Politics

GOP Candidates in Iowa Talk Social Issues as Protesters Outside Hold Signs ‘Outlaw Ignorance’

GOP Candidates Talk Social Issues At Iowa Family Leader Forum

Six major Republican candidates for president spoke candidly Saturday in front of  several thousands of social and religious conservatives in Des Moines at an event sponsored by The Family Leader. With Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman noticeably absent, the six other candidates at the top of the Iowa polls discussed broad philosophical views on “faith,” “freedom” and “morality,” to politically polarizing issues of abortion and same-sex marriage. AP writes that the Thanksgiving dinner table discussion took on an uncharacteristically personal tone, with presidential candidates tearfully revealing formative chapters that shaped their faith:

“Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose recent rise has renewed scrutiny of his two divorces, admitted taking the advice of a recovering alcoholic to soothe the demons he had treated for years with his own national ambition.

Businessman Herman Cain, accused of sexually harassing four subordinates more than a decade ago, didn’t address the accusations which he has denied vigorously. But he acknowledged not being home enough during his career’s meteoric rise to the top of a national restaurant chain.

And former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, who has campaigned aggressively for the support of evangelical conservatives in Iowa, tearfully confessed to have resisted loving his severely disabled daughter.”

While the audience within the evangelical Des Moines church for most part remained civil, close to 100 protestesters outside the First Federated Church expressed their resentment to the opinions being discussed at the event, geared toward the key early primary state’s large socially conservative GOP base. Jason Clayworth of the Des Moines Register writes that more than 100 people with varying political opinions on social issues and corporate greed protested outside The Family Leader Forum:

“Katie Poggemann and five of her friends – at least one who said she is a Republican – walked outside with homemade signs: ‘Outlaw ignorance’ read their signs.

‘I have family members that are gay and this just pisses me off,’ Poggemann said.

Around the corner were roughly 100 Occupy protesters. Three police were standing by as they chanted against corporate greed and for civil rights.”

Clayworth notes that in addition to more liberal protesters, some holding signs outside the event expressed frustrations that the Republican candidates were shying away from vocally supporting pro-life and pro-traditional marriage positions. Clayworth noted that one protester held a sign that pictured a fetus, and another held a sign that read “Outlaw homosexual acts.”

The event inside remained on lighter tone, with candidates noticeably less aggressive towards each other than in the previous 10 GOP debates thus far in the 2012 campaign. Instead of the rapid questions and timed answers of the televised debates, Saturday’s forum was held around a large dining table on a stage with fall-themed decorations. Famed “Message Guru” pollster Frank Luntz moderated the two-hour event.

One time Iowa frontrunner Minnesotta Rep. Michele Bachmann described the pain and uncertainty of her parents’ divorce when she was an adolescent.

“It is amazing to me how God uses those challenges to shape your life,” Bachmann said of her parents’ divorce. While sincere, Bachmann had been trending on Twitter in an unfavorable way. At the debate’s start, Bachmann had a historical fumble out, saying that George Washington added “so help me God” to the oath of office.

Texas Rep. Ron Paul, who has meticulously targeted and seen success in Iowa when compared to his 2008 campaign, described his early life during the Depression in Pennsylvania. Paul also established the connection between his well-known libertarian philosophy and stance on social issues; “The goal of government isn’t to mold society and mold people.”

“The goal of government is to preserve liberty,” said Paul.

In terms of policy, Texas Governor Rick Perry proposed a federal provision that would prevent gay couples from adopting children.

GOP Candidates Talk Social Issues At Iowa Family Leader Forum

Ardent and established social conservative Rick Santorum was the most aggressive in trying to position himself during the event, according to AP; “Arguing that the president must be a cultural warrior pushing for social change that reflects the nation’s Judeo-Christian heritage.” Santorum called attention to his past campaigning in Iowa after an Iowa Supreme Court decision that legalized gay marriage in the state.

Newt Gingrich had the most memorable one-liner of the night. After an extended criticism of the political left and “Occupy Wall Street,” Gingrich advised protesters to “Go get a job right after you take a bath.”

A recent Des Moines Register poll showed 37 percent of likely GOP caucus participants described themselves as born-again Christians. A Rasmussen Reports poll released Thursday showed that Gingrich had jumped to a 32 percent support lead in Iowa. That’s a double-digit lead over Mitt Romney at 19 percent and the fading Herman Cain at 13 percent.

Comments (55)

1 2
  • Your Name Here
    Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:23am

    Baikonur
    How in the world would other people getting married have any bearing on your own marriage or destroy families? Are you going to love your spouse any less? Do less things together as a family beacuse someowehere out there two consenting adults got married? It is absurd.

    It’s called MORALS numb nuts.
    Socialists have been trying to destroy the moral fabric of society for decades and have done quite well at it.
    If you destroy the very fabric of society it will collapse under it’s own weight.
    But then you already know that.
    Once the ‘useful idiots’ have served their purpose what do you think will become of them?
    They sure don’t have a place in your new world order!
    You are just a toll to be used and discarded after your purpose has been served.

    Report Post » Your Name Here  
    • Baikonur
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 6:08pm

      @Your Name Here
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:23am
      It’s called MORALS numb nuts.’
      ******************
      And there we have it folks. The Tea Party has 2 sides–one, libertarian, and the other, the old ‘moral majority’ Jerry Fallwell dinosaurs.

      Report Post » Baikonur  
    • Baikonur
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 6:12pm

      I know there is a third, Birch Society type thread in there also, that imagines Communists hiding under every bed, waiting for you to go to sleep so they can replace you with Pod People. Communist pod people.

      Report Post » Baikonur  
    • groundzero
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 6:47pm

      Why was civil unions not good enough for gays? Marriage is between a man and a women go get another ceremony for gays!! This will destroy my children calling me “mommy” and “daddy”. When going to school it will be incorrect P/C because other gay’s will be pissed about the rights of their adopted child!! All birth certificate will be changed, just as the passports have already been changed. It really goes on forever. Just like the service didn’t allow gays at one time, then we went to don‘t ask don’t tell now we are open and everything in “normal” life is changed. These demands go on forever TILL WE THE MAN & WOMEN HAVE NO RIGHTS AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post » groundzero  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on November 20, 2011 at 10:44am

    I don‘t think it was ’BE FRUITY AND MULTIPLY?” That would not have worked out very well…..

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • Aiser
    Posted on November 20, 2011 at 9:22am

    It is ironic and self-contradictory that protestors would hold up signs reading “Outlaw Ignorance” but at the same time champion “civil-rights”.

    Report Post » Aiser  
    • mikem1969
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 2:10pm

      The thing is, if the outlaw ignorance, all of them, and every single lib and progressive would be in jail for the rest of their lives because they are all terminaly ignorant.

      Report Post »  
  • dukeofpaducah
    Posted on November 20, 2011 at 9:21am

    The forum was wonderful. It allowed for an easy flow of answers, and it offered us the human side of the candidates. Couldn’t have picked a better moderator than Frank Luntz. I was personally touched by their stories. It was refreshing to see how attentive and respectful the candidates were to each other. Romney and Huntsman didn’t do themselves any good by missing this one.

    The candidate’s background stories helped show how they have come to develop some of their stands on issues that affect all of us.

    It was also refreshing not to have an obama loving, left leaning moderator out to destroy each candidate.

    Imagine this taking place on MSNBC? Lord have mercy!

    Report Post » dukeofpaducah  
  • SpinMD
    Posted on November 20, 2011 at 9:07am

    Of all tyrannies a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience
    –C.S. Lewis

    Report Post » SpinMD  
  • Y59559
    Posted on November 20, 2011 at 8:05am

    I also thought this was the best debate. Loved the topics.

    Report Post »  
  • Daddymac10
    Posted on November 20, 2011 at 7:22am

    All the candidates were very good. This was by far the best debate with substance because there was no political agenda from the moderators and each person had more time to explain their point..

    Report Post » Daddymac10  
  • cloudsofwar
    Posted on November 20, 2011 at 7:14am

    yet another debate. don’t really care. you can have too many.

    Report Post »  
  • whatthehellbook
    Posted on November 20, 2011 at 4:51am

    Ron Paul is the only one speaking the truth. Even when you don’t agree with him, at least you know he’s not just saying what that particular audience wants to hear.

    http://www.whatthehellbook.com/the-book/

    Report Post »  
    • Founding Father2
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 4:58am

      I can’t vote for someone that would allow the family be destroyed by allowing gay marriage be allowed in our society because it destroyed our families as well as other institutions that would be effected such as religious schools, which would be a byproduct. Here is Ron Paul stance on gay marriage: http://www.thedailycandidate.com/video/2011/nov/paul_govt_gays.html

      Report Post »  
    • Founding Father2
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 4:59am

      To watch the whole debate: http://www.thedailycandidate.com/video/2011/nov/thanksgiving_gop_debate.html

      Report Post »  
    • Baikonur
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 9:41am

      @Founding Father2
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 4:58am
      ‘I can’t vote for someone that would allow the family be destroyed by allowing gay marriage be allowed in our society because it destroyed our families.’
      *************************
      How in the world would other people getting married have any bearing on your own marriage or destroy families? Are you going to love your spouse any less? Do less things together as a family beacuse someowehere out there two consenting adults got married? It is absurd.

      Report Post » Baikonur  
    • West Coast Patriot
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 4:19pm

      Founding Father, Pauls views are Constitutional. I am beginning to think that almost everyone has become a Progressive. IT IS NOT THE PLACE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO DECIDE ON THESE THINGS!! The Constitution People. Do you think that we should just go on diminishing the Constitution until all individual liberty is gone?? We are there. Our country is in this mess because of Progressive principles instead of Constitutional principles. The only way to end the destruction is to go back to the principles that made this country great. Will it happen overnight? No. There will be some growing pains, but I am willing to experience those pains so my grandchildren will still have Liberty in their lives. Only one candidate will stick to the principles set forth by our Founding Fathers. Why do you fight Individual Liberty so hard??

      Report Post » West Coast Patriot  
    • West Coast Patriot
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 4:34pm

      I also wanted to ask why you do not see that Ron Paul is more like the name you have chosen. Listen to this and then start looking at his Congressional record: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcAYJqG0NEI He really is closer to our Founders than any other candidate.

      Report Post » West Coast Patriot  
  • mdlwoods
    Posted on November 20, 2011 at 2:20am

    If they want to outlaw ignorance, shouldn’t they all be in jail for breaking that law?????

    Report Post » mdlwoods  
  • olddog
    Posted on November 20, 2011 at 1:55am

    Ignorance is when you only look at one side of the problem which is exactly what the 99% are doing…
    But they have already shown their ignorance…Take a look around the world, Everything Liberal has failed…

    Report Post » olddog  
  • discus02
    Posted on November 20, 2011 at 12:52am

    What about Russian Jews, Catholics, Muslims and non-Protestant Christians .

    Report Post »  
  • Warm In The Desert
    Posted on November 20, 2011 at 12:11am

    Quite a refreshingly contrary format to the “typical” debate process.

    Report Post » Warm In The Desert  
  • NoRoomForSocialismHere
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 11:53pm

    I sure notice how the people are placed at the table or when they are on stage. Yes and how the host directs the flow and to who. These debates have proved nothing and created a false pecking order

    TEA

    Report Post »  
  • YoungBloodNews
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 11:41pm

    Sorry but Ive always had a problem with ‘born again Christian’…

    Either you had God in your life (from your rearing) and ignored him, or you found him for the first time later on in life… This is not ‘born again’ but simply facing the Lord, who was always there. You cry out, He listens, you don‘t need to be ’born again’, you just have to admit (and declare to Him) you forsake your wicked past and accept His wisdom.

    Bottom line: If your for Him, he already knows it. If you forsake or forget Him, he still loves you…

    Report Post » YoungBloodNews  
    • BrandyWilson
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 1:54am

      I’m sorry if this is YOUR prescription for Salvation… That is not written in Scripture!

      Report Post »  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 7:31am

      The term “born again” comes from the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus…John Chapter 3 – 1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
      3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
      4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
      5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 11:36pm

    Here’s a little IGNORANCE for you.. oh and AMALGAMATED BANK? 100% UNION OWNED! ;) http://www.youtube.com/user/veritasvisuals?blend=23&ob=5#p/u/0/aEq5w2-6X14

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • welloddyfriggindah
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 11:25pm

    And what would these protesters do with the ignorant people? Who is qualified to make the judgement of who is ignorant or not? Maybe that could put a list of all the things that people think and do that they don’t like so we can see just how big of a problem they think we have. Should everyone be, think, and live just like them?
    This is UTTERLY UNAMERICAN.

    Report Post » welloddyfriggindah  
  • mickie4
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 11:17pm

    Was this on TV tonight? I looked all over for it, but couldn’t find it.

    Report Post »  
  • tifosa
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:51pm

    It truly was a wonderful Thanksgiving scene. Big beautiful table, a cornucopia, pumpkins, and plenty of turkey.

    Report Post » tifosa  
    • Warm In The Desert
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 12:21am

      From a person lacking in “Breast Meat”, it’s quite logical to presume you prefer “Dark Meat” of the Communist variety, and prefer to spread a mere “Wing” amoung your 200 Commie followers, and declare prosperity.

      Report Post » Warm In The Desert  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:49pm

    They don’t know it, but the ignorance was outside!! God help us!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • Al J Zira
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:40pm

    But if we outlaw ignorance where would we put all the protesters?

    Report Post » Al J Zira  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 11:27pm

      In jail; or as they call it in Cincinnati “The Justice Center”

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • RossPoldark
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 3:31am

      Send t them all to the Arctic naked.

      Report Post »  
  • KangarooJack
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:39pm

    Social Justice? WHY???? are they even engaged in such a broad, overly used, term for “What is my pet peeve today” politics. ‘Social Justice’ is the Democratic Party’s stronghold. See, you reign in voters by appealing to a very broad base of personal pet peeve concerns without actually PAYING for the “reforms” you enact. You just pass the buck on down to each State and they, in turn, pass it on down to the Municipalities. FREE CELL PHONES FOR ALL!

    Report Post » KangarooJack  
  • barber2
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:34pm

    All of the “Outlaw Ignorance ” folks should be faced with counter- protest signs reading ” Outlaw Arrogance . Are the Occupiers expanding their moral crusade ? Maybe next week they can turn introspective and protest “narcissism..” ??

    Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:31pm

    The protesters hold signs saying “Outlaw ignorance” and they do not get who is the ignorant ones in this matter? Useful idiots indeed being made reality…

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • Stoic one
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:23pm

    I will believe the “polls” when the title of the poll is “PRIMARY”

    Report Post » Stoic one  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:32pm

      I do agree with that.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Locke and Demosthenes
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 11:12pm

      Aye

      LAD

      Report Post » Locke and Demosthenes  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 11:26pm

      WOW!
      I said something worthy of a reply……

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • NoRoomForSocialismHere
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 11:48pm

      The only replys I get is when I uncover the truth about Russian Jews, Catholics, Muslims, None-Protestant Christians and Marxist but that was coverd in the first instance.
      ie= Steve Lerner’s OWS

      TEA

      Report Post »  
    • ADNIL
      Posted on November 20, 2011 at 6:42am

      I would like to see the stop of any and all polling before the primaries and again, before the election. I believe it is too much of a distraction and only creates “targets” for the mud slinging. Let’s focus on the people and the issues, not the popularity contest.

      Report Post »  
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