Dr. Dobson Holds to Values, Hannity Sways

On Friday afternoon, Sean Hannity interviewed Dr. James Dobson about last Saturday’s pro-family coalition meeting in Salt Lake City, as reported by Dr. D in the New York Times. The coalition came to near-unanimous agreement on its commitment to supporting only the presidential candidates who represent their values.

Hannity wrangled with Dr. Dobson on the issue of Rudy Giuliani. Dobson expressed opposition to Giuliani over his adultery and support of partial-birth abortion. Hannity defended Giuliani for perceived moral leadership on cleaning up New York City during his time as mayor.

At one point, Dr. D asked Sean at what point would he abandon his own personal convictions and hold his nose while voting for a candidate.

This is not the first time that Hannity has compromised his conservative beliefs. He also supported liberal Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger in his first candidacy for governor in California three years ago. Hannity got sucked in by the “he can win” tidal wave that swamped some unprincipled conservatives. California voters had their choice of a solid conservative in that race with Tom McClintock. Polls said McClintock could have won that election. Nevertheless, Hannity sold out the conservative movement in support of Schwarzenegger. He joined the ranks of neocons and RINOs in doing so.

Later in the conversation, the topic switched to Fred Thompson. At this stage, Dobson cannot support Thompson, he said, due to a lack of support for a federal marriage amendment. Focus on the Family never apologized to Thompson, as the candidate stated. Dobson said he has not questioned Thompson’s Christian faith, as the media misreported. He said the media took his comments out of context, much like what is being done now with Rush Limbaugh.

Dobson said Mitt Romney and other candidates are still on the list of vote-worthy candidates. Voting conviction is more important than winning, he said.

Hannity took exception to what he perceived as Dobson’s view that he is political expedient in sticking up for candidates who don’t share his own views. “Any of the top three candidates is infinitely better than Hillary Clinton,” Hannity said. “This is about right and wrong, as it always is.” He believes that support for a third party candidate is a half-vote for Mrs. Bill Clinton.

Dobson said the choices put him and many others in a precarious position because leading GOP candidates are “flawed.” He is holding out hope that more conservative candidates will emerge in the campaign. Dobson recalled not voting for either candidate in the 1996 race because neither supported the sanctity of life.

Following the end of the interview, Hannity boasted of standing up for his values and views … right after he hedged on supporting people who do not support his values while talking with Dr. D.