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Saddleback's Civil Forum with McCain and Obama
Hi Jon and Sally.
Here is the FAQ I just sent out from my staff to Saddleback members:
SADDLEBACK CIVIL FORUM ON THE PRESIDENCY
WITH SENS. JOHN MCCAIN & BARACK OBAMA
August 16, 2008
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR THE MEDIA
What is the Saddleback Civil Forum?
The Saddleback Civil Forum is a monthly forum for Southern California intended to promote personal responsibility, social civility, and spiritual maturity, held on the 120 acre campus of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. World leaders in science, business, education, the arts, entertainment, government, health, and religion are invited to speak on subjects of community interest. Sometimes speakers are ordinary people with extraordinary stories, such as a recent forum when five Jewish holocaust survivors shared how they survived the World War II death camps. In September, our guest will be former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair.
How did the Saddleback Civil Forum on the Presidency come about?
On July 2nd, after efforts by another organization failed to get the two candidates together, Dr. Rick Warren personally contacted the candidates out of his relationship with both men, and invited them to Saddleback's Civil Forum for August. Both agreed to participate on two conditions: 1) that Dr. Warren ask all the questions -- instead of a panel, or from the audience -- and 2) that it be open for all national media to cover as news or carry via live video feed from Saddleback, as opposed to co-sponsorship by any one network or outlet, as was done during the primary campaigns.
After so many debates among candidates throughout the primaries, what makes this event unique?
This will be the first joint appearance of the two presumptive nominees of both parties for President, and one of only four joint appearances of the campaigns, including three debates planned for later this fall. It is also the final general appearance by either candidate before they go into hiatus prior to their respective conventions. And, as far as we know, it is the first time that a church pastor has ever moderated an event, in a local church, featuring the two major candidates for President.
What will be the format of the Forum on the Presidency?
The two-hour format will be held in a non-debate format, from 5 pm to 7 pm PDT. There will be commercial breaks every ten minutes, enabling Dr. Warren to have a separate long-form conversation with each candidate for 50 minutes.
To avoid bias, and give America a true and fair comparison the questions to both candidates will be identical to provide a fair comparison, although the follow-up questions may differ, based on their response.
Sen. Barack Obama will be interviewed first, as determined by the flip of a coin. To insure fairness, Sen. McCain will not hear the questions of the first hour. Between the two interviews, the candidates will appear together on stage for photographs.
What kind of questions will Dr. Warren ask?
Dr. Warren has been soliciting and considering questions from leaders representing all sectors and sides for over a month. First, he invited invited the 250,000 American pastors and church leaders who subscribe to his weekly newsletter to email their "heartland" questions. Next, he put together a team of experts in various areas to help him shape a questions on their area of expertise (ie, religious persecution, AIDS, hiring freedom, abortion, etc.)
Debate and town hall questions typically deal with hot political topics like the war, the border, the price of oil and reaction to campaign statements. While important, these tend to be short-term issues on which the candidates have repeatedly stated their positions.
The Saddleback Civil Forum will focus on the core convictions of each candidate that would shape how each one would lead and their views on America's role, direction, and culture. Each interview will be segmented into four themes of 12 ½ minutes each:
STEWARDSHIP: Questions on the constitution, the role of government, security, education, energy
LEADERSHIP: Questions on personal character, competence, convictions, experience to be president
WORLDVIEW: Questions on life, family, evil, freedom, Christianity, Islam
AMERICA'S ROLE IN THE WORLD: Questions on going to war, on America's responsibility to bless other nations, poverty and disease, human rights, religious liberty, corruption, vision for America
Is this event a violation of church and state?
When asked this question in media interviews, Dr Warren has given this response: "Of course not -- it has no government sponsorship. I believe in the separation of church and state, but I do not believe in the separation of faith and politics, because faith is simply a worldview and everyone has some type of worldview. Whether you are an atheist, secularist, Buddhist, communist, Christian or any other faith, you have a worldview. Your worldview is your personal database that you reference to make every decision. Any leader who claims that he will "not allow his faith to influence his decisions" is either ignorant or dishonest, as that is impossible to do. Leaders make decisions based on their values, or worldview, so it is entirely appropriate for voters to want to know what a candidate's worldview is."
Does Dr. Warren intend to endorse either candidate?
No. First, the law prohibits non-profit 501(c)3 organizations such as churches from making official endorsements. Second, Dr. Warren believes it is inappropriate for pastors to make personal endorsements of political candidates, since pastors must shepherd all the flock, regardless of their political persuasion.
Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama have both been friends of Dr. Warren before they began their run for President. He knows many leaders from both parties, including six of the candidates who ran for the Presidency, but he has never endorsed any candidate.
At the 2006 Saddleback Global Summit on AIDS and the Church, Barack Obama participated as one of 60 speakers. At that annual event the following year, Hillary Clinton appeared in person, joined by John McCain, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Barack Obama and John Edwards via video, due to scheduling conflicts, in sharing their plans for addressing HIV/AIDS if elected to national office.
Why did Dr. Warren invite the candidates to the Saddleback Civil Forum?
Dr. Warren wanted to provide a different context and climate for the candidates to let the faith community and the entire electorate know who they are and how they will lead - sharing not just what is in their heads, but also in their hearts. He is not a political pundit, but a pastor who deals with the real life, daily life concerns of normal Americans, and he wants to ask objective, but tough questions about those issues. Dr. Warren intended for a panel to interview the candidates, but both presumptive nominees asked that he alone ask the questions, expressing their trust in him to provide a fair and civil format.
Did he just pick up the phone and call them?
Dr. Warren never discusses publicly how or what he shares privately with leaders.
How many people will attend the Forum?
Each campaign was provided 100 seats, and approximately 5,000 more tickets are being distributed to Saddleback Church members and regular attenders through a drawing in seven categories. For security reasons, only individuals with tickets and accredited, credentialed working media will be allowed on the church campus.
Will the wives of the candidates be attending?
Mrs. Cindy McCain and her daughter will be attending. Mrs. Michelle Obama will not be attending, due to another commitment.
Will there be an opportunity to meet the candidates?
No. The candidates are only involved in this event, and there will be no opportunity for autographs, photographs, shaking hands or meeting with either presumptive nominee.
Who is handling the security for the event?
The Secret Service. Saddleback Church also has a large Guest Relations ministry comprised of national, international, and local law enforcement professionals who are churches members that volunteer their services. No phones, cameras, purses, or recording device will be allowed. The Campus will be closed the day before. This is a church event, not a public event, and only those with tickets will be allowed on campus. There will be NO WILL-CALL tickets.
Will there be media facilities?
Yes, though due to Secret Service requirements for background checks, the deadline for media credentials closed on August 8. Media with credentialing questions or requiring additional information are asked to contact A. Larry Ross Communications. Phone: 972-267-1111. Email: media@rickwarrennews.com.
Is any other organization involved with the Saddleback Civil Forum?
No. This is a Saddleback Church event.
What else is happening related to the Civil Forum this weekend?
Dr. Warren had hoped to host an interfaith reception prior to the Forum but scheduling prevented that from happening.
The morning after the Civil Forum, Sunday, August 17, Dr. Warren will deliver a non-partisan message at Saddleback Church entitled "The Kind of Leadership America Needs." National news agencies have expressed interest in broadcasting it.
What will be the focus of Dr. Warren's Sunday morning message?
The message will be about the necessity and nature of effective leadership. Dr. Warren has advised many presidents and world leaders. "The Kind of Leadership America Needs," will be based on what the Bible says about servant leadership, his 35 year personal study of leadership, and his experiences in having trained more than 400,000 leaders in 162 countries over the past 28 years. Dr. Warren has taught on leadership at Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, The University of Judaism, the Davos World Economic Forum, the Aspen Institute, the United Nations, and at many international congresses. He was selected by "U.S. News & World Report" as one of America's 25 Best Leaders. (See biography below).
Both candidates have publicly endorsed and supported the Global PEACE plan and the PEACE Coalition begun by Dr. Warren. What is it?
The PEACE Plan is a strategy to combat five global problems that affect billions of people: spiritual emptiness, corrupt leadership, extreme poverty, pandemic diseases and illiteracy/poor education. P.E.A.C.E. is an acrostic for Promote reconciliation, Equip servant leaders, Assist the poor, Care for the sick and Educate the next generation. The PEACE Coalition is a network of networks, creating partnerships between the public, profit, and faith sectors - governments, businesses, and churches.
Currently, the P.E.A.C.E. Plan is developing in 68 countries. Over the past four years, Saddleback Church has sent 7,776 members on more than 1,000 PEACE teams to work internationally in 68 countries. For additional endorsements and information visit www.thepeaceplan.com
Endorsement of the PEACE Coalition by Sen. John McCain
"The consistent message of the Gospels calls us to recognize that all life is sacred because all human beings are created in the image of God, and Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves. The billions affected by poverty, diseases, illiteracy, and oppressive or corrupt governments are our neighbors and they deserve our compassion, support and comfort. They are living without hope, happiness or good health. This is why we need the PEACE Plan and the PEACE Coalition. Together as individuals, churches, corporations, and countries we must do all we can to cooperate in eradicating these 'giant problems.' The mobilization of local churches to aid, educate and empower others through the PEACE Plan has already made an impact on these problems and will only increase. I am so grateful for the PEACE Plan and I thank Rick and Kay Warren for their leadership worldwide."
Endorsement of the PEACE Coalition by Sen. Barack Obama
"Through the PEACE Plan, thousands of partners are acting on the belief that the challenges we face today are not simply technical problems in search of a ten-point plan. They are moral problems, rooted in both individual callousness and societal indifference, due to the imperfections of man. The PEACE Plan marshals the hard work and good will of churches, placing trust in the limitless power of a living and awesome God. It proclaims with loving witness that the weary and heavy-laden across the globe can find rest and strength in the arms of their brothers and sisters -- ordinary people empowered by God to change the world. Michelle and I will be praying fervently for the success of the PEACE Coalition. Moreover, as partners, and as friends we will be working with Rick and Kay Warren and all Americans willing to see that the aims of this great plan are realized. God's call to be our brother's keeper and our sister's keeper requires of us nothing less."
By Rick Warren |
August 13, 2008; 1:36 PM ET
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Posted by: buyzyrtec | August 20, 2008 3:04 PM
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Pretty nice site, wants to see much more on it! :)
Posted by: John Williams | August 20, 2008 11:59 AM
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Привет всем! Мои песни о Любви, о Жизни и о России... Послушайте на досуге) Алексей
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Posted by: Barondevals | August 18, 2008 12:05 PM
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Last night after our church service one of the members stated that she was very disappointed in a comments made by Dr. Warren. I did not see the interview after the forum so I could not comment. However, I was disturbed. Did he say that this forum was held to better educate society so that we can become more tolerant and have a better understanding of homosexuality and marriage being more than just between one man and one woman? The pastor asked if she was taking this out of context or possibly misunderstood the point. Is there a site where the interview may be found? I have read Dr. Warren's book and cannot believe that she understood what was being said.
Posted by: Melissa Harrell | August 18, 2008 11:07 AM
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Sounds dangerously close to intolerance and prejudice.
"Heartland questions" seem not to include questions that include all people.
"Peace Plan" smells of government abuse including stealing tax-payers money to tell people how to live via churches and their corporate friends.
If we in America want to look like the Middle East, we just need to continue down this slippery slope where religious organizations sleaze their way into the political arena, and we will see a theocratic government.
There are already those in Congress that believe all religions, EXCEPT Christianity, should be removed from any public light, and only Christianity should be recognized.
It is a sad day to see America falling into the trap that the Founding Fathers saw when they first landed, were Christians were killing Quakers and Mormons and people were banished from cities for not following the majority.
Which seems odd to me, seeing as most Republicans and Conservatives despise the Democratic party because it has a supposed "mob mentality" when the majority rules, but they have no problem with it when they have the Majority in Congress nor when they can push the fact that Christianity is the most popular religion in America, hence, it should be the only one and infiltrate our schools, private lives and government.
Corey Mondello
Boston, Massachusetts
www.CoreyMondello.com
8-17-08
Posted by: Corey Mondello | August 17, 2008 8:45 AM
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McCain's responses were crisp and sterling. There was passion in his voice with conviction in his telling; and as far as I heard, he outshone Obama's affable nebulous responses like a comet outshines a flashlight.
Posted by: Anne | August 16, 2008 10:38 PM
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Please explain the importance of someones belief in Jesus as our savior in the election of a president?
Thank you, Li
Posted by: spiralli | August 16, 2008 8:47 PM
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I was terribly distraught to hear that a religious affiliated forum and mediator would be holding a political forum for our presidential candidates. We are not a Christian nation, though many seem to like to believe so. We are supposed to be a nation of tolerance and embracement of all religions. By holding a political forum at a single religion's venue, we are adhereing to this consisitent political prototype that one must be a Christian to be elected president. Not dissimilar from the stereotypical older-white-Christian-male that this election was supposed to prove false. Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Christians; all of their religion's center on peace, love and life, and it makes me wonder how easily we forget Christianity's many attacks on human-rights and lives. Near all religions have done some wrong to humanity, for it is people, not gods, that run religion. If a Buddhist ran for the presidency, would our nation not even glance in his direction? JFK was a Roman Catholic and we treated him as if he was bishop to the pope himself. Yet now we consider him one of our greatest presidents. I take offense when people of this and other countries assume our diverse nation to be run by representatives of only a few affiliations. Make this a nation of the people; ridding ourselves of selfishness, let us remove our blindfold, embracing our fellow Americans, neighbors, and above all, our fellow human beings.
Posted by: Lauren Bell | August 16, 2008 2:18 AM
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Great idea - thanks! One suggestion, though. Would it be possible to repeat this process with some other candidates for president, such as Bob Barr or Chuck Baldwin?
I know the two senators are the leading candidates, but I would certainly like to hear from the others in a similar forum.
Posted by: Don | August 15, 2008 8:54 PM
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Thank you Rev Rick Warren for taking on your duty as a pastor so that the presidential candidates can do theirs, namely politics. It was confusing to the religiously inclined, like me, who like to keep religion and politics separate when presidential candidates began to be tested by the public on their pastoring qualities. Considering there is no shortage of pastors in the country, a president should not have to take on the duty of the national pastor. Being a president is a full time job. A politician pretending to be a pastor is the worst thing they can do for the religion they represent. Now you have mercifully relieved both Senators running for president of an improper duty that was imposed on them unwittingly by the public. The public and both the presidential candidates, Senators McCain and Obama, should be grateful.
Posted by: Anonymous | August 13, 2008 11:52 PM
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Both Senator Obama (as a strong supporter of Planned Parenthood and as one who voted against the Born Alive Infant Protection Act while a Senator in Illinois) and Senator McCain should take a good look, no, many good looks, at this video ---
The Silent Scream - Dr B Nathanson MD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjNo_0cW-ek&feature=related
Both Senators need to be questioned in detail on the topic although avoiding the topic altogether might seem like an easier option causing less tension. As Christians both Senators need to answer the important questions regarding the right of an unborn child to its God given right to life.
Roe vs Wade is about making legal the act of aborting healthy unborn children by healthy mothers because they choose not to have a child at that particular time in their life. It is called reproductive freedom. What about the freedom of the unborn child to live the life granted to it by God, the Creator of all life?
On this their real Christian values could be tested. Everything else is economics and politics. A helping hand for the poor and needy; and fierce dedication to the rights of an unborn child are fundamental to a Christian for Thou shalt NOT KILL is a commandment that has not changed with time.
Posted by: Anonymous | August 13, 2008 10:38 PM
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