YouTube Debate: Will You Snub Secular Voters?

[Tonz1231]

That question needs to be asked at every debate between politicians.

Here in America, a candidate MUST be a person of faith to be elected which is disgraceful. Being a person of faith is a negative and should be held against a candidate.

Any politician who has the courage to say that they are a non-believer will automatically get my vote, just so I can have a representative who can think independently and won't bow down to religious groups.

[andymcgaha]

Neither of them answered the question.

Obama did a fair job belittling the morality of secular people though at 1:50 by assuming his religious values translate into anything superior to what a Humanist believes secularly.

I'll take a Humanist's morality over a Christian's morality just about every time. Secular humanists put people first, regardless of gods, sexual orientation, economic situation, social stigma or dogma-driven nonsense.

[matcotech]

Obama did a fair job belittling the morality of secular people though at 1:50 by assuming his religious values translate into anything superior to what a Humanist believes secularly."""

Your absolutely right. I don't agree with translating any religiously driven view into politics. I voted for Obama, however, he is by far the lesser of two "evils." I am still devastated that he would say such a thing as that, angry too. We need someone to build that wall,it's unfortunate we didn't get Hillary.

[billyx1111]

Music to my ears! XXXXXXXXXXXXx

[Daedalus732]

And yet you would vote for Ron Paul, a very religious person? All politicians save one Rep. from California wear their religion on their sleeves. It's unfortunately how you get elected in America.

Paul is a 19th century laissez-faire economist, otherwise known as a libertarian, which is the right-wing equivalent of left wing communism. I'm a Social Democrat. For me, Paul represents about rolling back 200 years of progress.

[Elcristoph]

"I'm a Social Democrat. For me, Paul represents about rolling back 200 years of progress." - I used to be a social democrat but Ive become more conservative/libertarian over the past few months becouse for me what it boild down to is an individuals choice to do what they want with there own money/life.

[TheJustinReport]

bla bla bla, just another irrelevant platitude!

[freesk8]

They are such hypocrites.  None of them believe in God. But they know they can't say that or they will alienate too many voters.

Vote Ron Paul!

[Daedalus732]

It's impossible to know whether or not they actually believe in God, but I wouldn't go around making claims that I couldn't back up. I.E. that's why I'm not religious

A Vote for Ron Paul is a vote for a Democrat, so please, by all means, divide the Republican and make it impotent for the next 4-8 years.

[freesk8]

A vote for Ron Paul is...

a vote for Ron Paul.

My single vote will not change the outcome either way, but it WILL make me feel good about supporting what is right. That is all my individual vote can do.

I am an atheist, and I know these candidates are all smart. I suspect they are too smart for religious superstition, and are only using it to further their own ambitions. But you are right, I can not say this for sure.

[Daedalus732]

Intelligence and religion don't always correlate. There are no doubt many religious politicians, and even if they're not religious, the religious laws they pass are quite real.

I'm not going to get into a Ron Paul debate because he's just a far-right protest candidate. But any vote for him is just a wasted vote. Might as well stay home and get drunk.

[freesk8]

Calling him "far right" is oversimplified. He has positions that are usually held by both sides. EG on the left: fast withdrawal from Iraq, opposes PATRIOT Act, corporate welfare, NAFTA/CAFTA, etc, would allow states to license same sex marriage.

I think a vote for the lesser of two evils is a wasted vote. You can not change the outcome with your one vote, so all your vote can do is signal your values. If you waste it on an "electable" candidate who disagrees with you, what do you gain?

[freesk8]

I oppose legislating religion. I am an atheist, and love the first ammendment.

But that is why I am a Ron Paul supporter. In spite of his Christianity, he does not advocate mixing politics and religion, the way Huckabee and Romney do. Even Clinton and Obama wear their religion on their sleeves. It is just that in their cases, I suspect hypocrisy. You are right, I cannot be sure. Just a hunch. Don't you think it is likely that Clinton and Obama do not really believe in God?

[MinGophers]

@freesk8 Proof??

[freesk8]

@MinGophers Proof of what? I'm not sure what you mean. Could you make your question more specific? Thanks.

[MinGophers]

@freesk8 whoa! wrong person...sorry.

[drjackflash]

@freesk8 Where do you come up with the ridiculous point that none of them believe in God. Most of the candidates on this debate attend church on a regular basis. What you can't stand is the fact that they do not agree with your personal beliefs.

[freesk8]

@drjackflash I'm an atheist. I suspect that they attend church on a regular basis as a way of projecting a false, but popular image in order to get elected.

I think they are hypocrites for attending church when they are atheists or agnostics.

What they really worship is power.

And they have no interest in defending our rights.

[drjackflash]

@freesk8 What makes you think they are atheist or agnostic?

[freesk8]

@drjackflash Honestly, it's just a hunch. I know the liberal/progressive culture that Obama and Hillary Clinton came from, and I know this culture is highly atheistic. I also tend to think that the higher one's IQ, and the more urban one's background, and the younger one is, the more likely one is an atheist.

Politicians hurt their chances if they come out.

So I just don't know. It's just a hunch.

Do you have any reason to disagree?

My guess is that Edwards may be a real Christian.

[kcgirlgeek]

SicLuceatLux2: Meh, my two degrees are an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree, not like two master's degrees or anything. I really wasn't trying to be a smartass. You're SO right, studying all those hours IS tough and I am actually impressed that you're at Texas A&M. =D I honestly wasn't trying to make you an enemy. I think you probably have a lot to contribute to informing people if you do it as your genuine self, and not appearing to be a spam bot.

[kcgirlgeek]

Sick: I'm glad to see that you are indeed a real person and not a spam bot, that you have real opinions, and I'm sure you are actually very intelligent. That was really the main point I was trying to make. Let people hear YOU, rather than just repeating the same thing. I'm actually glad that you began posting personally instead of what you were doing. It has made me more interested in finding out more about the issue to which you were referring.

[kcgirlgeek]

Sick: Yes, and I report EVERYONE that spams, not just you. Don't feel like you're special. :)

[kcgirlgeek]

Sick: The only thing about your posts that "drives me to the edge" are the fact that they are the same things word for word posted over and over and over and over. They are not comments, they are spam, pure and simple. I take no issue with your opinions or posts other than that one simple thing.

[kcgirlgeek]

Sick: Oh yes, by now "everyone" has seen your posts. Why you're practically FAMOUS by now, I'm sure. (Note sarcasm.) I'm also quite sure that they are going to listen to some spamming lunatic raving on YouTube to receive all of their political news and decision making information. Please. How old are you that you think that, twelve? Why don't you take the time to place well thought out posts on videos individually. Are you too lazy, or do you just not care enough?

[kcgirlgeek]

Sick: Oh wow, I'm so very impressed you're in college. I have two degrees and likely much more life experience than you do. You're funny to think that I don't know "current events!" You have no idea as to whom you're even speaking with or what career field I work within. It doesn't matter to me what your views or opinions are, spam is still against the YT terms of service. Post your opinion without spamming and people may actually listen.

[kcgirlgeek]

SickLucyatyourLuckSucks: I am not the YouTube police. I AM a user of YouTube that doesn't appreciate copy and pasted spammed canned posts that are reposted word for word, over and over and over on every single video I try to watch. As a member of this community I have the right to object. You've been reported, incidentally.

[kcgirlgeek]

SicLuceatLux2: Spamming is not the appropriate way to voice your opinion. Please stop spamming your copy and pasted response on every single debate video. Please DO voice your opinion in some way OTHER than spam. Thank you.

[CatsupIslam]

frnesbit: Barack Obama is 47 years old , 50 years on a prayers rug?

[azelsyklone]

What FACTUAL EVIDENCE do you have that supports your claims? What FACTUAL EVIDENCE do you have that indicates that Barack Obama "Hates/Blames" whites? What FACTUAL EVIDENCE do you have that indicates that the reason for his stance on certain issues is the result of him being desirous of whites being a minority? Why do you use asterisks in places which make no sense?

[frnesbit]

Barack Obama spent 50 years on a muslem prayer rug now he says he is a christian.If he really did switch from muslem to any other religion he would be on a muslem hit list.

[muratmilan]

yuh yani len

[nerdelicious5]

I agree, affirmative action is no longer needed in America (I'm liberal by the way), but there are more pressing issues to consider when choosing candidates. Their stances on Iraq, health care, the environment, etc. are more important.

[evildrew81]

Atheists like this punk will never be happy until everyone who believes in higher power is executed for believing it. Their beliefs are practically tought as fact in public schools. How much more do they want?

[Telecaster16]

Could you elaborate on what you mean when you say, "Their beliefs are practically taught as fact in public schools"? What beliefs are you referring to? Last time I checked, to be an atheist is simply to lack a belief in God. Atheists don't innately accept evolution or want prayer taken out of school, although most of us do. Also, we don't want theists executed, as you so ignorantly suggest, many of us just want to be treated as equal citizens.

[copelanda]

Yes! I agree. Let's go join the Atheists For The Eradication of All Believers Movement. Oh. It doesn't exist.

[guitarskin]

I remember in the Bush / kerry debates. Poor Kerry lost it when they asked about his faith. He was angry and pandered. That was a trick they pulled on him. He should have said "None of your damn business."

[voyzovrezon]

Obama: "I'm a firm believer in the separaton of church and state."

All candidates should believe that!

[guitarskin]

AMEN! and I'm not being a smart ass. That is the Constitution and nothing annoys me more then the mixing of the religion thing. That's so Bushian. Who ever did that before?

[ctorres1234]

Our Founding Fathers were religious, the idea of Manifest Destiny was religious, people voted against Catholics who ran because of the Pope...it has been around forever...If you dont know what I am talking about, take college U.S History

[guitarskin]

Yes, their faith moved them to great works.

I'll have to review my American history. My constitutional law classes reflect my original comments. How would you define separation of church and state? Why would they have even put that in there?IMHO, we are a people of faith...we are a country of laws.

[ctorres1234]

I honestly think there should not be a separation of church and state because it leads to bureaucratic and liberal crap like "no 'under God' in the pledge of alliegence" Saying things are Bushian as if he all of a sudden made it all up is silly...

[guitarskin]

What other President can you name that was so intent on forcing his religious beliefs down everyone's throat? Roosevelt...no. Eisenhower...no. Kennedy...no. Johnson...no. Nixon...no. Ford...no. Carter...no. Reagan...no. Bush Sr....no. Clinton...no.

The closest was Nixon who, with his VP Agnew, appealed to the MORAL MAJORITY. They really turned out Moral???? Nixon resigned in disgrace and Agnew was convicted as a felon.

[ctorres1234]

There was McKinley...and his "dream" in which God spoke to him

[ctorres1234]

Nixon was paranoid, he had it going but spied on the democrats because he was paranoid...nothing to do with religion...

[guitarskin]

Except that the home he owned had specific instructions in the deed. That he could not sell to minorities...period. It was a RESTRICTED housing development. Nothing to do with religion...just morality.

[ctorres1234]

I am just arguing that saying that it is not Bushian when a president includes faith in his administration...America voted for Pres. Bush, and what is done is done.

[guitarskin]

You're right on this count. I fully agree.

[ctorres1234]

Okay...debate is closed. Nice debating with you

[mikexxxxnolan]

The question is OK and the answers are reasonable. I get the feeling that as the questioner does not believe in god then giving evidence under oath would be pointless. This is why the USA are morally bankrupt. It is very sad.

[halfkneegrow]

I think fear of perjury and self respect goes further when testifying under oath than fear of God.  I say this as someone who has and hasn't believed in God in my life.

[keepthetempo]

every one of these looks clowns look sketchy.flip a coin and there is your vote.

[JesseLH88]

I am sorry they all 'look' sketchy.

Perhaps votes could be based on more than appearance.

[keepthetempo]

in the US any vote you go for really dont mean shit because at the end of the day any president you pick im sure will be the master lier.

[roydk06]

John Edwards, please drop out!

[egreene]

I like obama, but i want ron paul to win. i don't agree with everything ron says though, i think the gov't should provide health care and welfare, but i know ron wouldn't get everything he wants as prez. but he would make some good changes

[vititom]

"Religion's most relevant purpose, in today's world, is as a moral code..." I am sure that all those people executed in the Middle East, especially raped victims and adulterous women, and teenagers kicked out from their homes by their parents because of their sexual orientation would disagree with you. What kind of moral code is that?

[kudjo24]

word, 1AudazHeart, i agree

[jrc99us]

Steven is very paranoid.

[1AudazHeart]

I don't believe anything John Edwards said.

[rhettnyedotorg]

watch?v=_X3UCeT0YYE

[poboyditchdigger]

let Bell talk more, he's the only one who isn't a talking head.

[rhettnyedotorg]

GRAVEL

watch?v=_X3UCeT0YYE

[WayOver]

Why would I want to read about Hillary? I lived through the Clinton administration. What does your reply have to do with secular voters?

[nododon]

Barack "Hussein" Obama says he is Christian? I thought he was raised a Muslim and attended Muslim schools. That's how he got his name. Both Barack and Hussein are Muslim names. I don't exactly know the origin of his last name "Obama". Probably related to Osama bin Ladin for all we know. Or maybe it's a southern word like Alabama. How about this: Barack Osama bin Ladin Hussein Obama Alabama. Sounds like one of those crazy pentecostals speaking in tongues.

[WayOver]

John Edwards gave the response I wanted to hear. Allow everyone the freedom to believe what they want to believe and not be judged by their beliefs.

[CitizenBrain]

i can't believe anyone would consider obama, hillary, or edwards. check out some of gravel speeches he never gets enough time at the debates, thats a true hero of the people.

[konfusium]

finally a guy in a plain t-shirt...way to go :)

[fearbefore]

OBAMA 08

NO ONE ELSE WILL DO

[CitizenBrain]

check out mike gravel before you go all out on obama

[raysheridanmr]

fuck obama....his answer was this "fuck you I'm a christian and you can deal with it"...well fuck him

[darksean99]

I disagree, it seems to me while is guided by his beliefs, is opposed to forceing them onto others. Which is a massive step up from Bush sr. saying we as unbelievers are unpatrotic.

He hasn't lost my vote because he has his little delusions like the rest of socity, atleast not yet anyway.

[dablinksousa2000]

I'm not voting for Edwards or Obama because they are prejudiced against gay people. Civil Marriage is a civil right.

[WayOver]

Civil marriage? I don't believe in marriage in government, period. Marriage is a religious thing and should stay with the church. Edwards does support civil unions, as do I. Of course I am athiest so I don't give a crap if we allow gay marriage. I don't think the tax structure or insurance or anything else should recognize marriage at all. I'm pretty radical, I guess.

[dablinksousa2000]

Yeah, you are, but you're entitled to your beliefs just like everyone else.

That's fine. If you want to implement civil unions, cool, but at least have the balls to say that you want to implement it for everyone, gay and straight. It's called equality. A seperate and unequal institution won't do.

[WayOver]

That is exactly what I am saying.

[rammer257]

It is a very serious & dangerous time for Gay people.

Do you believe that anyone will do more to protect the health, safety & well-being of people who are Gay than Senator Obama? I think he is the brightest & most decent candidate in the race. He will make all Americans more safe & more fairly dealt with under the rule of law. OBAMA '08!

[dablinksousa2000]

Let me give you an example.....say it's the 1950s and all the presidential candidates don't support inter-racial marriage.  Let's say some of the democratic candidates support a separate and unequal form of marriage known as civil unions that gives state rights, but not federal rights to inter-racial couples. Would you vote for someone that believe in that?

[dablinksousa2000]

Or let's say it's the same issue, but with womens' right to vote. Or....any minority civil right's issue. When there is a clear right and wrong in issues such as these, then yes, I will not vote for such a candidate because it is the moral and just thing to do.

Do you really want to look back 30 years from now when it is viewed as unimaginable when gay couples couldn't marry and thinking that you voted for that candidate?

[mistaspot1]

Barak Obama is a slave to the insurance companies and is proposing to keep them in place, as is Hillary. Edwards is proposing the elimination of them completely! Those companies are evil, and are destroying America. John Edwards for President!!

[GhettoEntertainment]

Check this video out!

[reida]

Obama saying he would impose his "religious values" on people. Interesting.

[freedomanddemocracy]

Debating the Debate: CNN/Youtube dems, Charlotte(SC) 7/23/07

watch?v=zlb_tLQKCNM

[scharb]

Both were great answers... Edwards' answer was better stated, but I can relate to Obama's thinking. Religion's most relevant purpose, in today's world, is as a moral code... I respect him for saying so, but it seemed slightly misplaced in respect to the original question.

Oh, well... It happens to the best of us.

[qruel]

Edwards had the better answer. This question struck a chord with people. Bullshit line from Obama about the founding fathers

[awallauggie32]

barack and user pxs5312 could not have said it better.

[pxs5312]

With God all things are possible

[apollodionysus7]

yes, for sure!

including a government that doesn't pander to members of one religious group over another

and

A government that supports individual freedom and doesn't try to enforce specific religious agendas.

Yes, dear God, thank you for democracy!

[WayOver]

apollodionysus7: AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENT!

[WayOver]

pxs5312: You religious nuts wear me out. I'm going to steal a quote from Jack Nicholson: "sell crazy somewhere else".

[burningice17]

I believe it would be wrong to base decisions based on faith is the correct answer. Thanks, Edwards, very direct. Obama misses the boat when he says there is currently a separation of church and state. If that were the case, we would have have stem cell research, evolution would be taught in schools, and we would have real sex education in this country.

[RoteHaareMann]

We have stem cell research-the federal government doesn't fund it.

We learn about evolution in biology class in naperville, illinois, becuase we it's true. And yes, i go to public high school.

and i learned all about birth control and preventive sexual medicine in health class, because our taxpayers here said we should.

[burningice17]

The fact that stem cell research isn't government funded is an atrocity. Anecdotal evidence does not argue against the fact that evolution is not taught in the majority of our schools. Also, any public health journal will tell you that only 10% of our youth are taught about condoms at school.

[carRamRod04]

Why are't KKR, Texas Pacific and Blackstone just throwing money at stem cell research? Isn't it supposed to be very promising?

[reaisan]

There is separation of church and state, not to the extent you want obviously but public and private schools have distinct differences as I am sure you can agree.

As for the percentage of schools that teach biology, I'd love to see a source if you have one. I'm not trying to instigate, but I seriously don't believe you. I hope you aren't watching the few incidences on TV and assuming the majority of schools are that way. That would be like assuming any other stereotype.

[WayOver]

burning: I agree completely. Thank you for your comment.

[jrfought]

Hey michaelh5, do you get a cut from the Ron Paul campaign everytime you cut and paste this same comment to a video? How about a new and original thought from you?

[apollodionysus7]

he does have alot of integrity, tho I still havent gotten a good response regarding his racist remarks published in his newsletter

[ArchNME]

Good question, I definitely liked Edwards answer better though.

[foxfingers]

JFK answered the question in much the same way.