N.C. Candidate Says Reporter ‘Ridiculed’ His Faith for Pointing Out Bible in Ad — But Wait Until You See Why
- Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:32pm by
Madeleine Morgenstern
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A reporter for the Raleigh N.C. News and Observer has drawn some attention for his comment about the prominent placement of a Bible in a Republican state candidate’s new campaign spot.
John Frank wrote a brief blog post Tuesday about Dan Forest’s new 30-second ad in his bid for lieutenant governor. In the spot, Forest is seated on a couch with his family in front of a bookshelf. But when the camera cuts to a close-up of Forest, the books appear to have shifted — with a copy of the Bible suddenly placed over the candidate’s shoulder:
“Forest’s folks moved the books from the family shot for the close up shot to place the Bible next to his head,” Frank wrote. He followed it up with a tweet and a link to the story on his Twitter account: “Play ‘where’s the Bible?‘ in Dan Forest’s new campaign ad for lieutenant governor.”
Frank’s post garnered some angry reactions, including one that said instead of lions, Christians are being “thrown to the liberal press.” In a post Wednesday on his campaign website, Forest himself said the newspaper “ridiculed my recent television commercial because I had a Bible on the shelf behind me in the camera shot.”
“I am not ashamed of my faith, nor should I be,” he wrote. “I did have a Bible in clear view of the camera in my television ad, and in the ad I openly profess my belief in Judeo-Christian values. I stand by that decision because that is who I am.”
Forest went on to say Frank’s treatment of his faith is the same as what Sen. Rick Santorum, Gov. Mike Huckabee and football player Tim Tebow have faced for being open about their beliefs.
But in an email to The Blaze, as well as in a follow-up tweet, Frank said he was not criticizing Forest for having a Bible — merely for using one for “political purposes.”
“The blog post was not an attempt to ridicule his faith — and my faith — nor the Bible itself,” Frank wrote. “It simply pointed out that the original shot (of his family) didn’t have the Bible on the bookshelf but it appeared later in the ad during the close up.”
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Comments (97)
Mrs_B
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:19am@IDONTTHINKSO It’s called production, how to squeeze all you can about the candidate in how many seconds?” And your point was…
Report Post »IDONTTHINKSO
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:35amMy point is the candidate, didn’t move the book, it was edited to appear in the shot, the actual Bible was not moved. The video was altered.
Report Post »RebelPatriot
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:36amBut we are alarmist for thinking King Hussein is a communist. Look at the propaganda machine he is using to decieve the American people.
C’mon man!
Report Post »spikebu
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 5:59amIt is different. Short green book with tall gold book next to it. Count left between shots. It’s different. It’s the tomato mindset. You can‘t buy a tomato that isn’t red, “tomato” shaped or bruised. Try to smell a tomato in the market. Put the stem end up to your nose and inhale. Nothing. I know if I smell a tomato, I’m going to taste a tomato, even if it’s unattractive. I don’t want the fake candidate that looks like a candidate, but doesn’t smell like one. I don’t even know who this guy is. I’m just tired of the fakery. Yeah, it’s not a word, but it fits.
Report Post »Wolf
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 8:41amand if the guy was a muzzlum and the koran had been repositioned to be more obvious, everyone would be cheering. No BFD here. The only ones who care or are offended are the libs and mussies.
Report Post »Ballot_Box_Revolution
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:01amI think it was worth pointing out. There was no attack of faith….maybe a questioning of the mans faith since it was obviously put there just to make a point. It wasn’t there to begin with. Dude is a fake….and if not a fake….for sure a typical untrustworthy politician….
Report Post »JRook
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:17amLet’s be clear the bible in the shot was a decision made by the candidate and his campaign staff to leverage his faith. Whether that is a good strategy or not depends on the voter who sees the ad. But it is clear the bookshelf was changed to feature the bible in the closeup. Which is what Frank pointed out. To argue otherwise would be to say M. Bachmann did not leverage her faith for anything she could get from it. When you utilize your faith like that in a campaign you do call into question your conviction and motives.
Report Post »MONICNE
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:04pmHas anyone considered that maybe it is a Miracle? Is the Candidate a Catholic-American? Perhaps one of their Saints made the Bible move about…
TEA
Report Post »Hollywood
Posted on May 6, 2012 at 6:11pmBetter than a Quran. For a picture of that, you need to go to Obamas’ WH library!
Report Post »YallComeBack
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:18amBlaze Editors! Hello! HELLO! (jumping up and down waving hands).
Am I the only one who sees the Bible in the big photo?
In the side by side shots, the cropping cuts right into the Bible (on the right side).
But look at the still of the video. There it is. It is the sixth book to the right of the plant- next to a blue book.
So yes, there was a Bible present through the WHOLE commercial. And yes, they moved it. But so what? The candidate WANTED people to see it.
Report Post »Mrs_B
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:35amExactly. Isn’t that refreshing and bold? For once.
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:56amDead bang on. It is the book hit by the crop. Just moved the Bible for the close up. Dumb move. The Bible should have been moved prior to the family photo. This just creates a strawman that people will pick on.
He is a politican. They are all cut from the same bolt of cloth.
Report Post »JediKnight
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 3:36pm@Dismayed Veteran: Bingo! Just what I was thinking. If you’re trying to portray yourself as a Christian, don’t wait until the close up to move the Bible. Move it before hand.
Report Post »IDONTTHINKSO
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:11amYep! More selective by the left media idiots. Play it in full screen, the blue book back cover is showing because there is no shelf upright, the Bibles back cover is not showing because there is one? Flowers above do not line up with photo of books below them.
Report Post »USA-Ron
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:06amIt would always be the Bible for me but, if anyone had a Koran,,that would not draw a controversy
I only see one God and one religion – to me there are no other gods,
if there were more gods, the flood with Noah, would have removed them anyway.
if you are something or someone that has a different god, or doesn’t believe in God,
Report Post »that is up to you, beware and Repent, there will be a Judgement Day
Politryx
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:03amSo it’s OK for the President to cover up religious symbols to make a speech but not for anyone else to actually try and expose one? Gee, why is that? http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/archive/Jesus-Missing-From-Obamas-Georgetown-Speech.html
Report Post »COFemale
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:57pmIt’s a miracle!
Report Post »FromSeaToSea
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:50pmMore campaigns should be Bible based and Bible centered. After all the Bible is “the very mind of Christ (NT). Believers make great leaders. Jesus set the example. Followed the law perfectly to a “T”. No gov. official one could find fault with Him. Separation of church and state is a completely misunderstood concept.
Report Post »IDONTTHINKSO
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:46pmSooo, edited!! Look very close. When they make the pan in shot of just Dan at around 9-10 second mark something looks kind of out of alignment. At start, the books above his left shoulder don’t appear to be against a shelf upright, it looks like there is not one visible. However, in the time frame photo which the Bible suddenly appears, there are some different books and the Bible is leaning next to a shelf upright. Also, compare the distance of the flower arrangement above said books and then Bible. I think I know were all the people who got fired for the Zimmerman edits found new jobs!
Report Post »Mrs_B
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:41pm@DOCTOR NORDO The Tweet was intended to spark public interest, and to use journalism to persecute a man of faith. Obviously.
Report Post »Mrs_B
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:38pmI agree with “BADDOGGY” that if it’s on the shelf, he probably isn’t using it.
@ISWINGRIGHT I have more than 5 or six Bibles in my home. At any given time they could be set down anywhere around the house. I keep one old black King James version on my shelf. I prefer the ESV version and so that’s what you will find on my coffee table etc. Find another issue to attack and nit pick.
Report Post »Goldenyears22
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:26pmWhat is the matter with people? This is not an issue to even argue about. Do agree with the person that wrote if the Bible is on the shelf it looks more for show and probably not used as often as needed. Which is every day.
Report Post »Mrs_B
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:22pmWhy would the journalist even point it out if he had no issue with his faith?? I have encountered anti- marriage voters at the polls who claim to be Christian, but hate the opposition.
Report Post »JustMeHere_01
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:12pmBut in an email to The Blaze, as well as in a follow-up tweet, Frank said he was not criticizing Forest for having a Bible — merely for using one for “political purposes.”
Frank did you question the last election when pictures of Obama with a Halo over his head was used. I think you are a very big phony. When you take journalism seriously let me know. True journalism means reporting honestly and vetting everyone, not just those that you disagree with.
Report Post »cgnick
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 1:43amSo you are sticking up for the use of a halo over Obama’s head?
Report Post »Welcome Black Carter
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:56pmWhoops, Think he might have stepped in it…
Report Post »Hollywood
Posted on May 6, 2012 at 6:23pmNot REALLY. It was mistaken for a Halo, when in fact it is Millstone overhanging his head. This of course will be placed on Obama, for his support of abortion,when he meets his Maker. The Murdering of INNOCENT babies! Obama DOES have this to look forward to!
Report Post »chips1
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:48pmIn one of his reports, John Frank had a booger in his nose and in the next shot, it was gone. Moving things around seems OK to me.
Report Post »JustMeHere_01
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:47pmYou want to know why this is an issue. It is another reason to demonize a persons faith. You can’t control the masses until you have completely destroyed the family and Christian values.
Anytime a candidate hints at having faith in a higher being then the leftist media will attack no matter what. The liberals to be polite have total control over the public school system, the arts, the universities, the entertainment industry and almost every news and blog outlets.
If any reporter wants to be taken serious then report facts and to further the cause why do they refuse to vet this administration. It is a marxist administration from top to bottom and has almost all the media slobbering over them. The only conclusion a person could draw is that the media is also controlled by marxists and communist.
Report Post »NCConservative
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:42pmI live in North Carolina and have actually met Dan Forest a number of times. He would absolutely want the Bible in any campaign video as he is a strong Christian and proclaims it openly. He states in the ad that he believes in Judeo-Christian values – his supporters would expect to see a Bible in his ad.
He has traveled all over our state for the past year, meeting and speaking to people. At one event I was speaking to his wife and she was telling me how much they enjoy traveling the state because they have the privilege of praying for each town as they drive through it. That’s 120,000 miles of prayers for our state.
This is absolutely the kind of man we need in office. Not only does he have a Bible on his shelf, he has a Constitution in his pocket – I’ve seen him pull it out to quote from it. We need a man of principle and integrity like Dan in every office.
His closing words in his response to the N&O article are moving: “Not only is the Bible on my bookshelf, but if I win, I will put my hand on it and swear to uphold the duties of my office and the Constitution, because there is no other source worthy enough to bind my word to my actions.”
Report Post »JustMeHere_01
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:59pm@NCConservative
Sounds like a great guy. I live in Florida so I am unable to vote for him. This reporter is just one needle in a haystack of liberal reporters that have made it their goal to demonize anyone of faith. They are part of an organization that understands that the only way to complete their mission is to mock anyone of faith.
They have control over our young children in the public schools and have managed to take any reference of religion out of the schools. It appears that these communist have taken control of every aspect of the country. The Arts, Public Schools, Universities, Media and as deep as the Union thugs can reach they also contribute.
It is no surprise that this particular does what most reporters do these days. They look for any reason to attack and shame a person for having faith.
This media will also fabricate and alter news to suit their agenda. I am surprised that recently a few have lost their jobs for doing such things. I guess it is used as a tool to exonerate this current admiinistration and to say look we are honest.
When the reporters will begin to vet this President then I may listen. Until then they are and continue to be shills for the Democratic of Socialist Party or is that the Democratic Communist Party.
Report Post »k1607
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:11pmI also live in NC-after a 10 year absence, and he seems like a good candidate.
Report Post »MCDAVE
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:44pmhe has my vote
Report Post »South Philly Boy
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:26pmLIBERALS THINK… THEY ARE gods
Report Post »SayNoToTeaBaggers
Posted on May 5, 2012 at 5:51pmwe think, but we dont believe in fairy tales.
Report Post »AB5r
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:22pmHe should have a burned copy of the Koran sitting there, that would make a bold statement.
Like the old ship in a bottle, a burneKoranan in glass should become a commodecorativeve item in the West. Unless and until we get to that point there is no hope of saving the West froIslamizationon.
Report Post »GIDEON612
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:19pmWhat would have been more acceptable? Him petting a dog in one scene and eating it in the next?
I loved the commercial and that is why the opposition has opposition to it.
Report Post »It appeals to real people.
ThePostman
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:08pmIt’s no surprise that politicians use God as a weapon, it is also not a surprise that liberals and the media hate that particular weapon.
The book could have fallen down, and someone might have set it back up there for that shot. Or they might just have decided that they wanted the bible in the background. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Now, if he had a photo of ni**er-head rock on his bookcase, we might have all had a good chuckle, dems and pubs alike.
Report Post »Derfel Cadarn
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:53pmWhy is this an issue? He is a believer it is his commercial and his money paid for it. If he wants a bible in the picture he is entitled. You folks gotta get a grip,you are out of your minds.
Report Post »Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:56pmIt is a do nothing Job that nets $125,000 a year.
Report Post »Iswingright
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:17pmIt’s an issue because he (they) clearly moved the Bible. It looks a little disingenuous. The reporter was not out of line for pointing it out.
I agree with “BADDOGGY” that if it’s on the shelf, he probably isn’t using it.
Regardless, this is the kind of stuff that makes Christians look bad. Using God for political gain is simply using His name in vein.
Report Post »JustMeHere_01
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:40pm@Iswingright
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:17pm
It’s an issue because he (they) clearly moved the Bible. It looks a little disingenuous. The reporter was not out of line for pointing it out.
I agree with “BADDOGGY” that if it’s on the shelf, he probably isn’t using it.
Regardless, this is the kind of stuff that makes Christians look bad. Using God for political gain is simply using His name in vein
——————————————————————————
It is irrelevant where he kept his bible or how often he reads it. I do have to ask why the same questions were not asked when Barack Obama was running for President and so many campaign ads had a portrait of him with a Halo over his head.
When the majority of the press will vet Barack Obama then I may pay attention to them. It ammuses me that they have no thought of demonizing a campaign ad when it is a Republican but have no problems with being silent over anything Obama does or what his ads portray.
This is not just a double standard, this is abhorant and deceitful.
Report Post »davidsongirl
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:48pm@smokey_bojangles. It’s actually not a do nothing job. Check out the roles of Lt. Governors. you might be surprised.
Report Post »Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:48pmThought you had to be a graduate of UNC Commie Hill to be Lt. Gov. of NC?
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:40pmIf it’s on the shelf he probably isnt using it. Mine is on my desk and my other one is on the dashboard of my car, the other one is by my bedside, one is in the kitchen. I dont think I have one on any bookshelf….
Report Post »If i didnt use it i would be a lot meaner than I am…
copatriots
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:04pmRight there with ya, Doggy!
The one of my nightstand is bursting at the seams from notes. First phone app, first bookmark on my computer, home page. Post-it notes of quotes on bathroom mirrors. You get my point.
Report Post »Iswingright
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:22pmWhile I basically agree with you guys, it’s not the number of Bibles you have, but whether or not you apply what you know. One Bible is sufficient. I too, have several. And guess what? I keep some of them on my shelf. I only read one at a time — except my “Parallel Bible”.
Report Post »bombshelterbob
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:31pmI’m with ya Baddoggy, though I don’t have one at my bedside–that’s where my .45 goes. God helps those who help themselves.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:40pmWell the liberals are going to be thrown into hell, so I guess they are going to end up the worse for it. Christians are mocked and persecuted. It is written that this will increase during the end-times. Expect it and consider yourselves blessed and stand firm. We have already won the war. These mockers in the end time are going to hell for their pleasure is for a season. Do not ever be ashamed to stand for God the Father. Jesus died for you, and these people who mock you want to kill you because you carry the word of God in your heart. It is Him they want to destroy. Stand up and be counted worthy.
Report Post »bikerr
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:00pmWell said.
Report Post »Doctor Nordo
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:10pmIf this tweet by John Frank is your idea of persecution then you are due for a reality check.
Report Post »Arthur Spooner
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:14pmYep. Count me in.
Report Post »Iswingright
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:24pm@Doctor Nordo
Amen!
Report Post »davidsongirl
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:45pmI agree with you BlackYB. And there is nothing wrong with having a Bible on this shelf, even if it was intentionally moved. I would have done the same thing. When you only have 30 seconds to show people who you are, you use every available opportunity. There is nothing wrong with that. Any of us would have placed the things most important to us in our own 30 sec ads if we were running. He choose the Bible.
Report Post »Doctor Nordo
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:30amJohn Frank wasn‘t mocking or persecuting anybody’s religious beliefs with his tweet. He says that he himself is a Christian. What he is mocking is Dan’s use of the Bible as a political prop, which I think is criticism that is 1000% justified.
Basically, by strategically moving the Bible into the closeup he was doing nothing more than saying, “see, I own a Bible so you should vote for me because I’m an honest Christian!” But honestly it was just a cheap advertising gimmick that someone called him out on. If Dan had had the Bible there in all of the shots there wouldn’t have been any ammunition for criticism because you could argue that that was simply where he kept his Bible and it was incidental that it ended up in the shot. But when he shoots half of his commercial and then slides the Bible in for the closeup he reveals the fact that he placed it there for nothing more than his sales pitch.
Granted, I don‘t think it’s a big deal; however, I also don’t think that this allegedly persecutive tweet is a big deal either. The guy was just pointing out something he noticed. Big whoop.
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