The religion of a political candidate should not matter. This principle is not only supported by the doctrine of the separation of church and state articulated by the First Amendment and developed by Jefferson and Madison, it is also supported … More →

August 28, 2008

She was buoyant, strong, eloquent, and convincing. Also classy and passionate, in a speech that pulled off her threefold task. Hillary Clinton endorsed Obama immediately and unequivocally. She spoke straight to the feelings of the many that wanted her, not … More →

August 27, 2008

It is interesting at the start of the Democratic Convention to note that the draft platform the delegates are beginning to discuss says more about what a faith initiative will not be than what it will be in an Obama … More →

August 26, 2008

Barack Obama cannot help that the election campaign until now has been mostly about him — his background, his personality, his race, his politics, his oratory, his church, his newness, his inexperience, his family, his primary victories, his victory over … More →

August 26, 2008

Read excerpts from Kim Lawton’s August 17, 2008 interview with Pastor Rick Warren at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California: On the August 16 forum with Obama and McCain: Rick Warren I think it fulfilled the goal that I wanted … More →

August 22, 2008

FRED DE SAM LAZARO, guest anchor: The election season moves into high gear this week with the Democratic National Convention in Denver, followed by the Republican gathering in St. Paul. Religion continues to play an unusually prominent role in the … More →

August 22, 2008

Evangelical megachurch pastor Rick Warren questions the candidates about moral failures, faith, and abortion.

August 18, 2008

DEBORAH POTTER, guest anchor: Another evangelical leader may be ready to support McCain. Kim Lawton joins me now to talk about religion and politics, and what sounds like a major change of heart for James Dobson. What’s going on? KIM … More →

July 25, 2008

Pepperdine University Professor of Constitutional Law Douglas Kmiec, a well-known opponent of abortion, shocked his fellow Roman Catholics when he announced his endorsement of Barack Obama. Because of that endorsement, a priest denied Kmiec communion. Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony … More →

July 2, 2008

  BOB ABERNETHY, anchor: The two presumptive presidential candidates met with religious leaders this week. On Tuesday (June 10), Barack Obama held a closed door meeting with about 40 faith leaders, including megachurch pastor T.D. Jakes and evangelist Franklin Graham. … More →

June 13, 2008