Sojourners’ Presidential Forum on Faith, Values, and Poverty

Last night, I watched and recorded Sojo’s forum on Faith, Values, and Poverty featuring discussions  with the so-called three leading democratic candidates for President of the United States: Former Senator John Edwards, Senator Barack Obama, and Senator Hillary Clinton. 

The debate was called “revealing” by some TV talking heads and in some cases that is true.  For example when Soledad O’Brian asked Senator Clinton how her Faith sustained her during the revelation of her husband’s infidelity.  Other times it was a bit baffling to be honest.  Soledad asked Edwards what was the biggest sin he ever committed.  I doubt that I would ask that question or even use that in determining who I was going to vote for for president.

In the final analysis, however, I don’t feel as if the dialogue with the presidential candidates was penetrating enough.  While Jim Wallis’ questions were extremely relevant; the answers that were given were basically stump speech material that is likely to be heard at other venues.  In one instance, I was really disappointed in Sen. Obama’s answer to a question about fairness and justice in the Occupied Territories.  Instead of stating emphatically that abuses were being acted out against the people of Palestine; Obama gave a slight hat tip to that reality, but then zeroed in on the AIPAC approved, government sanctioned ”Israel’s Right to Exist” statement.  That question presented Obama with the opportunity to be audacious and acknowledge that for far too long the international community has tacitly supported injustice in Palestine and has been silent when Israel needed to be challenged – and as Dr. King proclaimed there comes a time with silence is betrayal. 

The night was heavy on good religious statements, but light on specific plans for systemic change. 

Congratulations to Jim Wallis and the entire Sojo/Call to Renewal Family for organizing a much needed event about Faith and Politics.  Hopefully, it will serve as a catalyst for local conversations forcing Believers to think critically about our Faith and how we practice it in this world.  Enjoy this short clip of highlights from last night’s forum.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5BWQhZBh6U]

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