CNN

I agree with President-Elect Obama's line of careful thought when he chose Rev. Rick Warren to take part at the Inaugural. Americans cannot be single issue monolithic thinkers and short sighted critics. Let's not rise and fall on a single socio-political issue such as Gay rights .

He has not appointed one progressive to any Cabinet post. He is relying on the Clinton/Bush cronies. I changed my party affiliation this morning to Independent. I unsubsribed from the Obama web site, the DNC web site, and all other Democtratic web sites. I'm tired of this. This was a slap in the face to the progressives who propelled him through the primaries and into the White House. I voted for change. This is not change. This is more hate-driven drivel in the guide of Christian leadership. As a Christian, I am absolutely ashamed of people like Rick Warren. They do not reflect the tennets of the Gospel. Don't come begging for money from me anymore. My wallet is closed. Don't ask me to canvas; don't ask me to volunteer at the polls. It's over.

Why is there always so much talk about gays and gay marriage???Who cares????Are there not more important issues!!!It is amazing that such a small percentage of americans get so much coverage-what 1%?????

This pick is brilliant !!! – By giving Rick Warren a voice, Obama gets his foot in the door for a dialog with the so-called "religious right" – at least with the ones that are able/willing to listen.
Reminding some "Christians" of the difference between biblical (mostly Old Testament) teaching and Christian teaching maybe in the context of a White House Bible Study Group would be fascinating.
How about "Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44) "Pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:28) – what would a Christian response to 9/11 look like? Jesus seems to suggest: "Pray for Bin Laden" – That should make for a good Bible-based discussion ...
Or how about "What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?" (1 Corinthians 5:12) – and what does that mean for the way we relate to Homosexuals, Atheists, Muslims, etc..?

Isn't amazing how with liberals when they spew their outright hatred and venom, they're called enlightened, yet a man with strong religious convictions is called 'hate monger', evil, whatever by these same libs. Just more proof that they can say whatever they want, but those who don't agree with them 100% can't.

Tell me something, why is it that if I don't believe in your lifestyle I am forced to accept it, yet you don't believe in the beliefs of Pastor Warren and you feel you have the right to scream, protest, whatever. And you brand him with the term hate simply because he doesn't believe what you believe. Well, technically then, those who believe something that you don't should then be able to brand you with the term hate.

What's the matter? Don't like fairness unless you can make the rules?

Tolerance is not very big with religious fundementalists.
Even the KKK considers their beliefs to coinside with their "christian" religion. How much and how long can we stand each other and our differences? Religous figures have a difficult time with the fact that they can't legislate their Christian values. We must all understand that one person's rights end where the next person's rights begin.
The Warren pick (in my view) shows tolerance to an intolerant person.

Now that I got that out of the way

Obama is going to be the best president ever. And all of you conservatives out there rooting for him to fail, hoping that the nation will do poorly under this president, I find your thoughts and point of view to be treasonous. We never hoped that Bush would do poorly. He did though

To those who keep asking "Are you disappointed in Obama yet? or Saying this isn't the change I voted for? and This isn't change blah blah blah. No, we are not disappointed, he's not even in office yet.
Stop lying, we know you didn't really vote for Obama or you made a very uneducated un/ill-informed decision. The change that was the running them of the campaign is the change in our focus from petty issues that drive us apart and concentration on the things that bring us together.

And finally, the word 'liberal' IS A COMPLIMENT! Jesus was the original liberal. GET A DICTIONARY!

PEACE AND LOVE

I did not vote for Obama nor do I agree with a majaority of his stances but I do support this decision. I think it shows Obama's willingness to reach out to all people of this great country and not just a particular group. One more thing, why am I considered a "hater" if I don't agree with a particular lifestyle?

PE Obama is catching a lot of flak about his choice of Rev. Warren and while I am not very happy with his choice, I remember his campaign when he said you cannot find common ground with your enemy if you do not come together and talk. He has said he will be the President of all Americans and that includes Rev. Warren and his followers. We are in a spot in this country where we need to all come together to recover from this economic mess we have gotten into and that means all of us, Rev Warren and his followers included.

I will give him the chance I said I would give him. I know that for us to recover we will not be able to do it in the ways we have tried in years past so I suspect we will see a lot of new things and ways of doing things that we have never seen before and are not use to seeing so we should all get used to it. Give him the chance we said we would give and remember that we are not going to all agree with everything he does but we must still work with him.

As I recall, Obama made clear on election night that he would always listen to different opinions and would be the President for all of the people. This is consistent with his ongoing message. I detest what Warren stands for but he is as much a citizen as I am. And I appreciate that the Pres- elect has the courage to do this. 48% of the country did vote for McCain afterall. Imagine if this had been reverse...Rev. Lowry was chosen for the invocation rather than the benediction? Wouldn't the right wing be just as upset as the left is now. Chill out everybody and just let the man do his job. Let's do our part to help him unite the country; one of the very things we elected him to do.

As an avid Obama supporter, I agree with his choice of Rick Warren. Extremism comes from both the left and the right..... goodness, just let it go!

Really!! This guy is going to do an invocation not lead the prayer and worship tem in the White house? Is the 10 minutes needed to do the invocation going to dictate the policies at the cabinet level. Andrew Sullivan get a life and please everything does not have to be left. I am a left leaning Barack loving democrat and i do not mind Warren standing their for his 10 minutes of fame. Get a life

To ed below,
not believing in gay mariage is not 'hate"

Rick Warren belongs right up there with Larry Craig!

Rick Warren is a total Moron. I won't take anything he's got to say seriously.

Major gaffe #1...alienate the discriminated for the sake of diversity...how ironic!

Obama should have stuck with Rev. Wright....as it turns out!

People that call others hateful need to take a good hard look in the mirror.

Did anyone really expect Obama to pander to the ultra liberal agenda? Not if he wants to try to be a two term President. A vast majority of Americans are moderates and anythig but governing from the center is political suicide. Bush's approval rating is evidence of that.

Diverse ideas????? HATE is more accurate.

Any choice would be criticized by some portion of people. As a gay person, I could really care less about this. The decision does not reflect Obama's personal or political views towards gays. I think anyone who has a problem with it needs to go find something better to worry about. After all, is anyone going to remember this in a few days, weeks or months after it's over? I doubt it. I'm sure people on the left and people on the right can find all kinds of things wrong with this. I'm sure they'll find endless ways to blow it up into a huge issue. Maybe we should all just chill out.

I am a Christian, who is for gay rights. I am not a huge fan of Rick Warren. Lots of churches think his "Purpose Driven" books are almost biblical – I wasnt really impressed but – you know – its just a prayer, for goodness sake. Its not like he is is nominating him for the Supreme Court or anything. I am also a raging liberal but I think most of those posting comments on the earlier story really need to get a hold of themselves and get some perspective. We are one America – and that includes everyone – not just us and not just them. WE are all in this together. Get a grip if you want to get anywhere. Acting like raving irrational lunatics will get you nowhere.

Rick Warren is an idiot. He's hiding in his own closet!

I understand and agree with what Obama is doing. Just because the some on the left do not agree with what Warren preaches doesn't mean that he should be excluded. Obama is trying to have something for everyone and by complaining about choosing Warren they are acting like those they dislike on the right.

How about focusing on the issues that really impact your lives. Funny thing is that the left by complaining so loudly have given Warren the forum he relishes.

Rwev. Wright looks better and better. lol lol lol
Rick Warren is in the same catagory as Larry Craig!

I also wish he had picked someone else. Think what the public would have said if President Bush had had the head of the KKK speak at his inaugural. ... But we also have to remember that this is one day. Americans have a notoriously short memory. ... And I hope Obama will rethink these issues once he is in office. Let's see how he does with gay and lesbian issues such as "don't ask, don't tell" and a national recognition of gay and lesbian civil unions.

A controversial figure is a poor choice no mattyer what his views. Yes Jay, I see what he's tryng to do, but there are hundreds of Millitary Chaplains that are non-controveersial, non-denominational and generally produce no igniting issues for radicals to feed on. Apolitical wouild be the word I guess. No pastor is more dedicated than a chaplain. and what a grand frame of recognition for those who serve so selflessly.

After a run of excellent choices and decision-making – in preparation for a new, responsible Administration – President-elect Obama has made a HUGE blunder.

It was one thing to participate in an event hosted by Rick Warren during the campaign – though that was also a big mistake. It is quite another thing – and a miserable demonstration of judgment – to give this religious fringe zealot any type of global spotlight.

Legitimizing such people (Falwell, Warren, et al) makes it more and more difficult for our society to establish a sense of genuine social/political/religious reason.

I am sorely disappointed in President-elect Obama's decision. For all the advocacy I invested in the P.E. – time, speech, money – I feel betrayed. This is not the individual to whom I threw my support.

@ Ed, Santa Fe, NM

Actually, Warren's positions and behavior are not hateful just because he disagrees with you. There are many homophobes and bible-thumpers out there who are certainly hateful, but Warren tends to be quite respectful. Get used to it people. Obama meant what he said about being a unifier. You might have been hearing what you wanted to hear, instead of what he was saying. There won't be any shunning of those who disagree with us. Space is now available for everyone at the table.

Wonderful . Obama is showing he means what he says. He wants to talk to everyone. I applaud his fortitude and courage under fire.

Anonymous, of course Joel Osteen would be a "better" choice and of course he doesn't preach hate. He doesn't have the opportunity to preach hate as all he preaches about is how to better yourself and get richer.

who did the redicals want , Father Falger or Rev, Wright , how about Rev, Jackson or Rev, Sharpton,,, give Obama a chance,,, get a life ,, wackcos,,,,

"Diversity of ideas?"

How about it reflects Obama's inability to take a stand on any issue.

He really could have picked someone more neutral. Someone who wouldn't make any news, but his heart is in the right place. We should all try to get along..........

I am trusting that Barack Obama knows what he is doing. Let's face it Obama should supports the work that Warren has done with the poor, HIV/AIDS and education of our youth.

Besides if Warren turned Barack down, he would alienate even more people and he strikes me as man looking to increase his terrority.

I say it's a good gesture.

His quote:
"I think that it is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans," he said. "It is something that I have been consistent on, and I intend to continue to be consistent on during my presidency."
As long as it doesn't involve marriage which is the one thing that everyone should have the right to, and which they are are denied. Equality does not mean "almost as good as" or "legal unions" – which marriage really is anyway and giving it a special name "just or them". That isn't equality, and Obama can not say he stands for equal rights only going part of the way.

he is trying to unite the people of America. There is far to much hate in this world and if he only caters to the ones with the same vision as himself then nothing would change. Maybe by him reaching out to all types of people with all types of ideas, he can change their minds. this coming from a lesbian. I know many people who werent "open-minded" in the days when i came out but there sure is alot of them that are now. Lets hope the incoming POTUS will have a much better resolve in uniting people with differences. Instead of creating un-necessary wars?
Merry Christmas to all

This is disappointment. I have no ill will toward Obama, but the insensitivity of the issue is astounding. It has nothing to do with gay marriage(I would be happy with civil unions that convey all the same rights) but Warren thinks homosexuality is "morally wrong". For him to have a place at the table would be the equivalent of me, a Southern white male running for office and soliciting the black vote and then have the Grand Wizard of the KKK at the table. Obama can have whomever he wishes at the table but I can leave the table as opposed to sitting there and 'making nice" which is hypocritical and I will not be a hypocrite. Joel Osteen may have been a better or were all the Methodists busy on 1/20?

So, the cynical shell had been lowered, hoping this time it would be different but the cold steel of reality has hit and the shell is sealed tight again.

I still believe Obama is the best choice and he will do fine for the country, but he will do it without my former enthusiaism, confirmation or funds and I am not complaining as I will recover, afterall, we gay men have endured a lot of rejection!

I finally found something I can agree with Obama on- caring for the poor, the disadvantaged, and people living with HIV/AIDS. It's the point that Guiliani spoke of after 911- when people no longer looked at each other on a "comparison" basis, but on a human basis and helped each other, simply because it was the right thing to do. That concern lies in each one of us and is definitely the better of our many emotional sides.

Don't agree with his choice of Warren, but he is the president elect. He's got bigger problems than the wrong pick for the inauguration.

Wow After i voted for Obama because he said he will fight for gay and look what he just did... no no no

Having someone who believes in eliminating the rights of some Americans to marry (same-sex couples could marry in CA before Prop deliver the invocation, a prayer to a presumably loving higher power no less, sounds like a great idea. Could we get a few more bigots up on that stage to make it even more diverse?

I finally found something I can agree with Obama on- caring about the poor, the disadvantaged, and people living with HIV/AIDS.

its,sad that one guy only sold three cars so far this month.what,do you think the commish is on that?i'm not sure,its still more than a ten dollar an\hr worker makes in a month.

that Obama is not the President of tolerance and unity he said he was.

By not supporting gays, Obama is saying that "human rights" are only for some minorities like blacks but not for gays. What kind of unity President is that?

Obama supporters will learn that he has always been about "votes", not about equality for all people.

I would suggest Roland Martin
i would like to see that crybabe do the invocation.

Anonymous was ME.... how did that get up there! *LOL*

Joel Osteen still has my vote! I suspect the populace would have cheered.... Christian and non christian. He is charismatic and well versed in his ministry. He would make an excellent choice.

Come on, reconsider....
Three cheers for Obama! Though I may not agree with his choice... I do agree that he is doing an excellent job in all over areas! *LOL*

MOST .... IF not ALL Christian ministers believe that the "act" is wrong not the Gay person!

People should be careful not to judge so quickly. Of all the mainstream Christian pastors around (I know, I am Christian) Rick Warren is a kind, loving, wise and fair man!

Just because he does not agree with Gay marriage DOES NOT make him a ..... hateful person!

I am a Democrat, Christian, wife, mother & grandmother.... I do not believe that Gay people should marry. A civil union is enough. Marriage is sacred, a religious sacrament and between ... one man and one woman.

However, I DO NOT HATE Gays or Lesbians! I support their right to have civil unions.... and even adopt children.

To condemn Rick Warren, is wrong. There IS enough HATE from the far-right-hate-mongers...... let's not stoop to the gutter with them!

All the suckers that voted for him when I kept sayin "He'll tell u anything to get elected"... Looks like America once again voted stupidly and was conned(see George Bush 00 and 04).

Diversity of ideas is great and all, but some ideas are better than others. Comparing homosexuals to pedophiles and women who have abortions to concentration camp guards are the kinds of ideas that should be rejected outright as ludicrous, and raise serious questions about those who espouse them.

This guy was picked to be part of a cermonie, not to create public policy. The Gays would have a point if Obama was putting him in place to create policy like he did with the gay person he appointed. If you turn you back on him now what will you do when he puts a gay person is selected for an important post. Are you going to then say all is forgiven. That might work in your realtionship, but it won't work with public policy.

I like this pick. I think it will fit well with most of the general public. I would not call him radical, but a believer that the Word of God is the truth.

This isn't about popularity!

Hang tough Mr Prez Elect! Once again you are using good judgement. This is not about differences of opinions. We can't continue to run this country on fear. It serves no purpose.

People – put your issues aside – just for one day!

Battle tomorrow

I voted for Obama for change and this is CHANGE. He trying to unite the ENTIRE country even though there are differences we should beable to TALK to each other rather than throw "bullets". Warren gave Obama a chance a few years ago and now Obama is giving Warren a chance. Take a look at ALL the people Obama has choosen for his inagurational lineup!!!! Maybe, just maybe Obama can get Warren to take another look at gays and other issues he opposes.

that's the change we can believe in
no partisan politic

I also think Joel Osteen would have been a good choice, but that is PE Obama's personal choice and we can't do much about that.

Well now, can WE all calm down. Those of you who supported Obama and voted for him need to ask yourselves "would you rather have McCain/Palin"? Personally, my answer is NO. I voted for the person who represents what we need in these changing times NOW. I will not/neither do I want to always agree with Obama on everything. I'm not happy with one of his choices in his cabinet but I don't have to work with her. He does. If by chance Obama disappoints me on the war, or the economy gets worse (if that's possible) and his stances on energy change-then, I will say he's a liar and yes people there will be other choices in 2012. Until then, I have to respect his judgment and choices. Maybe you should too.

I wish he chose someone blue but I understand and appreciate that he understands that it's the UNITED States of America (purple).

This sucks! Why didn't he consider Wright? I would have tuned in to see Wright. Boy – Obama really thew his spiritual mentor under the bus AGAIN.

It doesn't matter what Obama does, he will NEVER be able to please everyone with each of his choices. The big problem is there are some people who live for negativity and do not even attempt to understand that he is trying to be the President for ALL of the USA, not just liberal USA.

We are all different people with different views, positions, and religious beliefs. Does it mean that the President -elect is catering to the fanatical religious right?..No...He is bringing us all to the table, because no one sect, part y, or ethnic group owns this country.

We all have ideas how to do things. He will listen and make the decisions. By giving the invocation, he is saying you have a place for discourse in this Administration, you have a right to be heard as well as gays, lesbians, pro-choice advocates, anti-immigration and pro- immigration voices. You have one voice and one vote..that is it. So keep remembering we elected a man who wants to heal and not divide us. If I had had my choice it would not be Rick Warren and I would have sent Joe Lieberman packing. That would have been the wrong move. Thank God we have someone with some savvy and an inntellect.
We all need a lesson in growing up and it can't come too quickly. for me especially!

I think he has led too sheltered a life and does not understand what it means to have someone hate you and hate your family. He could not have picked a more divisive person other than Dobson. If he was a segrationist to the same extreme he is about Equal Rights for all, he would not have been picked. What if it were found he had always been against interracial marriage too. A little cloer to home Obama? It is not a 'point of view' to hate gays and their friends and families, it is discrimination that they are not automatically included in all discussions of Equal Rights. This will not be forgotten, he wants to be a Chamberlian, but you are either against WRONG and HATE or you aren't, and Obama isn't.

So-called Evangelicals remind me that anyone can call themselves a Christian, even if their particular brand of Christianity ignores a large part of the teachings of the Bible, while putting a laser focus on a few select segments.

Their Way Or The Highway. Doesn't sit well with American Catholics.

Rick Warren=preacher of homophobia
Rick Warren= believes we are all separate and unequal.
Just remember gays would never want to be in your church or any other church that is not accepting of who they are!!!

I really despise when I spend time crafting a comment and then it disappears into CNN's cyberspace. I'll try again:

I don't understand the appeal of these mega-church ministers. They are unaffiliated with any denomination so they have no oversight of either their teachings, or their finances. So this guy, Rick Warren, is a well-educated, natural born salesman, selling religion to thousands of followers, but who checks to make sure his theology is sound or his finances? From where I sit, this man has become rich, my Methodist pastors never got rich. Preaching the word of God isn't supposed to make anyone rich. It certainly didn't make Jesus rich and I'm pretty sure Jesus' theology is a lot more sound than Rick Warren's. Whatever, I understand what P.E. Obama is doing, I am all for inclusion versus exclusion. I just find it ironic that inclusion means including a man who is all about exclusion.

since when is hate a "diversity of ideas"?

Civil rights are not "social issues." To categorize the basic fundamental rights of LGBT people as "social issues" demonstrates Mr. Obama's abject failure to "fiercely advocate for the rights of LGBT" citizens. Civil rights do not come under the umbrella of bringing people together of differing opinions. This is not merely a "big tent" issue; it is an issue of equal protection under the law. As a constitutional scholar, Obama understands that. His continued defense of the inlcusion of Rick Warren belies his failure to act the on the issues at hand. Obama's disingenuous attempt to convince people that it is a simple social issue is just what Mr. Warren did in California when he supported Prop 8. He too shaped the issue in terms of moral choices and religious liberties. For such a bright guy, it is hard to understand why Mr. Obama has insisted on shaping this in manner he knows is inaccurate. It demeans all LGBT citizens when he refuses to be the leader he proclaims to be and fails to speak honestly to the American people about the rights of all Americans.

I don't understand the appeal of these mega-church ministers. They are unaffiliated with any denomination so they have no oversight of either their teachings, or their finances. So this guy, Rick Warren, is a well-educated, natural born salesman, selling religion to thousands of followers, but who checks to make sure his theology is sound or his finances? From where I sit, this man has become rich, my Methodist pastors never got rich. Preaching the word of God isn't supposed to make anyone rich. It certainly didn't make Jesus rich and I'm pretty sure Jesus' theology is a lot more sound than Rick Warren's. Whatever, I understand what P.E. Obama is doing, I am all for inclusion versus exclusion. I just find it ironic that inclusion means including a man who is all about exclusion.

Rick Warren is divisive and picking him is a clear mistake by Obama. That being said, as long as Obama sticks with his promises of pushing for equality for gays and lesbians this really isn't that important. Anyone posting who does not know some of the controversial terrible statements that Rick Warren has made should really look into it before they jump to conclusions that the left wing is overreacting. This pick does not bring any faction together. It ignores Mr. Warren's disgusting positions. Obama also needs to understand while to some this may be a "social issue" – the issue of equality is a lot more than that to the gays and lesbians who voted for him.

Obama is a PLAYER, and he has gotten to the Presidency, by the fact that Bush was a unqualified part-time Gov. of Texas, which was perfect for him harmless and very little power. Now Obama, he is a different type of politican, of sorts. Not sure were he stands on issues and everyone is afraid to say the wrong thing because he chose tobe African-American.
Personally, its time to get answers from him, I'm not just going to accept his stratagy if I end up paying for others benefits while I have to accept the bill and less benefits also. If he floods the economy with such volumes of money, it will work for the short term and lead to a very high inflation 3yrs from today.

Rick warren preaches bigotry – anti gay bigotry. If he preached anti-biracial marriage [which was the majority popular opinion in the 1950s/60s], you betcha Obama wouldn't pick this guy. The fact is that bigotry is bigotry, no matter how its wrapped up. Sorry, but while this guy has the right to express his opinion, no matter how biggotted it is, I have the right to speak up – and not keep my mouth closed, to say, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! NO MR. NICE GAY! EQUAL GAY RIGHTS BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!

Man i cant believe all the fuss this has caused. what a bunch of sissies!!

oh, wait. umm... yeah......

EVERYONE needs to get their panties and briefs out of a bunch and come together to celebrate this history making moment!

i like him. i like gay people. i like muslim people. i like all americans, but the haters do annoy me.

I think he's right. I'm still waiting for Warren to be involved in some sort of scandal like most evangelical public figures....but Obama's right.

I suspect that Joel Osteen would have been a much more popular choice. I think he is very well known all over this country. And he is NOT offensive in his ministry.

This from a non-Christian.

But I respect Obama's reasoning, if not his choice.

This is part of his "change" concept.

Who cares about the differences between us.

If americans can get over our differences, we will be a stronger and a well respected nation.

Obama is displaying a sense of understanding that.

I suspect that Joel Osteen would have been a much more popular choice. I think he is very well known all over this country. And he is NOT offensive in his ministry. This from a none Christian.

It's hard not to like Rick Warren. I'm not a bible thumper or one that is big on demanding people be a member of one religion or another. Rick Warren shares some of the same characteristics as Senator Obama, even though they have different leans. He is down to earth, charismatic, geniune, and open to other people's beliefs. If anything, selecting him was the very best thing he could have done.

I think the gay and liberal groups should get over it and learn to accomodate the President-Elect's choices. Else, they're no different than the right-wing pressure groups and evangelicals that they despise of so much. What's the big deal about Rick Warren's choice? He's not going to be running the government after all! He wants his 15 mins of fame and he's getting it.

The true reflection of Obama's beliefs should be based on his history of supporting gay rights, not the choice of someone giving an invocation!

Guess what! Obama is not going to make every black person, hispanic person, far-left or far right person happy with every single choice.

Obama is working hard to be everyone's President. Only the very foolish will judge the man on who he asks to give a 3 minute prayer: and Obama is smart enough to realize that no matter what he does, who he appoints, someone posting on CNN will be unhappy.

You can't please everyone all of the time: fact of life and especially true in politics.

Only Madoff made everyone happy and looked what happened!

I wish Obama would add several more religious leaders, each giving a short invocation, each representing a different faith – and also an atheist.

Sullivan is wrong.

I will vote for anyone other than Mr. Obama in the next election. Except for anyone else who spews their religious rhetoric!!!

I want add that Obama cannot cater to the either the extreme left or extreme right. He must position himself in the middle-where most of America is.

I agree with Obama. Although I am not a huge fan of Rick Warren, I do think that he is a very popular person, intelligent, articulate, and represents a vast amount of perspectives in this nation. This is an example of shrewd politics on Obama's behalf. I still think Obama believes in progressing civil rights for all minority groups including gays and women and I think that this nation will see some positive outcomes on these fronts.

GIVE THE MAN A CHANCE, PEOPLE! He hasn't even been sworn in yet and we are harping on Obama.

I wish people would stop justifying this pick as reaching across party lines. I don't give a hoot that he reach out to the evangelical right. They have done nothing but spew their hate laced ideals which are volatile, and have cause serious pain to millions of gay people in America. Yes there are millions of us. If his choice is so right then lets invite a few KKK members also. To me they are one and the same. Two groups filled with more hatred and self righteous indignation than any other groups in this country. Keep religion out of politics including the inauguration.

When Pres-elect Obama said in his 2004 democractic convention speech that there was a united states of america and when he that he is the president of all the people he meant exactly what he said and when he said you will not agree with him all the time he was being honest .
This day is a very special day in our history a day that we will remember always so can we come together for a special event in our nations history I think we can and I think we owe it to history and to ourselves and most important to our great country.
Pres-elect Obama is reaching out to all americans and that my fellow americans is a big change from the last 8 years.

He is very wise and I am so glad he is going to be our next president. He is inclusive and is truly a president for all of America, not just for the people who support him. I don't particularly like Warren but it certainly shows that President-Elect Obama is not partisan.

We believe in diversity of color, not diversity of ideas.

Why they picked a biggot for this role is beyond me. I understand trying to bridge gaps, but rick openly hates women's rights, and homosexuals. Might as well had the head of the Klan give the invational speech if we are trying to be open to all types of people. Why they couldn't have picked a more low key preacher is beyond me. Keep em crossed that Warren changes his mind, but don't bet on it.

Must say I give him some props for this (not warren in general but the stance). He knew how much heat he would take from the far left and still stood his ground. You have to respect that.

I am sorry to say that Obama is all wet behind the ears on this. Rick Warren does not represent diversity. He represents BIGOTRY. This is not what the American people need. This is not the reaching across the aisles that is constructive for the soul of America. America must never celebrate BIGOTS like Rick Warren.

Not a very good idea. All Rick Warren will do is throw gasoline on the divisive fires his selection has started by trying to impress other fundamentalists and evangelicals by saying "in Jesus name we pray".

I personally find his choice repulsive...

Our great country was not, NOT created by "diversity," but common language customs, backgrounds. Our country is being "Balkanized."

The Pres-elect is right, again we see him demonstrating leadership and what he preached on his campaign trail....No pun intended.

I have gone to Saddleback Church and though I am a Catholic, I found the church to be very open and quite genuine. I enjoyed the message that Rick gives and actually look forward to going regularly. He truly believes in what his philosophies are and it is the only church that I have been to that I feel they really mean what they say. They have done a great deal of good. Saying all that, I can see why Obama would pick him though I am surprised because Rick is conservative. But he is one of the fairest persons that I have ever met.

Well we know he couldn't pick Rev. Wright . hahaha

As a Pagan-American, I'm furious that Obama didn't pick a Wiccan Priestess to give the invocation at his inauguration! Pagans voted almost exclusively for Obama, and yet we continue to get thrown under the bus! Is there even a Pagan on Obama's Cabinet? How much longer will we be ignored?

Oh, wait, I don't really think that, because I'm both Pagan and reasonable.

This tends to confirm that the "LGBT community" is the sole remaining group which is not immune from bias among Obamanistas. (BTW, I know what BLT means, but what is the G– guacamole?)

What did you think Obama meant when he said he would be a unifier and bring people together from across the aisle? Did you think he meant "I will shun all people who disagree with me and who my voters have decreed anathema"? Change IS coming...in the form of tolerance and dialogue. It's crystal clear that many of my fellow Obama supporters completely misunderstood him. You heard what you wanted to hear, not what he was saying.

Rick Warren does not reflect a diversity of ideals, he is the chasm where ideals fall and perish.

I think he could have pick someone else but I think understand what he is trying to do.