What to Make of Dobson

James Dobson has sent an email that outlines that he is not going to support Fred for President. Specifically his complaints are:

1. Fred is opposed to a marriage amendment
2. Support for McCain Feingold
3. Won't talk about what he believes in
4. Can't talk his way out of a paper bag
5. Fred's lack of passion

Let me start with the observation that I respect and like Dobson--particularly when it comes to actual Christian issues and parenting--less so with his political point of view. In this case, however, I believe that Dobson is completely wrong on all counts.

1. I can appreciate why it is that Dobson wants the federal government to come down and define marriage for all of the States. His definition of marriage is certainly what I would like to see. But Dobson is making a litmus test out of one position of the marriage amendment issue. Contrary to what Dobson says, the proposal that FDT supports would not result in "50 different definitions of marriage". The reality is that there would be 2, with the addition of Civil Unions thrown into the mix. On the other hand, fighting this at the state level has been a far more effective method for "social conservatives" than on the Federal level, which is where FDT's proposal would push the issue.

2. Fred has backed off on his support of McCain Feingold as the details of its results have become apparent. To me this is Fred's weakest area because he has not admitted the first amendment issues here, but he has said that he would like for it to be reworked allowing for much greater personal contribution limits.

3. Fred has talked extensively about what he believes. This is just wrong.

4. This is ridiculous.

5. Fred's passion is not a screaming, jumping up and down passion. Nevertheless he is passionate about what he is doing.

With Dobson's high standard, I do not think he will be supporting any of the candidates for President (certainly not Giuliani or Romney), which is unfortunate.