Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Dr. Dobson Debunks Reports About His Take on Presidential Hopefuls

Dr. Dobson Debunks Reports About His Take on Presidential Hopefuls

by Jennifer Mesko, associate editor

'You can't believe what you read in the media.'

Nationally syndicated radio host Glenn Beck shared with his listeners today an allegation published in USA Today that Dr. James Dobson had said former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson not Christian enough to be president.

CNN and other national media outlets also have carried the report.

Within the hour, the founder and chairman of Focus on the Family Action was a guest on Beck's show, debunking the spin of the mainstream media.

"You know very well you can't believe what you read in the media, especially about evangelicals," he told Beck. "That was spun by the media. I'm getting sick of that. It's an effort to marginalize you, to make you look foolish, and to distort your views."

Dr. Dobson made no such comments about Thompson. The opinion piece twisted what he told a reporter several weeks ago — that whether Thompson is a believer could have an effect on how the GOP's evangelical base may vote.

"I sincerely and humbly apologize for taking the word of the media over you," Beck said on the air. "I should have called. I'm sorry that I didn't make the call to your office. I humbly apologize to you."

Dr. Dobson accepted the apology and agreed to forge a relationship and to stay in contact with Beck.

"Today's conversation between Dr. Dobson and Glenn Beck is a great example of how people who share common social values need to stick together," said Gary Schneeberger, senior media director for government and public policy at Focus on the Family Action.

"The media has its crosshairs fixed on men like Dr. Dobson and Glenn Beck — men who may differ on theological issues, but who share a belief in the sanctity of human life and other key social issues," he said. "The goal is to marginalize these men who dare take on the permissiveness of our culture; what's heartening is that in this case, it didn't work."

Schneeberger wrote an open letter to Focus supporters explaining the truth behind the allegations.

"This is the kind of world we live in now, where you can't trust your own media," Beck said. "And these are 'reputable sources.' "

FOR MORE INFORMATION
On Wednesday, listen to the Focus on the Family radio broadcast for more on Glenn Beck.

Read Focus on the Family Action's clarification of Dr. Dobson's remarks.

Check out the Glenn Beck Program.

Source: http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000004682.cfm

 

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