colombian free trade agreement - it restricted availability of AIDS drugs. More.

MEACHAM - Why does a loving God allow such suffering?

CLINTON - I don't know.

This post is about to close.

CLOSED. GO TO NEXT FORUM> Post-forum thread is here.

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  • Display: Sort:
    Ugh Campbell Brown (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by stillife on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:05:29 PM EST
    don't take the bait, Hillary!

    She said shame on you for Obama (none / 0) (#2)
    by Teresa on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:06:43 PM EST
    so he doesn't have to.

    Parent
    so he didn't really say that? (none / 0) (#3)
    by bjorn on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:07:38 PM EST
    I had not heard he said that before Campbell said it.

    Parent
    No, Campbell said he said it today. (none / 0) (#6)
    by Teresa on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:09:41 PM EST
    I didn't hear it either but I've been doing taxes all day.

    Parent
    Exactly (none / 0) (#5)
    by andgarden on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:08:54 PM EST
    Hi, i'm running for president on the (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by TheRefugee on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:08:38 PM EST
    "I'm holier than YOU are, na na na na naaa na".

    May not be able to watch this crap.  

    Doesn't do a lot for me either but I guess it is (none / 0) (#10)
    by Teresa on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:10:59 PM EST
    important to many people. I am interested in Obama's statements and his view on abortion.

    Parent
    which view? (none / 0) (#67)
    by TheRefugee on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:36:47 PM EST
    Obama is a switch hitter on the issues.

    Parent
    The one where I don't understand the (none / 0) (#69)
    by Teresa on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:38:23 PM EST
    wrenching moral decision. I dare him to say it tonight.

    Parent
    yea, have fun people, I can't watch (none / 0) (#15)
    by TheRefugee on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:16:48 PM EST
    I can't watch smart people yammer about how the good lord has led them and touched them and nurtured them and taught them...

    talk about the damn issues that matter.  trying to out god the right is not a winning strategy...

    people are worried about 5 buck a gallon gas coming to a pump near them sometime soon.  people are worried about losing their house, paying for a multitude of different insurance types, solving Iraq, reshaping America's look to the rest of the world.  

    I haven't talked to one person this year who has said "The faithiest candidate regardless of party is getting my vote."

    Parent

    I'm hoping it gets into more of the (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by Teresa on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:19:36 PM EST
    "values" part rather than the faith part. That is more meaningful to me. My values say we owe it to every citizen to have available health care. That's what I want to hear.

    Parent
    faithiness is the (none / 0) (#17)
    by bjorn on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:17:37 PM EST
    new truthiness

    Parent
    Meacham essentially accuses Hillary (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by andgarden on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:10:13 PM EST
    of lying by not recounting something she said in an interview with him before.

    I like how understated she is (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by bjorn on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:10:20 PM EST
    but very genuine.

    Maybe it's b/c I'm a heathen (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by stillife on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:10:24 PM EST
    but this "faith and values" stuff is so silly.  What other Western country would be asking political candidates these kinds of questions?

    I think it was a year or so ago when CNN started their "faith and values" coverage.  They even had a special faith and values correspondence, Delia Gallagher.

    I loved Tony Blair (none / 0) (#23)
    by Kathy on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:20:21 PM EST
    until he snapped, but he was HUGE into the whole faith thing, and Gordon Brown isn't far behind.  It's not just America anymore.

    The president of Finland (which is something like 83% Evangelical Lutheran) is an atheist.  And a woman.

    Parent

    Didn't realize that (none / 0) (#28)
    by stillife on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:23:27 PM EST
    about Blair and Brown.  My husband is English, but he hasn't lived there since the 1970's.  When visiting, I was always struck by how many ordinary people in England (including my husband's parents, who are Conservatives) send their kids to Sunday School but cheerfully profess to be atheists.

    Parent
    this is mean and off topic but: (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by TheRefugee on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:26:26 PM EST
    The UK doesn't need more religion, they need more dentists.....

    Parent
    The thing I love about England (none / 0) (#58)
    by Kathy on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:33:34 PM EST
    is it still has a very active and vocal communist party.

    Parent
    Uh-oh (5.00 / 3) (#11)
    by stillife on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:12:32 PM EST
    I hope Hillary fact-checked that story.  Otherwise, tomorrow we'll have Murdered Grandson-Gate.

    heh (none / 0) (#12)
    by andgarden on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:13:06 PM EST
    I don't believe in God but (5.00 / 2) (#13)
    by bjorn on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:15:26 PM EST
    I think Hillary really does.  Can't wait to see Obama because I am not sure he does.

    Yes, Obama is definitely (none / 0) (#68)
    by riddlerandy on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:37:02 PM EST
    a Black Satan-worhipeper

    Parent
    You know, without an audience (5.00 / 3) (#14)
    by andgarden on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:15:53 PM EST
    that breaks into applause frequently, the platitudes can be pretty grating. OTOH, Hillary is pretty smooth.

    Very smooth, as always. Such a refreshing (5.00 / 3) (#16)
    by Teresa on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:17:11 PM EST
    change from GWB (and other politicians).

    Parent
    and unlike GWB (5.00 / 2) (#19)
    by stillife on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:18:45 PM EST
    I don't expect her to claim to converse with Jesus on a regular basis.

    Parent
    She's essentially contrasting herself w/ Bush (5.00 / 3) (#18)
    by andgarden on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:18:08 PM EST
    in a good way.

    Abortion (5.00 / 3) (#25)
    by Radiowalla on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:22:01 PM EST
    Clinton speaking very effortlessly, very confidently.

    She comes off as pretty conservative (5.00 / 2) (#29)
    by andgarden on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:23:46 PM EST
    on end of life decisions.

    or at least "muddled," as BTD says. (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by andgarden on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:25:14 PM EST
    I didn't much like that answer.

    Parent
    why would she want any attention right now? (5.00 / 3) (#57)
    by diplomatic on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:32:56 PM EST
    Any of your smart people consider the possibility she wants to sound subdued, muddled, whatever?  The media is probably on pins and needles just waiting for a quote, any quote, any answer to turn the headlines around and make it all about Hillary this week.

    Hillary can be boring and Obama remains inthe spotlight for better or worse.

    Parent

    what did you want her to say? (none / 0) (#50)
    by TheRefugee on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:31:32 PM EST
    what I think?  cuz what I think is Kevorkian is a hero, families need to learn how to let go of the suffering, and no baby is a baby until it can breath on its own and isn't getting its food from a yolk sack.  But not sure that plays well to those who blow up abortion clinics or who think an induced heart beat with no brain function is still life, or minor brain function in a person who couldn't survive without respiratory aid is still life.

    Parent
    It's a difficult needle to thread (none / 0) (#59)
    by andgarden on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:33:36 PM EST
    but I know what I believe: the government stays out of these decisions. HIllary says otherwise.

    Parent
    I like your answer (none / 0) (#71)
    by TheRefugee on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:41:31 PM EST
    simple and to the point.

    I'm not watching anymore because I can't stand this type bs.  They are asking the candidates to equivocate on everything because they know that no one is going to give a definitive answer on topics that will be viewed differently by different voting blocks.

    Parent

    I didn't get that (none / 0) (#35)
    by Marvin42 on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:25:52 PM EST
    I more heard that she says there should be a "process," which to me sounds like a path, but not an automatic ok. Don't open the floodgates, but provide a path maybe?

    Parent
    Yeah a path (none / 0) (#44)
    by LoisInCo on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:28:15 PM EST
    but not government forcing one way or another.

    Parent
    Nice answer on abortion (5.00 / 2) (#33)
    by stillife on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:25:33 PM EST
    I like how she made it a global issue and talked about China and Rumania.  It's not just about unborn fetuses, it's about the lives of women.

    I want to see how Obama answers that question.  I bet he's backstage taking notes on Hillary's answers.  ;)

    I wonder if they'll ask him the same questions. (none / 0) (#36)
    by Maria Garcia on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:26:20 PM EST
    How many times will he say (none / 0) (#39)
    by bjorn on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:26:36 PM EST
    I agree with Hillary?

    Parent
    Maybe that's why she elected to go first (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by Democratic Cat on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:27:40 PM EST
    She's a smart one.

    Parent
    Drinking game! (none / 0) (#43)
    by stillife on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:28:04 PM EST
    at least once (none / 0) (#55)
    by TheRefugee on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:32:46 PM EST
    "I don't have a problem speaking, on that Senator Clinton and I agree."

    Parent
    She should have gone second, (5.00 / 2) (#40)
    by LoisInCo on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:27:17 PM EST
    to avoid Obama stealing her answers.

    No, better to have him steal hers (none / 0) (#46)
    by ruffian on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:30:14 PM EST
    than to be accused of stealing his!!!

    Parent
    What a box they have put this woman in.... (none / 0) (#61)
    by Maria Garcia on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:34:09 PM EST
    ...I think, more than anything else, that's why I admire her most. She continues to operate under all these ridiculous constraints. I would have blown myself up by now.

    Parent
    Question on China (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by Radiowalla on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:32:05 PM EST
    Yeah!  

    Great question!  Let's see how she does....

    "I would urge the president to say he won't attend the opening ceremonies..."  

    I liked her emphasis (5.00 / 3) (#62)
    by lilburro on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:35:02 PM EST
    on the plurality of religions in this country and the strength of our society emerging from making sure religion doesn't have too great a hold on our government.  Should be a no brainer but it's good to hear.

    Oh my goodness (5.00 / 2) (#63)
    by stillife on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:35:23 PM EST
    what a stupid question from Meacham.

    Why would a loving God allow bad things to happen?  

    Good answer from Hillary, though.

    What's next, "why is the sky blue?"

    Great answer on suffering. It is a call to action (5.00 / 3) (#64)
    by Teresa on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:36:08 PM EST
    that the Republicans always conveniently ignore.

    two spontaneous applause (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by bjorn on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:36:22 PM EST
    moments, who would think people would clap at a faith forum. Kudos to Clinton for getting a laugh as well.  She makes people feel comfortable and not threatened by her faith, respectful of others' fait.

    Senator Barack Obama: (5.00 / 1) (#73)
    by LoisInCo on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:49:05 PM EST
    Come ooooonnnn doooown. Sigh. This is such a bizzare forum.

    Campbell fell asleep (none / 0) (#20)
    by ruffian on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:19:27 PM EST


    LOL (none / 0) (#22)
    by bjorn on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:20:17 PM EST
    She's spent from.... (5.00 / 2) (#24)
    by Maria Garcia on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:21:39 PM EST
    ...the "shame on you" high.

    Parent
    Or recovering from (none / 0) (#30)
    by ruffian on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:24:59 PM EST
    having her jaw wired shut.  Why have I never noticed that before? Oh yeah, I usually get her the heck off my teevee!!!

    Parent
    BTD - she answered (none / 0) (#26)
    by Democratic Cat on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:22:33 PM EST
    she said the potential for life begins at conception, but the others lives involved are important too.

    Not sure what that means (none / 0) (#38)
    by ruffian on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:26:33 PM EST
    but OK.  

    Parent
    I do (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by Marvin42 on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:32:18 PM EST
    I am not religious, I am a biologist by training. To me potential for life begins at conception, but until there is brain and personality development that is all it is.

    I don't think that is what she meant exactly, but I understand that part.

    Parent

    You could as easily say the 'potential' for life (none / 0) (#45)
    by ruffian on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:29:17 PM EST
    begins with the first shot of tequila.

    This is why I don't watch these 'compassion forums' .I'll stop before I insult somebody.

    Parent

    when do you think life begins? (none / 0) (#48)
    by diplomatic on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:31:15 PM EST
    Let's have some fun nitpicking your answer.

    Parent
    One could have just as easily said (none / 0) (#56)
    by Edgar08 on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:32:50 PM EST
    Life only begins when you're 18.

    Yes.  These forums are dumb.


    Parent

    that is my favorite definition (none / 0) (#60)
    by bjorn on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:33:58 PM EST
    so far...

    Parent
    any answer won't do (none / 0) (#47)
    by diplomatic on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:30:38 PM EST
    why bother posting that you're not sure what it means when in reality there is no one on Earth who actually knows for sure when and how life begins, where it comes from, etc.  Hillary gave her opinion which is all that can be asked of anyone.

    Parent
    Thats a good answer (none / 0) (#70)
    by ruffian on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:38:39 PM EST
    I don't think it is possible to know when life begins, or when the potential for life begins.  My problem with the question and answer is that they both pretend it is possible to know.

    Parent
    I took it to mean (none / 0) (#51)
    by LoisInCo on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:31:39 PM EST
    that the potential lives( of babies/fetus) are important and should be considered, but that the lives(and decisions) of the mother/host are also important and should be considered.

    Parent
    Why 'compassion forum'? (none / 0) (#27)
    by ruffian on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:22:57 PM EST
    Oh no, don't bring up Terri Shiavo.

    Why did CNN give (none / 0) (#31)
    by bjorn on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:25:03 PM EST
    Campbell her own show, there are so many smarter, cooler women out there?

    They also made (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by stillife on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:27:35 PM EST
    Bill Bennett a political analyst.  

    Parent
    She's pretty.... (none / 0) (#34)
    by Maria Garcia on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:25:48 PM EST
    ...and no, sadly, I am not being snarky. I really think that's the reason.

    Parent
    Clinton's been talking (none / 0) (#49)
    by lilburro on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:31:25 PM EST
    a lot about China lately...a lot yesterday.

    Tell me she didn't just say (none / 0) (#54)
    by ruffian on Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 07:32:35 PM EST
    'loss of face' in connection with the Chinese. Then again, when else should you say it?

    yikes (none / 0) (#74)
    by IzikLA on Mon Apr 14, 2008 at 12:35:31 AM EST
    I will vote for Obama if I have to but I will not like it.  He is so slippery and I just do not get the fawning over him.  Some of his answers here tonight made me squirm.  He basically said he got religious because of politics, and he again was fed by the media over and over again.  He also managed more non-answers than I know what to do with.  Oh, and the applause was really unbearable.  I just don't get what people are applauding him for - he panders more than anyone I know.