Keyes, a former diplomat and talk-show host, accused Obama, a state senator and college lecturer, of “breathtaking naivete” by criticizing the Iraq war. Obama said Keyes resorted to “overblown rhetoric” in his frequent criticisms of homosexuals and women who get abortions.<\/p>\n
Keyes said Obama displayed “ignorance” in his knowledge of the Constitution. Obama pointed out that he teaches constitutional law at the University of Chicago and accused Keyes of frequently making inaccurate statements.<\/p>\n
The two even argued over whether Keyes calls people names, with Obama taking the Republican to task for likening abortion-rights supporters to terrorists, slaveholders and Nazis. Keyes said he doesn’t “call people names; I make arguments.”<\/p>\n
One of the testiest exchanges came near the end of the hourlong forum as the two candidates traded words about their faith.<\/p>\n
Keyes said he does not believe Jesus would support Obama because the Democrat backs abortion rights. “Christ is over here, Sen. Obama is over there: the two don’t look the same,” Keyes said, spreading his arms far apart.<\/p>\n
A clearly perturbed Obama said he didn’t appreciate being lectured about Christianity by Keyes. “That’s why I have a pastor,” he said. “That’s why I have a Bible. That’s why I have my own prayer. And I don’t think any of you are particularly interested in having Mr. Keyes lecture you about your faith. What you’re interested in is solving problems like jobs and health care and education. I’m not running to be the minister of Illinois. I’m running to be its United States senator.”<\/i><\/p>\n