Presidential campaign ad: “That day Obama felt a beckoning of the spirit and accepted Jesus Christ into his life”

It’s a beauty of a campaign ad, actually two, with a mighty fine cross in the background in one of them. Not a wimpish subliminal one like the one the media took Mike Huckabee to task for.

This is a fun campaign. I love to be pandered to. Only one criticism of the campaign ad: it would have been better to word it: “a beckoning of the Holy Spirit.” We evangelicals are easily conned, but nonetheless sensitive to details like these.

For Mark Twain’s response, go here. For a Jewish response go here.

Comments

[Mike Heiser]

Was it the the Jesus of liberation theology as articulated by Jeremiah Wright?

[JohnFH]

Actually, Mike, I don't think so.

Barack's conversion account in his autobiography makes an interesting read. I'm not saying that Barack Obama has a deeper understanding of Christianity than did Ronald Reagan, though of course the former probably has a stronger intellect, and the latter, better political instincts.

But I would wager that Barack becoming a Christian makes him a better person, and better equipped to be president of the United States (a very un-PC thing to say, I suppose, please don't make too much of it; I would vote for Joseph Lieberman over Barack Obama for president if those were the options in front of me).

[Stephen (aka Q)]

I suppose this is pandering. But given that something like 10% of Democrats (Democrats!) still think Obama is a Muslim, you can hardly criticize him for making his faith explicit in a campaign ad.

Even after Obama's former pastor dominated the news for weeks, people still can't get their heads around the fact that Obama is a Christian.

[Stephen (aka Q)]

Re Mike's question —

I suspect that Obama has a pretty clear understanding of liberation theology (better than he lets on when he's asked about it). And he rejects it.

I think Obama is rightly placed in the "social gospel" camp, which is not quite the same thing as liberation theology. Obama follows quite consciously in the footsteps of Martin Luther King, Jr., so he's a bit of a throwback to an earlier era, theologically speaking.

[JohnFH]

I think you're right, Stephen, that Barack Obama is more of a social gospeller than a liberationist.

However, he is also a born-again Christian, which means his faith is not a hand-me-down from others. His relationship with God and acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Savior will tested by fire, wherever his political career takes him. I wish him well.

[True Grit 3]

I’m glad to see that Obama had a cross in his campaign ad, usually when you see a campaign ad, it basically the person telling you hoe they can help the country and what they will do for the country. To see this picture with the cross in the background, I think it gives people a sense of hope, and that he isn’t just going to try and help the country, but that he believes and isn’t afraid to let people know.

[Nell 3]

As a Christian and a voter, this is a very encouraging campaign add to see. I think being a Christian makes Barack a better president, but that’s not to say that all would agree. As is I don’t think he in fact has done a very good job as president, but that’s a discussion for a different venue. The main thing I like about this campaign add (I think True Grit 3 was trying to say this) is that it gives us an idea about the PERSON we are voting for instead of just their policies and ideas. Knowing what kind of person you are voting for I think gives the voter a greater sense of comfort and confidence when they do vote.

[Pulp Fiction 1]

In presidency there are so many different campaigns out there during election. Campaigns target many people and I believe these two above are strong, to the point and meaningful. I do not however agree with Nell. Being christian or being Jewish or any religion does not make any one person a "better person." However religion can play a big role while electing a president and during presidency.

[Breaker Morant 2]

I enjoyed looking at both of these ads. I liked that for both of the ads you could easily tell that he was in a church. The first is a little more difficult to tell but you can see the stained glass window that you would typically see in a church. In the other the cross stands out quite a bit and is lit very beautifully. It seems almost as if the cross is focal point and not Obama. The brief background on the first ad was very touching and I think that many people could relate to that ad simply because they themselves would have had a similar experience. Also the wording on the second ad listing faith as the first word was a risky choice but in his promotions I think a wise one. Advertising is a tricky thing and I think Obama did a nice job (or the people he hired to make them).

[Pulp Fiction 3]

As a Christian also, I also believe that is nice to see a campaign add with a cross. I disagree in the statement saying that it makes someone a "better person" though. There all plenty of people that are very religious that I would not consider a good person at all. That does not apply to everyone though. There are plenty of people out there that are very religious and help make everyone else feel better. I think showing the religious add really helped President O'Bama get the votes he needed to get into office.

[Nell 5]

I personally like this ad. A lot of politicians don’t let religion get into the campaign, so it says a lot that Barack is willing to use that as a strength, rather than think of it as a weakness. Maybe he would have even gotten more votes if he hadn’t been so open about his religion. Either way, it shows that our President is open and honest.

[True Grit 1]

My personal opinion on this ad is similar to the posts before me. It is almost refreshing to see a little bit of faith come into politics. Obama took a chance, and I could see the risk of adding religion to a campaign taking two complete different paths. One obviously went the way it did with people enjoying the touch of faith in ads, or the other could have gone in the opposite direction. It could have caused anger and disagreement. However I am very pleased with how the country reacted to the religious touch.

It’s nice to see faith and religion being such a part of such a prominent figure to our country. Just because someone is President of the United States of America doesn’t mean they can believe in God or feel ashamed and judged. People who are central with their faith make for peace. It makes me feel more for Obama as a person and where he is coming from. This is someone I would like to run my country.

[Breaker Morant 5]

I like the fact that President Obama is not afraid to express his religious views. I wonder, however, how much pressure was put on him to display these ads. I want to believe that this was his idea and that his intention was to be open to the public about his faith. I still think that there was pressure on him to release these ads to appeal to the religious crowd. Republicans are known for getting the religious vote so it would make sense for Obama to put out an ad showing his devotion to Christianity. I do believe that the President is sincere in this advertisement, however.

[Chariots of Fire 2]

I look at Obama's ads as more of an advertisement. I think he markets himself well and targets a specific group of people with each of his ads to ensure he has their vote because he would look relatable to them. I also agree with everything that Breaker Morant 5 has posted.

[True Grit 2]

I also agree with Breaker Morant 5 with that I like that I like that President Obama was not afraid to express his religious views. I think all Presidential Candidates try to sell themselves to a specific groups to try to get votes and I feel this was a way to relate to more people and get votes. In elections candidates are looking for an advantage and any new way to be appealing to the people.

[Praying With Lior 10]

I agree with the rest of the panel, I think this was an incredibly intelligent move on Barack Obama’s part. Crossing the barriers from politics to religion is a huge step in advertising. A good portion of the country is Christian, and seeing something they can relate to in an ad campaign is a great way to a gain votes and popularity. I think the biggest reason I like this ad is because Obama isn’t afraid to show that he is a believer, and that shows a lot of character.

[Shawshank Redemption 4]

I agree with almost everything that people are saying about this campaign. In the sense that I am a catholic and a voter, and I think Barack Obama does an excellent job in keeping politics and religion separate. He still gets his point across though. I don't agree with True Grit 2 however. I don't feel like this is an act to try and get voters. I believe that he is a true catholic and is just trying to get his point across that religion has helped him and he hopes that it could possibly do the same thing for someone else.

[Praying with Lior 2]

This is a great campaign add, it is very inspiring. The illuminated words, “Faith. Hope Change,” speak to me. They are the exact words I think that our country needed to hear at the time of his campaign. The overall vibe that the ad is giving off makes want to put my trust in him, maybe that is because I am Christian. I agree with Praying With Lior 10’s reasons on why I like this ad: “Obama isn’t afraid to show that he is a believer, and that shows a lot of character.”

[The Truman Show 4]

Personally, it makes me feel a lot better knowing that we have a committed Christian as the leader of our country. It is great a campaign add, and I do not believe it was just a ploy to get more voters; although that might be what it led to. It just shows another fact about the kind of person Obama is. People might not agree with his politics, but Christians should be able to have a little trust in him.

[Nell 4]

I also think this was a great campaign ad. The ad is not necessarily targeting any specific religion and that's what I like about it. I believe that President Obama did a good job in separating religion and politics. He's just showing his Country that he does have faith as a true believer and that we too should have faith.

[Pulp Fiction 2]

I think this ad campaign by Barrack Obama was a terrific marketing strategy. In the 2000 presidential election, the Barna Research Group concluded that 50 million voters were self-described Christians and just slightly over 55 million were non-Christian voters. This means that the Christian religion is the mightiest group of religious voters with 48% of the popular vote! Although this information is two elections old, it still holds true to prove the importance of the Christian vote. Of course Obama (and any other political candidate who has a worth while staff) is going to promote his Christian religion! The Christian vote in many elections of the past has provided the necessary margin of victory to the political victor.

[Nell 1]

I do not agree with Nell 3 when they state,” I think being a Christian makes Barak Obama a better president.” People’s faith has nothing to do with how “good” of a president they will be. This campaign ad will attract a lot of people who are Christian yet one has to keep in mind those are of a completely different religion. This campaign ad does not recognize everyone but the majority. It does however, market Obama as being a believer but does not target one specific religion. It is nice to see an ad about who Obama is, not what he’ll do for the country and everything else related to politics. Both of these ads aided Obama getting votes yet it is interesting to considering if it was all just propaganda. Obama knew that Christianity is a very popular religion and simply could have used this to target those people and win over votes, regardless of how strong his faith is. Just because we see campaign ads like this does not necessarily mean we can believe everything they say. Everyone will have their own opinion on the ad and I confess that I do not know which side to take. I do not know Obama personally so I do not know his intentions behind the ad; He either wanted to win votes or simply express his faith.

[Dead Man Walking 5]

Like many other posts above, I feel that this was a great campaign ad. I think that it is one thing to tell what traits one would have as a president, but is another thing to tell what kind of person you are and where your roots are. Because I am a Christian, I would definitely stand by someone in politics that has the same views as I, but, agreeing with Nell 3, I feel that having the same beliefs is not the only factor that comes into play. I believe that in order to be a great president you would have to look at and take into consideration the views of all different kinds of people, not just, in this case, Christians. This is why I believe that Obama is a great president. He seems to understand, and respect the views of everyone. I believe that this ad is great because it shows what he believes in and that he will respect the views of others.

[shawshank1]

Obviously most of us are relieved to see a little religion in politics. Obama obviously took a lot of risk when he decided to affiliate religion into his campaign ad, I sort of feel like he needed to do this though. Any time a minority or someone of a different skin tone is a presidential candidate it is going to raise a lot of questions. Many of Americans used to believe he was a Muslim, yet he clearly recites the pledge of allegiance and was sworn in on a Christian bible. One thing we know for sure about politics in the next century is that Jesus Christ will still be Lord over all authorities on earth. This is the confession that Christians have made from the beginning. Whether living under democratic or authoritarian governments, whether persecuted or free, Christians have trusted that Christ rules the world both for judgment and for blessing. God's kingdom embraces the whole world, the entire creation. We also believe that because of God's patience the climax of Christ's kingdom lies in the future and will come by God's decision, not ours. Christian politics in the 21st century must grow from this faith. It will build on this confession: that Christ is Lord over all, and that the full and final revelation of his government is still to come.

[Shawshank Redemption 1]

It is interesting to see that as a country, it is of vital importance for the President to demonstrate how Christian he (maybe some day she) is. In the race for the 2012 republican race, they are constantly bantering about the two Mormons that are running, and how they might not be electable because of being Mormons. Americans have always rode on this “we are super Christians” mentality, however if anyone comes anywhere near a position of power, they are truly measured against a ruler that most Americans don’t apply to themselves.

President Obama had to fight an uphill battle proving his beliefs in Christ because of all the fear mongering that was done by the right. It is also worth saying that Christians have come under the false understanding that you have to be a republican if you are a Christian; and therefore were sucked in by the calls of President Obama being a secret Muslim and all the other garbage that actually attacked his faith. I long for the day that Christians will love each other as God loved us and end the judgmental attitude, which leads to lofted thinking, and false exaltation.

[True Grit 2]

I am very surprised that these posters were never circulated in our area. I am sure that there are just as many Christians here than there are down in the south. This also shows that he was willing to lose the non-Christians by having his faith known to all. This poster shows honesty, and faithfulness which was a very smart tactic in his campaign. Everyone wants to know that who they choose will be there to make those tough decisions.

[Shawshank 4]

I both agree and disagree with True Grit 2. I do not doubt the truth behind either of these campaign posters but I believe it is an entirely strategic campaign decision to keep the posters away from circulating in the Midwest. Honestly, the dependency on religion in this area of the United States lacks comparison to the famous “Bible Belt”. I agree that it is admirable and honest that Obama is willing to share his faith, but I also think it is strategic to keep faith a little less in the front ground of his campaign in areas where religion is not held at the absolute highest value as it is in areas of the South.

[The Mission 7]

The thing about politics is you never know what a politician's intents truly are. I know that Barack Obama was a Christian way before he campaigned for presidency, and many people would have guessed it without him publicly announcing it. Still, the fact remains that he uses His faith to draw more voters who have the same spiritual values as he does. I don't blame him, but to use religion for political gains leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I know that numerous, if not all previous presidents, have used this tactic to gain more votes. However, religion can also be used to bring people of different background and cultures together. Psalm 46 1-3 reads, “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with its turmoil.” I can see how these words can bring a sort of comfort to those who have (and had) been affected by the economic downturn that we still face today. Sometimes faith is all we can count on at times and Obama definitely used that in his campaign. Whether is was for political purposes or not, (which a small part might have been), even I found solace in them.

[The Mission 3]

I am surprised that these posters weren’t up in our area, as well. I see where True Grit 2 is coming from when they say that Obama sacrificed his view on the atheists by promoting this religious poster. It shows that he has developed into a strong Christian and has a sincere love for God. If I saw that poster on my way to vote and had no clue who either of my choices were for president, that poster would be the deciding factor for me to vote for Obama because it shows that God is behind him helping him make tough decisions for our country.

[True Grit 4]

I agree with the Mission 7, in that you never really know what a politician's intents truly are. It was definitely good strategy to promote this image in swing states or states that maybe were too close to call. Now, whether or not that influenced many voters is hard to tell. When someone is very loyal to one side or the other its hard to believe a simple political ad would change their vote. I think things like that can definitely be misleading though, because a candidate can manipulate their message to cater to an audience. I think there are politicians who are very honest and truthful about where they stand in their faith, but I think there are some who will use their faith to gain votes or political donations.

[Dead man walking 4]

I think the pictures are designed perfectly to perceive Obama as a Christian. The one picture has a bright cross above his heart side shoulder. This to me shows that God is watching over him and his nation. This portrait will make a positive impact on voters since majority of Americans are religious. We really don’t know how religious Obama is or not but the reasoning for the release of these poster in Kentucky is probably trying to find a connection in this state and win over the people within its borders.

[The Mission 5]

I remember how terrible some of the conservatives were to Obama about his religion, so it is not a surprise at all that he did this. I think it is ridiculous that he had to prove to everyone that he was not some terrorist. But I know people who vote based solely on religious issues, like abortion, and do not care about any other issues. This is clearly the population he was going for. I do not care so much for religion in my politics, but I do not have a problem with Obama talking about God and being a Christian. He is not using his religion to take away rights or insult others like some do.

[Pulp Fiction 6]

I think that it is extremely brave for, not only Obama, but for any president or highly influential political figure to share their religion and not be hung out to dry for it. I think it shows a lot of true courage for them to do that and makes them a better president for it in the end.

[Shawshank 2]

Looking at a campaign such as this one I see two sides, one being Barack Obama is a strong in faith individual, not afraid to show his belief and two he’s just trying to get some extra votes. I’d like to hope that our president is true and sincere in what he says and feels but like many politicians they are just saying whatever it takes to get support. Looking at how many promises that have gone unfilled by presidents in our past, it would be pretty easy to discredit the sincerity of a campaign such as this one. Many times we see in campaigns that people in running for public office bring religion into the picture just to get votes. Christianity is widely popular in our country so many politicians are trying to target those people. I may be bias because I like Obama but I feel he is truly sincere about his religious experience. So having a campaign that is true and involves God can only help him across the campaign board.

[Chariots of Fire 2]

I am honestly not sure how I feel about this ad campaign. I think that it is just a way for Obama to appeal to the people and gain their respect and votes. Then I think that maybe he is actually very religious and this is important to him. I cannot say that I have ever seen such a campaign ad like this before. I guess you could say that this type of campaign style could be hit or miss. Some people might be appalled that he has brought religion into his campaign. While others might think it is necessary.

[The Truman Show 3]

I don't think that is wrong when a candidate uses their religious views to appeal to their constituents. However, I do disagree, when a candidate promises to change the separation of church and state in the United States. The law is written to be accepting of all cultures and religions and it is not up to a President to push religion onto the people of their nation. If Barack Obama wants to openly use prayer, he is more than welcome to in my book. If Barack Obama wants to push prayer into schools and unify the nation with one religion, I feel that he is wrong. The United States is what it is today because of our vast array of views and religions and I for one would like to keep it free and diverse.

[Pulp Fiction 5]

I applaud President Obama for openly using his religious views during his campaign. It shows that he is comfortable with his beliefs and wishes to spread the word of the Lord on to others. I think it is completely acceptable for a political figure to do this during their campaign. In fact, I would prefer if the candidates shared their beliefs. Whether their beliefs differ from mine is not what I’m looking at, I am looking at their beliefs to better understand how they might act when they are president. If they are of a certain belief system then they might act differently when it comes to different topics; such as abortion or the environmental policy.

I agree with The Truman Show 3 when they say it is wrong for a candidate to undo the separation of Church and State. This law is in place to insure that all religious views are accepted and nobody is forced to do something against their belief system. I do not think President Obama was trying to undo this law but none the less I disagree with anyone attempting to do so.

[Nell 2]

I think that it is interesting to see Obama use such advertisements. I remember during the actual campaign, being flooded with chain emails stating Obama is a Muslim. I think that this was a good maneuver by making his faith explicit in a campaign advertisement. I understand that these ads went up throughout the Bible Belt of the United States. I would be curious of why these ads did not make it out of these regions, would there have been a downfall from using such advertisements to the country as a whole? These advertisements to make Obama more personable and help a voter understand his morals and beliefs, aside from his policies and future plans for our country. Obama is not the first, or last president to be open about their faith.

[True Grit 3]

I also applaud Obama for openly expressing his faith. During a presidential campaign it is important to let the people know who you are and toughing on your religious beliefs is extremely courageous of President Obama. I think that this defines what our country is based on, freedom. He acted on his right of free speech and decided to share with his country how he feels on a topic. This is the basic principle of a campaign anyway, isn't it?

[The Truman Show 5]

I completely agree with True Grit 3. It takes courage to stand there, front of the nation of countless different religions and beliefs and expressing his own faith. He could have very well have not shared his faith, just as so may politicians do.

[Breaker Morant 3]

Because Obama is a politician, of course people are going to tear him apart for just about anything he does or says. I think it's great that he proclaims his Christianity. I would hope it's not some sort of publicity stunt, as many say. I don't think we should judge him on his decision to announce his beliefs. Only God knows what's truly in his heart. He may have people who don't like that he proclaims it, but the Bible does say you will be "prosecuted" for sharing your faith, but you should do it anyway. I'm not a democrat, but in this case, Go Obama!