The media is one story…

But evangelical Christians?

Republican presidential candidate John McCain has a
smaller lead among white evangelical Protestants than Republican George
W. Bush had at a similar point in the 2004 campaign, even though
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has made few inroads
into this key constituency.

They both get a chance in August to make their pitch.

But since evangelicals are now split into the religious right and
the less often heard but growing religious left….which group will this
play to most? Does its theme of “compassion and leadership” suggest
anything? How about the fact that Tony Perkins hopes there will be time
to discuss issues like abortion?

“While the left would have us believe that this is the
faith community’s new agenda, a candid discussion of traditional values
issues such as life … is what American voters need and deserve,” he
said.