Why Do People Cover What James Dobson Has to Say?

I suppose I should ask myself that question.

From US News & World Report:

Focus on the Family founder James Dobson appeared to throw cold water on a possible presidential bid by former Sen. Fred Thompson while praising former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who is also weighing a presidential run, in a phone interview Tuesday.

"Everyone knows he's conservative and has come out strongly for the things that the pro-family movement stands for," Dobson said of Thompson. "[But] I don't think he's a Christian; at least that's my impression," Dobson added, saying that such an impression would make it difficult for Thompson to connect with the Republican Party's conservative Christian base and win the GOP nomination.

The "phone interview" was actually an unsolicited call from Dobson to the magazine.

According to the article, Thompson considers himself a Christian and was baptized in the Church of Christ; but you can't be a true Christian unless James Dobson says you are.

Dobson's preferred potential GOP presidential candidate is Newt Gingrich, who has hardly lived as a model of conservative family values. Yes, Gingrich should be extended grace and forgiveness for his past indiscretions. I just don't understand why Dobson can't extend such grace and forgiveness to anyone else.