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The two candidates were quizzed about their religious credentials and issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage. (Reuters) |
CAIRO — Meeting for the first time at a mega-church forum, US Democratic and Republican presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and John McCain presented their religious credentials to woo conservative Christian voters.
"They clearly drew a bright line separating themselves on some issues," political analyst Sherry Bebitch Jeffe told the San Francisco Chronicle on Sunday, August 18.
"But what was distinct here was they did it without smashing each other."
Obama and McCain came together for the first time on Saturday, August 17, at a faith forum, hosted by prominent evangelist Rick Warren, pastor of the 20,000-member Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, southern California.
The two were quizzed about their religious credentials .
Obama defended his support for same-sex marriage and for granting similar rights to homosexual partners.
Though he believes marriage should only be a "union between a man and a woman," he would not support a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage because this should be lift to state governments.
Obama said he supports a woman's right to have an abortion.
McCain, for his part, supported preserving "the unique status of marriage between a man and a woman".
"That doesn't mean people can't enter into legal agreements. That doesn't mean that they don't have the right of all citizens."
He also renewed opposition to abortion "from the moment of conception".
"I will be a pro-life president and this presidency will have pro-life policies. That's my commitment to you," he said to applause.
Evangelical Christians form about one-quarter of the US electorate.
They largely support the Republican Party, with a strong focus on opposition to abortion and gay rights and the promotion of traditional family values.
Evangelicals have played a pivotal role in tilting the scales in President George Bush's favor in the 2004 presidential elections.
Moral Failings
Asked about his biggest moral failures, Obama said he had been guilty of "fundamental selfishness" at times.
"I had a difficult youth…There were times when I experimented with drugs."
The Illinois Senator, who aspires to become the first black president in US history, said his country's biggest moral failing was its treatment of the poor.
He cited the Bible which quotes Jesus as saying "whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me."
McCain cited his unsuccessful first marriage as his biggest moral failure.
"America's greatest moral failure has been throughout our existence, perhaps we have not devoted ourselves to causes greater than our self interest."
Asked why each wanted to be a president, Obama said the US should be an empathetic power for good in the world, a mission he fears is slipping away.
"I want to inspire a generation of Americans to serve a cause greater than its self interest," said McCain.
"But I also believe we face enormous challenges, both of national security and domestic."
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