Dobson's back ... Great.

It's been a while since we had someone contribute to the Incredibly Stupid Statements File. Thankfully, there's always the Rev. James Dobson.

In a statement to the Wall Street Journal, Dobson said John McCain's recent statements "appear to be fracturing an increasingly divided constituency.

"I have seen no evidence that Sen. McCain is successfully unifying the Republican Party or drawing conservatives into his fold. To the contrary, he seems intent on driving them away," Dobson said.

Yes, Rev. Dobson. McCain is intent on driving away the base of his party, because, you know, that's the first step presidential nominees take in a successful run for the White House.

Yeesh.

What makes Dobson think this? According to CNN:

In his statement, Dobson said McCain had not reached out to "pro-family leaders" or changed his views on positions that "trouble" social conservatives, pointing to the candidate's support for embryonic stem cell research and stance to allow states to set their own definitions of marriage.

Dance, Johnny! Dance!!

So, let me get this straight: Social conservatives can't trust candidates who change their minds on these issues (see Mitt Romney), but McCain is unacceptable because he won't?

For his part, McCain is reacting just as he should: by brushing Dobson's comments off.

In an interview with CNN, McCain said he respected Dobson's views but disagreed, citing the endorsements of his former rivals and polling data to show that the party is rallying behind him.

"I'm very pleased at the polling data that shows that our party is very unified," McCain said. "More Republicans say they'll vote for me than Democrats say that they will vote for either Sen. Obama or Sen. Clinton."

It's almost like Dobson believes that if he repeats this McCain-is-unacceptable, McCain-is-divisive mantra enough, it will become true.

It is true that Christian conservatives aren't overly thrilled about McCain. But they will vote for him, because they understand, apparently better than Dobson does, that not doing so will likely result in a victory for the Democratic nominee. Whatever his flaws, McCain is much more acceptable to them -- mostly because of his position on federal judges -- than either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama, because both have pledged to use support for Roe v. Wade as a litmus test for court nominees.

Dobson has been downright hostile to McCain throughout the campaign. Even so, McCain says he would still meet with Dobson.

Who's behaving more Christian-like? Hint: It's not the good reverend.

I have said this before, but the leadership of the Christian conservative movement is doing infinitely more harm than good to the advancement of its principles. The people who make up the movement -- Americans who support pro-life, pro-family policies -- are being embarrassed and betrayed by these men (and women -- see Phyllis Schlafly) who are acting more like Pharisees than Christians. Here's hoping for their continued slide into irrelevance.

More here.