the blinder the passion, the more tenacious it is. It is never more solid than when it is unreasonable. - Victor Hugo

James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family is becoming increasingly known for his vehement political statements.  These regular pronouncements make their way into the public discourse when the Fotf leader is displeased and thinks his voice isn’t being heard by the power brokers.

Fredrick Clarkson looks at Dobson’s latest: “I cannot and will not vote for McCain.”  High drama and hyperbole.

Clarkson notes Dobson’s predicatable move was immediately addressed by the political arm of Dobson’s empire: Focus on the Family Action: CitizenLink:

Dr. Dobson’s statement speaks for itself,” said Gary Schneeberger, vice president of media relations for Focus on the Family Action. “He made it as a private citizen, and it reflects his personal opinion of Sen. McCain’s candidacy and record. People can read into it what they like; all I see is his own personal ’straight talk’ regarding why he can’t vote for one candidate.”

 Careful protestations and clarifications stressing Dobson was speaking as a private citizen.
Oh. |
Fotf then published a call for 1 million Value Voters:

Dr. Dobson Seeks to Enlist 1 Million Values VotersFocus on the Family Founder and Chairman Dr. James Dobson invites values voters to pledge to uphold pro-family principles during this year’s election.

In response to the media’s efforts to minimize the impact of values voters, Dr. Dobson and Focus on the Family Action are initiating a nationwide Values Voter Pledge. The pledge is a statement by citizens who are committing to vote only for candidates who uphold the highest pro-life, pro-faith and pro-family principles.

Focus Action is hoping 1 million voters will take the pledge, which will serve as a demonstration of the strength and seriousness of Values Voters in this election.

“I want to show the media, the pundits and the candidates that values voters are serious about their civic responsibilities this year,” Dr. Dobson said.

Speaking as a private citizen again, of course .  The average Dobson follower is 54 years old being asked to endorse Dobson’s p.o.v. by signing this newly released pledge: Right Wing Watch:

As a concerned citizen, I am signing this Values Voter Pledge for 2008 indicating my commitment to stand for the values of life, faith and family during this election year. I am pledging to support candidates who uphold these bedrock values of:

 • Life — I will only vote for candidates who have committed to defend sanctity of life from conception to natural death.

 • Family — I will only vote for candidates who stand for one-man, one-woman marriage and oppose efforts to undermine the nuclear family.  

 • Faith — I will only vote for candidates who support the public acknowledgement of God and affirm the religious liberties of all Americans.

I also oppose any and all efforts by the media, organizations or candidates to diminish the role that Values Voters are playing in this year’s election. I authorize Focus on the Family Action to represent my Values Voter Pledge before the media, political candidates or other suitable forums as a demonstration of the strength and seriousness of Values Voters in this election cycle.

Oh.
Clarkson looks at who is not mentioned and why.

Time Magazine, January 24, 2008: Is Dobson’s Political Clout Fading?  The article lays out the practical difficulties the Dobson corporation is dealing with. Layoff, finances, donation drops, market loss, audience loss, reader loss, staff layoffs. 

The best post I’ve read is  Benjamin Cole’s February 6th at The SBC Outpost, Focus on the Folly:

Dr. James Dobson is probably a good man. He loves his wife. He loves his children. I’m pretty sure he loves Jesus. He also loves the spotlight that comes with political influence. For this, of course, I do not fault him.

…James Dobson is an idealogue. You’re either for him, or you’re against him. More than ten years ago Dobson rattled his sabre at a meeting of the Council for National Policy meeting in Phoenix by threatening to bolt from the Republican Party. The party bosses got weak at the knees, and Dobson’s little tempter tantrum won him greater influence in the GOP. But Dobson’s tribe is diminished, and not a day too soon.

…Unlike other prominent religious conservatives who possess deeply-held religious views, James Dobson has never tried his hand at public office. Huckabee left a Texarkana pulpit for the Arkansas governor’s mansion. Pat Robertson mounted a tremendous effort to gain the Republican nomination in 1988. These men knew that there are two options in life: you can either stay on the sidelines and whine, or you can get into the field and make a run for it. Huckabee has had more success than anyone imagined. Robertson learned his lesson another way.

But Dobson just sits on the sidelines — election year after election year — and threatens to pull his support or stay home. Ten years ago, most evangelical voters would have listened attentively. Many would have followed his lead. Today, we just watch with waning interest as James Dobson grows increasingly shrill and unimportant.

I wonder what might have happened if the child psychologist turned evangelical superstar had made a run for the United States Senate from Colorado a decade or so ago. He very well could have won. If he ran today, he would suffer resounding defeat in a state where twice as many Democratic voters went for Barack Obama as Republicans went for Mitt Romney. I’m sure that Dobson would tell us that “God didn’t call him to run for public office.” It’s funny how God seldom calls evangelicals to suffer political defeat.

While Fotf and it’s political arms such as Focus on the Family Action and the Family Research Council keep their attention to US politics, let’s not forget this company/organization/ ministry has an active presence in Canada. And not to just sell books. They have an Ottawa office,  Fotf fans have run for political office. The agenda is no different. It was important enough for the US parent company to pour over a 1 million dollars (as a ‘gift) to set up it’s Canadian political influence.

P.S. I don’t recall ever reading a Dobson criticism by Dr. Mark Byron,  who is one of my daily blog reads. His typepad blog doesn’t have a search engine, a quick google found a sort of one from 2005.
Dr. Byron addresses my oversight, very well I might add.

Success is an ugly thing.
Men are deceived by its false resemblances to merit. - Victor Hugo