(CNN) - President-elect Barack Obama's swearing-in ceremony will feature big names like minister Rick Warren and legendary singer Aretha Franklin, the Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies announced Wednesday.
Warren, the prominent evangelical and founder of the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, will deliver the ceremony's invocation. The minister hosted a presidential forum at his church last summer that challenged both Obama and Arizona Sen. John McCain on a host of faith-related issues. Warren did not endorse either presidential candidate.
His public support for California's Proposition 8 - the measure that successfully passed and called for outlawing gay marriage in the state - sparked the ire of many gay rights proponents, who seized on a comment in an October newsletter to his congregation: "This is not a political issue - it is a moral issue that God has spoken clearly about."
But Warren has long sought to broaden the focus of the evangelical agenda to include issues like the reduction of global poverty, human rights abuses, and the AIDS epidemic.
Also included in the inaugural program are cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the United States Marine Band, and other performers.
From CNN Politics
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Is he the one who asks Obama questions about life and abortion? And what is Obama's answer??
He's inviting some born-again and the Grateful Dead arent playing? Sheesh . . .
I've stayed pretty neutral about the choices of President Elect Obama but I question the selection of Rick Warren. The guy is erie and I question a number of his motives? I'm not feeling all spiritual and faithful in thinking about this guy....
So....once again, we gay Americans are being the first to be thrown overboard after we get a new president elected. Clinton betrayed us with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and by signing the "Defense of Marraige Act". BUT AT LEAST CLINTON PUT UP A FIGHT TO TRY TO END MILITARY DISCRIMINATION.
I had been inspired by the election of Obama. I'm deeply saddened that he is embracing and welcoming such an advocate of division and discrimination as Pastor Warren.
Obama has now lost me....and many others with this action. He'll have to win me back.
WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. PRESIDENT OBAMA
Where will Stevie Wonder fit in with the ceremonies, given the fact that his songs were used extensively by the Obama Campaign
That's disappointing that Rick Warren will speak. I believe he preaches for money and could care less about a person soul if it is poor. I'm sure this will net him millions from his followers.
For Obama to pick Rick Warren is a slap to the gay community. It is a "moral issue" to take away rights from a minority, and who is next?
Barack Obama favors special rights for homosexuals.
Obama thinks people with this lifestyle should be allowed to adopt children, teach in schools, and engage in immoral acts.
Obama can't fool me, he's an extreme social liberal who is shamelessly using Rev Warren to seem moderate.
Sarah Palin 2012!
This is a disappointment. Fundamentalists of any ilk may me nervous; they're so certain they have God on their side.
Where exactly does the Bible say homosexuality is wrong? If we model marraige on practices from thousands of years ago, we should allow bigamy.
Where will Stevie Wonder fit into the program given the fact that the Obama Campaign used his songs extensively.
Yo-Yo - yay!!!
Rick Warren – yuck, who needs this jerk!
Get a life, people, he's just giving the invocation. Too bad Billy Grahme could not...he is still one of the most respected evangilists in the world.
Rick, I am surprised....
Abortion December 17th, 2008 2:12 pm ET
Is he the one who asks Obama questions about life and abortion? And what is Obama's answer??
--
Use the Googles on the internet tubes; that ought to help.
While far from religious, I am glad to see that at least some evangelicals, in particular, Rick Warren, realize that there are infinitely bigger issues we must contend with than abortion and gay marriage.
Obama, your pushing the limits of tolerance by having this backward bible thumper playing such a main role in the inaugration.
How about a more tolerant religious spokesperson, were all the Methodists busy???
Terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad choice.
Asking a preacher and established homophobe about his personal political views is like asking a serial killer on morals. Btw, the Catholic Church has either expunged all negative records or has denied comment on a issue that Barack Obama might find a bit interesting – slavery.
A preacher's words on political matters should hold the weight of a feather.
"Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State."
-Thomas Jefferson, January 1st 1802, in a letter to the Danbury Baptists
This is the first real big dissappointment I have had in Obama.
I have been a "rabid" supporter since the beginning......
Nothing makes me more nervous than the Evangelicals...
Their holier than thou attitude and intrusion in politics is
running rampant.
Sorry, but I would even have preferred Rev.Wright to this
Pleas Barack...Do Not Pander !
To John, Brooklyn, NY – It was clear from the beginning where Obama stood but you drank the kool-aid anyway didn't you?
GREAT PICK,,, YOU ARE DOING A GOOD JOB SO FAR ,,,,,,
Family First
Barack Obama favors special rights for homosexuals.
Obama thinks people with this lifestyle should be allowed to adopt children, teach in schools, and engage in immoral acts.
****************************************
Oh no, not a loving homosexual couple adopting children. Not a wonderful, dedicated homosexual teacher teaching our children. The horror!
Obama doesn't favor "special" rights, he favors "equal" rights, you know, because homosexuals are human beings too.
Oh and by the way, many heterosexual couples engage in immoral acts on a daily basis. Get over it. Doesn't affect you what people do in their own bedrooms.
Excellent choice! I commend both men. I know that the invocation at the inauguration will not be Rick Warren's first or last prayer for Obama. We need more pastors like him, willing to use godly influence to help our leaders make the right decisions.
I am impressed that Barak Obama had the courage to make this choice.
Bad choice.
I won't be watching.
Family First's post pissed me off until I saw the "Sarah Palin 2012!" at the bottom then I knew it was a joke.
No way! We have not forgotten how Rick lied about John McCain being in the 'cone of silence'. Warren has no place doing the invocation.
Rick Warren emphatically DOES NOT BELONG at the Obama inauguration. Seems like Obama's kissing up to the intolerant just to look conservative. They're not your base, Barack! They're horrified you got elected for God's sake.
No way! We have not forgotten how Rick lied about John McCain being in the 'cone of silence'. Warren has no place doing the invocation.
According to the Bible..marriage is between an man and a woman Anton...and of course that fact has been disputed..but without the teachings of Bible...I personally believe that marriage is between a man and a woman....I have gay friends and I respect their choices, but I still have my own beliefs....
As far as different groups being thrown under the bus...minorities have always been thrown under the bus in this society...that's why it's so hard for "some" americans to accept Barack Hussein Obama as our 44th President...but I welcome him & his family to the White House, which was built with the blood & sweat of my ancestors, who are probably dancing in their graves right about now....
Very disappointed in this choice. Any supporter of Proposition 8 is an enemy of mine. Barack, you screwed up on this one.
All I can say is CLEVER
"This is not a political issue — it is a moral issue that God has spoken clearly about."
Yeah ok, when I hear the words come from either Jesus Christ or God himself...I'm going to keep thinking that some random guy wrote what he thought god wanted. I think Kingdom of Heaven put it best. I've seen the word of god in the eye's of too many murderers. I've seen the word of god in the eye's of too many corupt. God is only in your mind and your heart.
Oh I don't think Jesus would like the site of price tags on bibles either....or does God plan on making a profit on this whole religion thing.
I doubt CNN will post this, but we'll see.
I am surprised that Obama would choose an outspoken bigot like Rick Warren to open the inaugural cermeony. Would a president-elect ever invite a member of the Ku Klux Klan to open a public ceremony? I think not. So why choose someone who has extreme views on minorities? Rick Warren is nothing but a bigot, and Obama has done a great harm to his country by inviting him to speak at the ceremony. Very bad judgment on his part.
Wrong choice Mr. President Elect...he definitely doesn't speak for "the people" who elected you.
I still want a ticket to this party. It should be one heck of a good time if 9.74 MILLION dollars is not enough.
I am sorry for the Gay population and now worried myself about Barack staying true to his own convictions..
My wish list for the inauguration included Stevie Wonder, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfry and Ted Kennedy right there next to the
Obamas' on the podium..
Don't tell me we may have another 8 years of war and born agains..
Barbara – this is only one thing in an event that will take about 15 minutes, yet it will drastically reduce the support the republican base has among evangelicals without attaching policy or politics to the olive branch. Think long term.
I think its great and will probably confuse the right LOL.
Warren has his warren of hate, it is called the Republican party!
He does not deserve to participate. If there has to be a rabid bible thumper, Onsteen from Houston would be preferable to this clown.
Pastor Warren uses the Bible as a book of hate and that is just wrong. I am strongly against these "mega-churches" as they de-personalize your connection to God and feed into the easy, fast food, fall into the herd mentaility that we Americans are so easily prone to.
Memo to Pres-elect Obama:
You won... didn't anybody tell you?
This Rick Warren has gotten stinking rich from selling his religious beliefs–cleverly packaged as self-help jargon. Christ said rich people should give all their money to the poor. This guy just uses it to build a bigger platform from which to incite hatred against gays. He says he has gay friends, but likens them to people who have sex with their siblings or sex with children. Really? Does he count those people among his friends as well? What a hypocrite. Shame on Obama for courting the gay vote while embracing those who use their riches to hurt gay people. Shame. I just hope Warren reveals his true feelings when he's on the inauguration stage, so gays will stop expecting anything from this new administration.
THE PRESIDENT OF ALL THE PEOPLE
INCLUDES ALL THE PEOPLE & HE IS.
WE HAVE A NEW MINDSET IN OUR NATIONAL CONSCIENCE.
WE CAN DISAGREE WITH EACH OTHER AND LOVE
AND RESPECT EACH OTHER AT THE SAME TIME.
Also, how many nationally known evangelical minister's have been arrested for drug abuse/sexual misconduct? Waiting for something to happen to Mr. Warren.
THE PRESIDENT OF ALL THE PEOPLE
INCLUDES ALL THE PEOPLE & HE IS.
WE HAVE A NEW MINDSET IN OUR NATIONAL CONSCIENCE.
WE CAN DISAGREE WITH EACH OTHER AND LOVE
AND RESPECT EACH OTHER AT THE SAME TIME.
Yo-Yo is a good pick. Rick on the other hand...I can't support you on this one O.
Obama is for a women's right to choose abortion. And Rick Warren is there to point out that this may not be the best view for evangelicals, but it is not a deal breaker for evangelical support of Obama.
Obama is for legal unions of gay couples and adoption by gay couples. Rick Warren is there to say that it is not his choice, but it is a choice people make and it is not a deal breaker fore evangelical support for Obama.
Obama will win the majority of evangelical support in 2012- this is the first step in making it happen.
Can't wait till Obama gets in office so I can throw my shoe at him.
THE PRESIDENT OF ALL THE PEOPLE
INCLUDES ALL THE PEOPLE & HE IS.
WE HAVE A NEW MINDSET IN OUR NATIONAL CONSCIENCE.
WE CAN DISAGREE WITH EACH OTHER AND LOVE
AND RESPECT EACH OTHER AT THE SAME TIME.
Obama is for a women's right to choose abortion. And Rick Warren is there to point out that this may not be the best view for evangelicals, but it is not a deal breaker for evangelical support of Obama.
Obama is for legal unions of gay couples and adoption by gay couples. Rick Warren is there to say that it is not his choice, but it is a choice people make and it is not a deal breaker fore evangelical support for Obama.
Obama will win the majority of evangelical support in 2012- this is the first step in making it happen.
"Asking a preacher and established homophobe about his personal political views is like asking a serial killer on morals."
Joe, religious leaders, just like everyone else in our country, have the express right to share their religious views. Be careful about painting too wide a path with saying that a preacher's views on politics are as twisted and invalid on face as a serial killer's views on morality. Even if it's in the name of tolerance and inclusiveness, intolerance is still intolerance.
It's about inclusion people. Stop saying that Barack has "lost you" because you don't like a single decision he has made.
In the big scheme of things how much difference does the person giving the invocation make. I'd much rather have gay and lesbian members of the cabinet (which Obama has) than have a GLBT-friendly person giving the invocation. Having Warren there is important to evangelicals and irrelevant to the rest of us.
It's OK, I have plenty of gay friends.
Looks like the honeymoon is over!
Obama's a pragmatist, moving center. The problem with "change" is you have to play from the middle. The left's agendas (I don't mean that in a negative way) are all going to be thrown under the bus in this first term. Cultural issues, for better or worse, are going to be taking a back burner.
It's about inclusion people. Stop saying that Barack has "lost you" because you don't like a single decision he has made.
In the big scheme of things how much difference does the person giving the invocation make. I'd much rather have gay and lesbian members of the cabinet (which Obama has) than have a GLBT-friendly person giving the invocation. Having Warren there is important to evangelicals and irrelevant to the rest of us.
What about the family pastor for many years – Rev. Wright? Wouldn't he want the person that was like an uncle to him?
I love you Barack but why THIS GUY WHO JUST GAVE BUSH A "PEACE" AWARD?????
I cannot believe Barack Hussein Obama, Junior is having Warren – what a loser.
Does anybody remember the Rev. billy Graham? The presidents pastor... You'll find this a bit shocking, but he like any real Christian believes that the bible is the Inspired Word of God!
This demonstrates forgiveness & reconciliation on Barack Obama's part. Wow! A President that continues to display true Christian values as taught by Jesus Christ. How many times has Barack Obama shown by example. He has truly "turned the other cheek" on so many occasions.
The Saddleback Presidential Forum was fixed in John McCain's favor. John McCain obviously knew the questions in advance of the forum & evaded the "cone of silence" & heard Barack Obama's responses in advance, in the car on the way to the forum.
And, yet President-elect invites Rick Warren to do the Invocation. God Bless the President-elect.
IT'S A INVOCATION PEOPLE AND NOT YOUR LAST RIGHTS.
I don't really care because Warren is just going to be speaking at an inauguration, not being part of his cabinet or political team in general.
That being said, I have to say that Warren completely lost my respect when he knowingly lied about the "Cone of Silence" that McCain was supposedly in during the debate.
greenfish, if you own a Bible, read the book of Leviticus-it's in the old Testament.
An unfortunate choice, in my opinion – while Mr. Warren has attempted to be somewhat inclusive, his decision on proposition 8 was a disappointment. I'd rather have seen a unitarian provide the invocation.
I would have prefered a gay minister from a churce of inclusion, not exclusion. Now that would be change we could believe in.
i'd rather have rev. wright than rev. warren.
I believe there are exactly 2 references to homosexuality in the Bible, one in the old and one in the new testaments. They repersent the Jewish cultural view of that practice. What is oft ommited by Evangelicals is what attitude they are to have concerning those engaged in the homosexual lifestyle. It is considered a sin in the eyes of God as is murder, stealing and the rest of the do nots from the 10 Commandments which is sometimes condoned by these fundamentalists. I am not an apologist for their lifestyle but they are people, someones son or daughter, or brother or sister, and their right to seek love and happiness should not be abridged. Many people do not agree with the Evangelical positions on other matter as well. Please stop trying to shove your religion down my throat, I don't think you are any more moral than the rest of us.
The Rev. Al Sharpton wasn't available? LOL!!
People get a grip!!
This presidency is all about U-N-I-TY.
While I understand that "evangelicals" are not without fault and viewed with suspicion and even contempt from the more liberally influenced, to paint all evangelical, conservative Christians that way is just ignorant and INTOLERANT (yes the word usually reserved for this distinguished group).
As an enthusiastic Obama supporter myself, I am disappointed with most of the posts of this group because you can substitute Rick Warren's name for just about any evangelical; I was hoping that people would more follow Obama's example and make an attempt to look beyond labels and into the person themselves, to see both the good and the bad.
For those of you afraid of any evangelical, that's about as closed minded as conservatives being afraid of Obama because his middle name is Hussein (for example) – let's go beyond labels!
People get a grip!!
Warren is a puppet.
What? You gotta be kiddin' me!!! Barack Obama's Change.Gov webpage 'Civil rights area' seems to be in total contradiction to this preacher's viewpoints. On Obama's website, it seems clear that all of the LGBT issues (minus marriage) will be resolved to make LGBT citizens equal in this society as never before. I am dissapointed by this choice since it seems to contradict Obama's idea of inclusivity. This preacher represents divisiveness in his viewpoints and represents an individual who wants to take away the rights of others (he voted Yes on Prop 8). This is certainly not what Obama has represented in his speeches in the past.
Specific to "Family First".
You certainly wouldn't consider marrying, adopting a child, keeping a job you are qualified for, remaining in an apartment when you've paid rent on time, or being approved for a car loan when you have great credit to be "special rights" if you were discussing them for straight people. WHY, then, would you take a 180-degree turn and consider these – and countless other "basic rights" that apply to everyone in this nation – to be "special" only when they apply to gay people?
The term "homophobia" is too good for people like you. It implies a neurotic condition that you have little control over. No...the best term for you is "Bigot".
This is hilarious...every Obama supporter knew he wasn't telling the truth about something and every one of them thought it was somebody else's main issue! The poor sod hasn't even taken office yet...I didn't vote for him but even I have to at give him a chance to do the job since, like it or not, he's going to be the President of the nation I love.
I would rather see President-elect Obama have a few religious leaders, not one, participate in the invocation for inauguration. This is really where it's important to see community joined together.
I want more people in the aisle that we reach across to connect with.
He needs to rethink this decision.
Anton, you can't take away a 'right' that never existed.
No reverend wright for inaugural or Bill Aires for department of education! That’s very disappointing.
Wow, Gosh I hope he brings his cone of silence!
I can't beleive some of you guys. He is not appointing the man to a cabinet position. It is does not matter which pastor he chooses to perform his swearing in ceremony as long as they are a man or women of God. Listen up, Obama has all the long said he is a Christian with strong faith. He should not abandon that to please the far left. This man is being pulled in so many directions, it is not funny. He is making the last call on his decisions as he should and if you really support someone then you won't demand their head off every time they make a decision you don't agree with and don't think this will be the only decision President Elect Obama will make that you don't agree with. If Pastor Warren had any reservations or got some kind of revelation to not participate in this event, I think he would have declined right away. I also think it is a dangerous place to go when we start crucifying people who have been ordained to do God's work including the Rev. Wright. We were not put here to decide what punishment pastors should get when you disagree with their values. LIfe is too short to be so petty about every single thing!
Specific to David Goldman...
A president of "all of the people" would not include those who would actively and work to exclude other members of the society from the public forum. There are reasons that Obama has not invited neo-Nazi's, the KKK, or the John Birch Society to be part of his inaguration. These are also representative of "all of America". Using your logic, should we lengthen the invitation list to invite these folks too? Hmmm?
Sounds like you are content as long as the people who might hate YOU aren't there.
What is wrong with Gerahmia Rite. They can do the Chickens coming home to roost gig. You know, the WhiteHouse was built by Black Slaves so finnaly our chikens have come home to roost, HAAAAAAAA. gotta love it!
[Insert irrational whining here]
This is most unfortunate. I thought the end of the Bush era would liberate the country from the grips of these Evangelical nutballs, with their thoughtless, emotive mega-churches and mega-herd instincts, and return us to a mainstream of more thoughtful religious practices. President-elect Obama, why are you inviting this kook to speak? I no longer plan to attend inauguration. I'd have preferred even Jeremiah Wright to speak; the Evangelicals are like America's version of Hamas - fundamentalists with political ambitions that involve first and foremost a confusion of church and state. So much for Obama's alleged trust in Emerson, I suppose...
To select a businessman who runs a Wal-Mart church is the heigth of stupidity. There are so many fine clergy in this country. It makes me resent the money I donated to his campaign.
It is obvious from the comments that most people don't really know who Rick Warren is. He is evangelical. He is not a prosperity preacher and doesn't preach for money. He is considered a suspect by many on the Evangelical Right and the Evangelical Left. He is against redefining marriage from the globally-universally-throughout history position of one man and one woman, He is against abortion. However, he is for the church being more active to help the poor, homeless, orphan, widow, aid, etc. (all of the above being what the Bible teaches). Some conservative Evangelicals are suspicious of him and think he is too liberal and if he agrees to be a Obama's invocation, they will be even more suspicious. He is really kind of center-right in his politics. Oh, and to greenfish on where the Bible says homosexuality is wrong, here is just ONE references (from the New Testament). Romans 1:21 – For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened....26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion."
There are plenty more references. Please, really read the Bible before you start to comment about that which you don't know.
i dunno Obama, having this guy speak might be above your pay grade hahahaha. jk, good choice to give the invocation.
Let me just say this, PRESIDENT OBAMA , is for the people by the people i'm not a homophobic but i think people can do as they please i just strongly believe that stop trying to push your immoral views on others yes i said immoral. What did you think that PRESIDENT OBAMA was just gonna relinquish his views i think he put it as polite as he can lighten up people.
Way to go, Mr. Obama!
Rick Warren gave you the time of day when much of the evangelical world called you the Antichrist.
Blowhards need representation, too.
I AM NOT A RICK WARREN FAN.HE HAD JOHN MCCAIN LISTENING TO THE QUESTIONS IN THE HOTEL WHILE BARACK WAS ANSWERING HIS.THAT WAS GROSS. RICK WARREN MADE THE OLD FELLOW LOOKED GREAT BUT QUICKLY SARAH PALIN BROUGHT HIM DOWN.
Poeple just relax.... Obama told you all in his speeches that things would be a changin..... and so far he hasn't lied... he has picked some most interesting people to have stand with him and now he is proving he is Christian..... thats all....
Attention all Christians: Where in the Words of Jesus in the Four Gospels, does Jesus, the founder of Christianity, say that homosexuality is a sin?
Obama has to pick someone for the invocation. All you people that think Warren is wrong, look beyond the gay and abortion issue. Warren is trying to bring religion out of the dark ages(and I'm Lutheran) and at least start with feeding the poor, helping AIDS patients, help the homeless. Warren may even change on his gay and abortion issues if given a chance. DId all want the POPE?!!!
Great choice Obama. Sure to upset the gays and abortionists across the country. haaaaaahaaaaaaaa
Obama's tolerance towards the intolerant is his best known character flaw. He still doesn't get that you can't build an inclusive society with the help of bigots.
President Obama is being the Change he wants to see in all of us. We can coexist just fine people.
Lord I cant wait until January 20th.
I reluctantley voted for Obama, but now am feeling the first pang of regret. This choice is very insulting to gay Americans who are still recovering from the sting of Prop 8 in California and the removal of rights in several other states. There were so many other choices, to pick someone as divisive as this for this important role on inauguration day is very disheartening and is making me re-evaluate my view of President-Elect Obama.
Rick Warren!! Really!! So much for supporting the LGBT communtiy.
I don't agree with this choice, but I can see where President Elect Obama is trying to get this country together as a people, we have been seperate way to long. Perhaps one day Mr. Warren will see and understand that being gay, or different, is not a bad thing. We are all children of God and God does not exclude any of us and we shouldn't exclude one another.
Honestly, I am taken by surprise and greatly disappointed by the choice of Rick Warren. With the many good people that our President-elect could have chosen for this most important moment, he choses someone who does not follow the idea of truly loving and accepting one another.
Warren did not want to get involved with AIDS because he saw it as a "homosexual disease" ... and his support for Prop 8 clearly shows he has no problem legislating religious dogma on those who don't share his views. Obama is not making a smart move here at all. I am sadly disappointed in this choice.
Where is J Wright?
WHAO I GUESS THERE REALLY ARE EXTREMES ON BOTH SIDES. WOW GET A LIFE PEOPLE HE IS AN AMERICAN TOO
This proves that Obama is willing to accept all religions, no matter if they are for him or against him. He is not willing to hold a grudge against any people. Obama believes in the constitution, and that accounts for the freedom of religion. Obama himself is a Christian.
For all people who are impatient about this Blagoveich scandal, the prosecutor said for Obama to withhold information until next week. Obama is just following orders, which proves he is NOT arrogant.
Obama's choice is not because he wants to divide America, it is because he is willing to give the guy a chance to help all people come together. Furthermore, John, Obama's choice for this DOES NOT mean that he is for Military discrimination. I hope you win him back because you losing him because of that choice is, no offense to you, but kind of arrogant to do. God bless the USA and the world.
Indeed. What better way to show there's a separation between church and state than to work people regardless of their religious beliefs? We have to learn to live with each other somehow people. We can't just say "haha, we won" and start snubbing everyone who disagrees with you. That would be more of the same.
If this move is an effort to bring evangeicals into the Democratic party, good luck.
This may win a few bible thumpers, but lose a whole segment of who thought they had been marginalized into the Republican party!
Still waiting for the multi ethnic administration that I believe many people thought they would see with Obama President. After all, the Democrats claim to be the party of the people. So far George W. Bush has Obama beat hands down.
Regarding Madoff a Major Democratic Donor
$370,000 of $50 Billion major? MADEoff is just another in a line of white collar criminals that the elite from both the Democratic and Republicans have either not regulated, looked the other way, or are in cahoots with. So mostly the rich got taken by this guy, so what...that's the way the thunder rumbles. What is terrible is the trusts and endowments that benefit the underpriviledged are affected...meaning families in need will have to look elsewhere. When will we start making white collar crimes punishable by death too?..."Blue collar" crimes are, right? Well, they didn't kill anybody you say. I say they do...it not through heart attacks it's a slow death...from health problems, et al. Bottom Line: There has to be a better deterrent to white collar crime than large sum fines and half way house country club "prisions" (see Michael Keating, Leona Helmsley, and Martha Stewart, et al). I say put them with other criminals and/ or executive them for heinous crimes like this.
Give Bill Maher equal time.
Hey, "Family First," for you, I recommend a meditation on the immorality of coercive moralism.
It not that big of a deal to me when I know he support gay rights. Come on guys lets not buy into the rep. bull. We not who we voted for and we should still be proud because I would be worst with McCain and his gang......
You people need to get a grip! Rick Warren is not in Obama's cabnet. He is speaking at the inauguration. After all, Obama is a Christian and did say that he believes in marriage between a man and woman. Although he respects everyone's choice, Obama still has his own beliefs.
Warren does not represent Obama. Are there any religious people on this blog? I'm starting to get worried here. It sounds like a bunch of religious bashers are out here on this blog.
It's cold in IL. I"m by my computer and I see a COLD rabbit, resting outside my backyard. I always want to throw it, a peice of carrot. I wonder, what is it eating? Does it have enough to eat? Oh, about Rick Warren, I say, excellent choice. People, we cant all be gay, there will be no kids or no future. You got to be crazy to think gay is the future.
Bad CHOICE!
All this Bridge the Gap is getting on my nerves - people like this will never come around - hypocrit!!
Come on! where's the next generation if we are gay.
A very bad decision....hopefully his only one.
So far everything he has done is right there at the top except this one.
I am very disappointed in the selection of an anti-choice minister.
What happened to Barack, the candidate of inclusion?
Warren opposes choice for gays. What else does he oppose? What a scary specter.
@ Family First
WRONG. Those rights aren't special rights...they would make people equal. That's what this country's founding documents guarantee, so you're going to have to live with it when us crazy leftist liberals beat your dogmatic religious agenda to a shiny pulp. It's "OUR" country, not "YOURS" or "MINE" and it was never the intent of the founding fathers that our government be used as a means of enforcing religious tenets and morality choices. Cry to God about it...but free will was His idea in the first place.
By the way just to let you know I am a Methodist. I forgot to say that before in the last post.
Here come the men – another 4 years of same old. I am sick and tired of these men thinking they are the all knowing authorities on God & country.
@ Mike, Syracuse NY:
Just to be on the safe side here, which 'right that never existed' are you talking about?
Growup people Obama are not using the Bible. He is using Islam's "holy book,"the Quran....
ONE LOVE! now what are you going to do...talk about The Quran?
When will everyone wake up and understand that Obama said what he needed to say to get elected and most of you people believed him. Now that he will be President he will do and say what ever he wants. I wasn't fooled.
Great choice Barack!
Mike, Syracuse NY:
Just to be sure, which "right' that never existed' are you talking about?
@ John, Brooklyn
Grow up. It's just the invocation, not adoption of the guy's beliefs. The only way we're going to make progress is to work with everyone. Turning the tables and discriminating against those who you view as discriminating against you is childish nonsense and stops us from moving forward.
This is another instance of Obama reaching out to the right in a way that will tick off the left. Those on the left like myself who dislike Rick Warren and everything he stands for have to realize that Obama is everybody's president, and those on the right who criticize Obama for absolutely everything have to realize that he is making a conscious effort to unify the government and the country.
Great Choice..
I like Rick Warren. I enjoyed reading his book; "the purpose driven life"
Andy
Some people just need to get over themselves. You'd really be screaming if he had chosen Rev. Wright.
Rick Warren is a hateful, hypocritical scumbag....much like many of the people obama has signed up for his cabinet...the more things change, the more they stay the same. Just disappointing me more with every decision...I should of skipped voting!
"Where exactly does the Bible say homosexuality is wrong?"
-Greenfish
Romans 1:26-27.
You don't actually need to read the bible. Google works too, you know.
Barbara: You may have preferred Wright to Warren, but what kind of message would it have said to the rest of the country?
Rick Warren is a widely respected evangelical leader. I don't like those people, you don't like those people, but they don't like us either and we're all in the same country and the same boat. Opposition only gets you so far, cooperation gets you farther.
I can't believe this I still think he gave McCain the question and answer during his so call faith debate. Obama it alright to love your enemy but this is going to far.
Anton, the question is not who is going to have their rights taken away, but what society will try to shove down the throats of everyone as morally acceptable. My prediction will be pedophiles and bestiality types, soon they will be crying out for equality because "they were born that way".
Obama is more trusting than I... I remember the show where we were lead to beleive that McCain had been kept back stage... butr again Obama is also smarter than most of us.
Not sure why he would choose him if he didn't endorse Obama nor McCain. Maybe there's a method behind his madness.
To all the people who are dissapointed by PE Obama's selection of Rick Warren to give the invocation; it's called "Leading by example". He may not agree with some of Rick Warrens philosphy's, but he still reached out and included him on the basis of something they do agree on, prayer. Sometimes the best people for jobs are overlooked because of their views or beliefs on unrelated issues and you end up with someone who believes what you believe but can't do the job you needed them to do (prime example G.W. Bush vs John McCain in the 2000 primaries). So instead of bashing his choice, how about taking a page out of his playbook. Everyone doesn't agree with everyone on everything the key is to find the common ground. Just a thought...
I've been to Rick Warren's church – Saddleback, and people don't seem to know how much social/outreach work they do in recovery (from addiction and abuse) and against the HIV epidemic. Rick Warren is NOT a one-dimensional right-wing fundamentalist in the mold of Jerry Falwell or Pat Robertson. But – he is a conservative Christian, and that's why you're not going to see a champion of gay rights or a pro-choice viewpoint.
Obama is a centrist. He talks a liberal ideology but has a cautious, conservative temperament. Net result = centrist.
look! obama is about the coming together...we need that more than ever! DIVIDED WE FALL!
Mike from Syracuse: In fact the right to marry was determined to be guaranteed under the California Constitution. Considering we live in a country of laws rather than religious decrees, you're full of it.
"This is not a political issue — it is a moral issue that God has spoken clearly about."
An other delusional evangelical who hears voices when he does not take his medication. I haven't heard God talking against gay marriage. Even if the thought of having one of those lunatics close to the White House is frightening, you have to salute Obama for including everyone, even the mentally ill.
Maybe I'm reading too much into this but it does not say that Obama made this choice. Are there others involved in this choice?
If it was Obama, it shows a great pragmatism. If he can tell Warren about his policies, he may even be able to count on Warren as an ally with the evangelicals. Given the state of this country, the more allies, the better.
I personally am not crazy about the choice but I got to give Obama props on his focus.
Abortion-He said it was above his pay greade. Who is "above" the pay grade of President? God.
And we cannot know what is in the "mind" of God. To think that humans could know that is laughable.
Rick Warren looks very unhealthy. He needs to lose some weight.
I’m sure Warren was chosen because of his popularity among American Christians. The invocation is traditionally given by such a person. While I disagree with Warren’s theology and politics, and I agree with Obama’s, there is no question that Obama is a political opportunist, and he realizes that to choose a minister who supports homosexual rights would not go over well (sadly) with the majority of American Christians.
I’m sure Warren was chosen because of his popularity among American Christians. The invocation is traditionally given by such a person. While I disagree with Warren’s theology and politics, and I agree with Obama’s, there is no question that Obama is a political opportunist, and he realizes that to choose a minister who supports homosexual rights would not go over well (sadly) with the majority of American Christians. There is no constitutional mandate to have any prayer at all at the inauguration, so the minister chosen to give it shouldn't be an issue.
No doubt the far left is gasping over Barack selecting Rick Warren to deliver the invocation. I wholeheartedly voted for Barack Obama and I think it's a great choice...in fact, its an inspired choice.
What better way for Barack Obama to appeal to the far right than to include the voice of Rick Warren on the podium during his inauguration. Barack Obama is showing himself to be the masterful politician...and, I believe, a person who puts aside differences in ideas and welcomes all points of view. He could have easily asked Franklin Graham or a host of other traditional well known clergy, but instead, he asked the very person (Warren) who he knows probably disagreed with some of his answers...and its noble of Rick Warren to accept.
From my point of view...great choice. What a way to set the a new tone of understanding and cooperation in Washington...now that's change I can believe in!
I think Rick Warren is a bit of a dink. Nonetheless, this is the face of inclusionary politics those of us on the left have been screaming for for the last eight years.
this is americas time to shine, bless all of our leaders.
I agree wholeheartedly with Jackie, stop getting your panties in a bunch over a man who's going to say a prayer. Whoever Obama picked there would be an issue with some other walk of life or religious group. I can't stand it when people make a mountain out of a molehill. Black people haven't made such a stink over all the white pastors who have done invocation in the past that might have said a racial slur. Get over it. This is a non-issue. Choose your battles wisely.
All I have to say is... Wow.... I am sure a lot of you Obama-bots would be mad if he asked the guy who said New Orleans was God's punishment to give the address.
Sick.... it's ok to be prejudiced about GLBT people, but not other people.... whatever!
Actually, Mike, the right to marry was given to same-sex couples in California back in May, and marriage licenses were granted to them in June. Prop 8 repealed this. So yes, it was a right taken away. Who are you to say which citizens can and cannot be granted "rights"?
So let me get this straight...
Rick Warren is bad and Rev. Billy Graham is okay? Bill Clinton had Rev. Billy Graham give the invocation at his first inaugural.
People, relax and get a grip.
WHY CAN'T US AS GAY PEOPLE GET MARRIED TO OUR PARTNERS. WE PAY TAXES AS US CITIZEN, I WAS BORN IN LAS VEGAS NEVADA- IN THE "GOOD OL USA." I THOUGHT ALL US CITIZENS ARE PROTECTED UNDER THE SAME CIVIL RIGHTS. MARRIAGE IS A BOND OF LOVE BETWEEN TWO CONSENTING ADULTS- SHAME ON OBAMA'S TEAM FOR CONDONING AN ABUSE OF OUR CIVIL RIGHTS.
Cynthia: Get a life and STOP poking your head into things that DO NOT affect you.
Steph: Inclusion can kiss my lab rat's behind!! What happened to "inclusion" when the majority of californians voted for "Prop 8". Why could they not be inclusive and vote against it and keep in place a right for GL ppl to marry – a right that, by the way, has no bearing whatsoever on anyone else – something that affects no one else – it did not take away the rights of straight ppl to be married. IT WAS JUST AN INCLUSIVE LAW!! And now you want inclusion!! Go fi............
An inauguration or a variety show???
Can't comment on this-it's above my paygrade
Barack Obama is the result of diklessedness that has been poring into the veins of the Democrats.
The President Elect, The Ultimate Democratic Wuss.
I don't think he is worthy of giving the invocation. I think there are far more spiritual and enlightened choices. First pick I've been truly disappointed in – but it is not an appointment so we don't have to live with the guy.
@ Mike, Syracuse, NY
But you sure can recognize a right that's always existed but been ignored and unprotected.
oh my God...why is aretha franklin participating in the inauguration at all? she is a washed up has been and sounds terrible now! she had her time back in the day and its over now....please, please don't let her sing! by the way, i thought stevie wonder was a favorite of the Obamas???
p.s. for all of you who will not agree with my opinion of aretha franklin, I don't want beyonce on the stage half naked, screaming and rolling around on stage either!!
God Bless President Obama, VP Biden and the First Families
HUGE MISTAKE by Obama!! How he could even think of having a man who would make such an ignorant statement ("This is not a political issue — it is a moral issue that God has spoken clearly about.") is beyond belief! “God” also spoke clearly about who should be killed for touching the skin of a pig, or wearing cloth made from two different materials, or working on the Sabbath – yet Warren ignores those. Only the rules about homosexuals need to be followed to the letter.
I agree with John from NY “So….once again, we gay Americans are being the first to be thrown overboard after we get a new president elected.” I have strongly believed in Obama up until now – this is a very dark turn of events.
CanIcallyouJoe, I think that your mention of Obama & slavery may have been a bit uninformed so I don't think you should be so hard on the Catholic church. Even Obama's ancestry is tainted with injustices against blacks.
In my opinion, this decision is similar to Obama's decision to make H. Clinton Secretary of State. Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer. I'm a bit surprised that Warren went along with it. But as someone elluded to earlier, it's not about individuals, it's about a cause. Do what's right; preferably without ulterior motives.
Not smart... this guy is a polar opposite to Obama!
I hope Rick Warren appreciates Obama is a very forgiving person, to grant him this honor, in view of the way he favored John McCain in the Saddleback Presidential forum with questions focused on the concerns and issues of the far-right While, at the same time, never once pressing McCain for more in-depth answers. The questions in the Forum were slanted to McCain and to make McCain, not known to be a very religious person with in-depth knowledge of the Christian faith, the "winner."
For a while, I thought Warren was becoming a little more open to issues of the environment and the gay community. But that Forum, along with his recent support of Proposition 8, clearly demonstrates he is stuck in fundamendalism or an out and outright panderer and phony.
@Dianne – Your point makes sense....
Incredibly disgusted. The President-elect has lost my support.
Not the change we need.
Mike from Syracuse - yes rights WERE taken away. I could get married in CA before, now I can't. Right taken away.
Mike: Marriage is strictly a legal contract. It has no existence whatever otherwise. The religious concept of marriage is of no consequence to the law or to society at large.
It's also worth mentioning that until quite recently, even so-called "religious" marriages were nothing but property transactions (and I mean VERY recently, like the early 20th c.).
As for taking a "right" which doesn't exist, blacks and whites had no right to marry until the 1970s in some cases. Are you saying that was an appropriate state of fact? Because unless you make a strictly religious, and hence invalid in terms of the Law, argument, you cannot distinguish between inter-racial marriage and gay-marriage. It's really all or nothing here.
Warren only represents a small fraction of the American public. I DO NOT think he stands for what most of us stand for – equality! This was a VERY poor and a potentially damaging choice Mr. Obama. AND I voted for you. HMMMMMMMMMMM
Has Obama lost his mind?
It better be an ecumenical invocation – including all religions, ethnicities, colors and sexual orientation. I strongly suspect that Rick Warren is incapable of doing this. OY as they say in French.
It still shows how gracious President Elect is...After hoe Rev Warren treated him at Saddle back stting him up for Sen McCain to look good over him. How on eath will this Rev tell all Americans that Sen McCain is in a cone of silence which the state security service later said Sen McCain was in him motorcade listening to all the interview.
Same Rev came out last week to give president Bush P.E.A.C.E. award.....
It will take God for me to forgive this man but well i am not President-elect
I think the phrase "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer" is apporpriate for what is at play here.
At least he's not a hate filled anti-American bigot like Obama's regular pastor!
Wait a min. You can't turn against Big Daddy O just because he makes a pick that you don't like. We must ask what does this choice say about Brother Hussian. It says he wants to work with all the people. People you like and people you don't like. He is not forcing anything on anyone. We have to stop trying to make blanket statements on every pick he makes. He just picked a gay women from NJ to lead something yesterday. What does that say about him. Let him do his thing.
Bush Begone – It sounds like you have no tolerance to "push the limits" of. It's obvious right off bat from your alias. Then we have the lack of titles ("Obama" without even a "PE"). Then there is the "backward bible thumper " comment. I see no "tolerance" what so ever.
@ Mike, Syracuse, NY
This is the problem with you people: you've got the question wrong, so your answer is irrelevant. It's not a question of whether gay people should be "given" rights. It's a question of whether their God given rights should be recognized. You're afraid to admit that's the question because there's clearly only one answer: YES.
Got a problem with it? Take it up with God...free will was his idea...it's not your place to take it away.
Obama is showing us he is going to be the President for "all" people, not just his people. Regardless if he and Warren see eye to eye on somethings but not others, if he's a decent man, a principled man.. then why not him? Even Mike Huckablee, as strong a Conservative as he is, said he'd support an Athiest, if he was a good person. We all need to be able to work with different people, not against them.
Is this the intial material for "The Purpose Driven President"?
Rick Warren-not a good choice in my opinion. This guy is two-faced and duplicitous who set PE Obama up during the Saddleback so-called debates. I have no respect for the man, but if Obama includes him, then so be it. I will not allow it to ruin the Inauguration festivities for me.
ONE NATION
I think some people are blowing things out of proporation. Obama and Rick Warren may not agree on every issue but I think they can find common values as a basis for their relationship.
Welcome to the real world, Obamabots. He's not the liberal, progressive champion you hoped for. Obama is just another slick, Chicago politician who duped many of you young dummies into voting for him. Well played.
The Rev. Al Sharpton wasn't available? LOL!!
He has to be the President for the people that dont agree with him and the President for the people that he doesnt agree with either. This is symbolic,ok?
I am a gay man and a progressive Christian minister. Although I disagree with much of what Warren on issues such as abortion and gay marriage, I think Obama asking him to say the invocation is both brilliant and appropriate.
We do not have to agree with each other on every single point to work together. We should seek common ground where we can find it. Warren is concerned about AIDS, poverty, and human rights. Can’t progressives work with him and others like him on these issues, even while we disagree about other issues?
Inclusion doesn’t mean only including some, it means including all who desire to work together for positive change. Imagine what our country and our world would be like if we all spent as much time working with each other in those areas where we agree as we do battling each other in those places where we disagree.
Obama inviting Warren to offer the invocation shows good will and a desire for unity in spite of differences. It is a clear indication that he sees himself not just as a Democratic president, or as a progressive president, but as President of the entire country. As such, he must speak to the entire country. Warren’s selection shows the President-elect reaching out beyond the typical constituencies of the Democratic Party and embracing all people of good will. This is change I can believe in!
Its simple homoisum is an ObamaNation. Just kidding. Obama wants to work with everyone. How do you talk to people if you don't interact with them. There is nothing wrong with having homophobic friends. How else will you change there mind. I have gay friends but they were my friends before I knew they were gay. Now that I have found out my position on gays has changed. It would have never happend if we did not work out our issues verbally. Now I accept them. Perhaps if you can see Warner as a reasonable person and he can see you as the same things might change. But that will never happen without a bridge.
Obama has officially thrown the gays and lesbians who voted for him under the bus. I feel sick to my stomach.
Politics does make strange bedfellows, doesn't it?
Will we ever end the campain obama was elected, period. The preacher is a book seller, hooked up with a word weaver. I still say he has not done a GD, thing yet, but make everything sound like 1932. He ain't no FDR, I'll give him credit, he has given African Americans Pride in this country. He is going to make speeches and more speeches that will wear thing within the year. When he starts lecturing on civil rights that will just push moderates away but fast. I'll give him time and moderate support, but he has to remember he needs to have a successful 1st term before he runs for a 2nd.
ps.
And the press stop being afraid to say or ask the hard questions just because he is not a white guy.
Awesome - we'll get to have a homophobe lecture us about morality. That's change we can believe in!
Barack Obama will be President of the "United States" of America not just president of the Democratic Party.
ENOUGH!
As much as I support Obama....I have to say....
the separation of church and state should truly begin here. Right now. No benedictions, no invocations, no prayers, no religion. When are we going to get it? IMAGINE!
Chuck- You are either completely dumb or intellectually dishonest. Where is your proof that McCain was listening to Warren's questions? You are pathetic. Anything that makes your Annointed Leader look poorly you have to make excuses for. This is also hilarious because all you hard-line liberals are just going to be more disappointed at how Centrist Obama is becoming. This is hilarious to me. You did not vote in the same guy you thought you were voting in