Republican Debate Exposes Evolution Views

PFW:4

Last night during the Republican Presidential Debate, John McCain and then the rest of the panel was asked about their belief in evolution.

Ben Mankiewicz, co-host of the The Young Turks radio program on Air America, blogged about the question:

From Evolution is Not Up for Debate – May 4, 2007

It’s hard to imagine a lower point for an American political party. At last night’s Republican presidential debate, one of the moderators asked John McCain if he believed in evolution.

“Yes,” said McCain.

Then came the follow up – a jaw-dropping moment that should make all thinking Americans flee from the Republican party like Dirk Nowitzki from a big shot. “I’m curious,” said the moderator, “is there anybody on this stage who does not believe in evolution?”

Three – THREE – of the ten Republicans running for President of the United States of America raised their hands. Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado, Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas and former Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas don’t believe in evolution. Just like that. As if they’d been asked if the earth were round.

And it’s not just those three, it’s the entire party – because at a Republican presidential debate, the question isn’t considered ridiculous. It’s actually a matter of some debate. Remember, the leader of the party, the “commander guy”, President George W. Bush, believes the jury is still out on evolution.

No, Mr. President, the jury has reached a verdict and it is unanimous. Evolution is – what’s the word here – fact. It’s not an issue where thoughtful people can disagree. You either believe in scientific certainty or you don’t.

This certainly does not mean there is no God, or even that God didn’t create the universe. That is all possible, all believable. But if you want to be president of the greatest country in the world, of the most powerful nation in history, accepting evolution as scientific fact is a must. But among the Republicans now leading their party off a cliff, this remains an open question.

With that in mind, here are some other suggested questions for upcoming Republican debates:

● “Do you believe in the Tooth Fairy?
● “Do you think professional wrestling is real?
● “Do you doubt the theory of gravity?
● “Do you watch Fox News?”

If you answered “yes,” to any of these questions, you’re either a member of Bill O’Reilly’s family, a sixth grader, or a Republican presidential candidate.

The Young Turks