James Dobson Fires Broadside on Fred Thompson

In an interview for US News & World report, Dr. James Dobson, Evangelical leader, and founder of Focus on the Family stated doubts about the former Senator’s Christianity.

“Everyone knows he’s conservative and has come out strongly for the things that the pro-family movement stands for,” Dobson – considered the most politically powerful evangelical figure in the U.S. – said in a phone call to Dan Gilgoff, senior editor at U.S. News & World Report.

“[But] I don’t think he’s a Christian. At least that’s my impression.”

Thompson, spokesman,  Mark Corallo,  came out strongly against the statement, replying, “Thompson is indeed a Christian,” he said. “He was baptized into the Church of Christ.”

The Focus on the Family organization quickly qualified Dr. Dobson’s statement, stating that his words were meant to qualify Thompson’s status as an Evangelical.  Dobson had also added that everyone knows that the former Senator is a Conservative, and holds positions that are consistent with the pro-family organization.  Dobson’s endorsement of President Bush in 2004 may have influenced up to six million new evangelicals to vote in that election.  This of course makes his endorsement desirable for any candidate seeking a national office.   Up to this point Dr. Dobson has not endorsed any candidate, but has spoken favoroably of former Spaker Newt Gingrich.