By WASHINGTON POST
Added: Thu, 03 May 2007 23:00:00 UTC

Reposted from:
http://onegoodmove.org/1gm/1gmarchive/2007/05/evolution_5.html (QuickTime version)



Reposted from:
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2007/05/evolution_and_the_hand_of_god.html

Evolution and the Hand of God

Last night's GOP debate included some questions on hot-button issues important to social conservatives. The candidates were asked whether Congress made a mistake intervening in the Terri Schiavo case (Giuliani, Romney, and McCain each gave a version of "yes" it was a mistake) and whether they supported stem cell research (Romney hedged, McCain and Giuliani said "yes").

They were also asked for their thoughts on abortion and Roe v. Wade. Answers to the abortion questions varied, but most of the candidates leaned toward a "pro-life" position. Even Giuliani, who has supported abortion rights, said it would be "ok" if the Supreme court overturned Roe.

The responses to those questions showed a clear struggle within the party and among the candidates on how to deal with those issues in ways that do not alienate any particular bloc of voters.

But one of the strangest moments of the night came when the candidates were asked about evolution. The question was put directly to McCain, who answered with a simple "yes" before adding, "I believe in evolution. But I also believe, when I hike the Grand Canyon and see it at sunset, that the hand of God is there also."

Then all of the candidates were asked to indicate which of them DO NOT believe in evolution. Huckabee, Brownback and Tancredo each raised a hand. But that was it -- the debate moved on -- no follow up question and no chance for the candidates to qualify their answers or not.

In retrospect, it seems astounding that three candidates, 30 percent of the Republican presidential field, said flat out they do not believe in evolution, without any further queries or explanation on the subject.

What do you think? The comments section is open...


ALSO SEE:
Huckabee explains his views on evolution (Thanks to Mark for the tip)

TAGGED: --, POLITICS, RELIGION