Obama's Faith Talk: One Step Ahead

When it comes to faith and politics, the Obama campaign always seems to be a step ahead. From Obama’s Call to Renewal Speech in 2006 to his faith based policy speech Tuesday in Ohio, Barack Obama has shown that he is serious about his faith and serious about public policy that incorporates the values of his faith.

Yes, there will be disagreement when it comes to Obama’s values as it relates to his Christian faith. That’s a separate topic. But what he did today in Ohio was another signal to all faith communities that he believes they have a role to play in his administration.

Let me step back for a moment. Look what Obama did in Chicago a few weeks ago when he met with religious leaders from all across the ideological spectrum. Obama has been sending signals for months that he is ready to try and break down some of the past divisions in the religious community. He should be commended for that. People who really know him understand that this is not a show. It is real.

As for his proposed “Council for faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, what’s really not to like if you’re a religious institution looking to help in the community? If Obama’s plan goes according to plan, they’ll be more money for the taking and a better and more effective way to access it. Sounds like a deal. More on the plan here.

All of this “faith acticity” puts the pressure on John McCain to not just rely on his resume checklist of conservative votes and beliefs. Even if he’s the most socially conservative guy in the room( and he’s not) you still have to engage with your audience and the rules of engagement with Evangelicals is that they want to see active steps and be courted a little. Is that too much to ask?