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Christian Conservatives On Fence With McCain

By 316Networks.com

Published: June 27, 2008

According to more and more Christian conservatives, presidential hopeful may have to stay in the Senate if they do not go to the polls on his behalf.

Christian Conservatives On Fence With McCain

"I don't know that McCain's campaign realizes they cannot win without evangelicals," said David Domke, a professor of communication at the University of Washington who studies religion and politics. "What you see with McCain is just a real struggle to find his footing with evangelicals."

For President Bush's 2004 re-election in such swing states as Ohio, Christian conservatives provided much of the on-the-ground, door-to-door activity and support. So far, there's been no overwhelming sign that Sen. McCain is making major inroads among this community of believers.

"There's certainly a little reservation about Mr. McCain. I think the VP choice is going to be important," said Chris Long, president of the Ohio Christian Alliance. "If they choose a conservative for the VP, that will help his campaign. It would go a long way of sending a positive message to evangelicals."

While in Ohio for a town hall meeting on Thursday, Sen. McCain met behind closed doors with conservative activists in the Cinncinatti area. McCain's director of evangelical outreach, Marlys Popma, reminded them of McCain's record supporting school choice while opposing abortion rights and Internet pornography.

"John McCain is their guy," Popma said. "John McCain's record is what will bring individuals to him. I think there are some people out there who do not know John McCain's record."

McCain's senior aides say their polling data suggests McCain has the support of nearly three-quarters of white evangelicals in swing states. They also stressed that although the issue is not at the centerpiece of the campaign, McCain is against abortion rights.

Sen McCain, who identifies himself as Episcopalian and has recently attended Baptist services, made headlines when he was forced to publicially refuse the support from Ohio's Rod Parsley and Texas' John Hagee after their statements and sermons brought the candidate unwanted criticism.

"That was one of the most ill-advised faith and values adventures this campaign," said Jacques Berlinerblau, a religious scholar at Georgetown University who studies faith and the U.S. presidential campaign.

Some religious conservatives continue to be torn regarding their support of McCain, even though he has sought a truce after calling televangelists Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell "agents of intolerance" during his first presidential run.

"It's hard to believe he's really changed, from his absolute disregard and disdain for the traditional guard of the religious right," Domke said.

Ohio's former secretary of state, Republican Ken Blackwell, who was chairman of Bush's campaign in the state and responsible for building support from Christian conservatives, says he appreciates McCain's bluntness but doesn't think it's helping him with the base.

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