Obama taps evangelical for inauguration

It really is disappointing that Obama is giving this bigot such a prominent platform.

Obama has just flushed his credibility down the toilet.

I didn't vote for him but now I'm beginning to respect hm more and more

How disappointing! I voted for Obama, and I get Rick Warren at the inauguration? I feel outraged and betrayed. Rick Warren helped to take my rights away on Election Day. Rick Warren encouraged Californian to take my rights away. This was a double sin; it took away the rights of gay and lesbian couples, and it sullied the name of Christianity. It is very difficult to forgive such a man, but to have him bless the new president: disgusting. How can I enjoy the inauguration? Shame on Warren; shame on Obama.

Interesting comments about Rick Warren; so who is not tolerant with who now? Who is closed-minded now? Just because Rick Warren does not agree with the Gay Rights movement and Pro Choice, it does not mean that he is not worthy of delivering the inaugural invocation. I begin to think that Obama has been consistent in putting 'real' people around him. Not just putting people that are always 100% in total agreement with him all the time. This is a true strength of a leader. Pastor Warren may not be necessarily in total agreement with President (elect) Obama's view of Gay Rights or Pro Choice, but there are many other things as important as those two topics, such as AIDS, Poverty, etc. If the writers suggested that in order for us to progress better in life, we have to agree in everything that we do, then that is not progress at all. Progress is made through diversity. Be careful with the double-standard here ... We want to see progress through true tolerance, agree to disagree agreeably !!!

Why do liberals feel the need to pander to the far Christian right? When Bush was in power, he never made any concessions to the left -- you never saw Noam Chomsky or somebody talking at a republican's inauguration to bring "both sides to the discussion." Why should Obama make ANY moves to be friendly toward the fringe right?

What do you think of this?

I am a dyed in the wool liberal in many ways, however, I am sick and tired of having to proove my liberality by never deviating from the same old song. What ever happened to the idea of allowing alternative points of view into the mix? Are we, as a group, so insecure that we cannot entertain any other opinion? Sounds kind of like radical -- fill in the blank -- Islam, Christianity, homophobia, etc. Let's hear from Rick Warren. Heaven forbid -- we all might learn something. At worst, we might begin to understand where all the wrong-headed types are coming from. Let's let Rick Warren in so we don't have to put up with whatever Sarah Palin comes up with.

I wrote both Rick Warren and Obama transition blog
As an openly gay donor to Obama campaign the news of Rick Warren giving the invocation at the inaugeral ,is election night deja vu, all over again. Gays and Lesbians were celebrationg with all the rest of America the Obama victory, then at 11pm we get a shiv shoved in our back with prop 8. Rick Warren and the LDS elders were the MAIN SUPPORTERS which attacked LGBT families in CA, making us the ONE minority not covered by the equal protection clause.
I hope EVERY queer and our friends attending the Inaugeral, TURNS THEIR BACK to Rick Warren, a salute of a single finger wouldn't hurt ...either.
I am so disappointed the president to Bring America TOGETHER, chooses to tear us apart at his FIRST oppurtunity

Since I'm not a pundit, I don't care about omens. I care about results.

Certainly, the ham-handed way the Clintons went after gay equality in the military caused resentment and lead to the DADT policy. Considering the amount of time that's passed, it's clear in hindsight that this was a big, big tactical error.

I don't think Obama will make that kind of error. But he's been pretty clear about having gay-friendly goals. Even better, he got 100 generals to support a repeal of DADT before ever mentioning it in public himself. Smart politics.

Ha Ha,
Quit your whining. You voted for him. Grow up and take it like a man or woman.

My first instinct is to ask if its too late to change the agenda.

And although I don't love the idea, we are at a time in our history where we need to appeal to ALL Americans.

Let's just throw the evangelicals this bone, ok? We all know Obama doesn't believe 100% of what this guy says - just like he didn't believe everything Rev. Wright said.

Chill out, fellow democrats.

Obama is working them...

This choice affirms my support for Obama. As an evangelical Christian utterly fed up with the way so many Christians blindly ally themselves with the Republican party, I'm glad to recognize that people of faith come from all political backgrounds. I can't help but notice that the far left, however, is as intolerant and reactionary as they accuse the far right of being, "...but pandering to Christianists at his inauguration is a depressing omen." Sorry, anyone who voted for Obama because they thought he would check his faith at the door SHOULD be disappointed.

Face it. Obama will actually be tolerant of diverse views. Liberal dogmatists should heed their own rhetoric of tolerance and diversity, or face cultural irrelevance as Americans realize that they are just as hypocritical as they suggest evangelicals are.

Well...this a start. I really hope that he lives his life as a true believer and not a phony. God isnt impressed by god-talk and high speech and church attendance. He wants our hearts.

Check out www.redletterbelievers.com for more

"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

Already making me think that not nominating Hillary was a mistake. Screw the Republicans! Think they would have asked gay preacher at their nominating ceremony?

Warren promoted Proposition 8 with the lie that his right to preach against homosexuality was at stake. This choice is a major insult to Obama's LGBT supporters.

Andrew Sullivan is wrong about the Clintons and is just trying to save face because he supported Obama. Hillary Clinton would never have let an anti-gay, anti-choice bigot give the invocation at her inauguration.

Shame on Obama.

How long before we find out that Mr. Homophobe has been seeing young boys on the side? Sorry, but anyone with that much hate and fear in him is hiding something in the closet.

Dumb choice. Warrenis a sleaze bag in my opion, especialy after this summer's deal that McCain is in a "sound proof room. Waren is a nobody. At this point Rev. Wright would be a better choice.. Barack you screwed up.

Abandon Hope, Always. At least Republicans tell us they hate us. Dems. lie to get the support, then flip-flop in early days for political reasons. No ideology; just fundraising.

I am proud of your choice, Obama.

O ...he is the PUPPET MASTER

I contributed to Obama's campaing because I believed he of all persons understood what it ment to be discriminated against and that he had the sensitivity and intelligence to stand against discrimination in all it's forms. My contribution supported a fraud and I'm going to contact his campaign and ask that it be refunded!

The comments regarding be careful not to have a double standard have a lot of substance however, we should consider some of this person's core beliefs. As a gay man myself I cannot understand someone spreading bigotry such as this man...Warren. Although, I try to understand where his beliefs come from and he is entiled to them. He is not entitled to judge my life in a way that allows for laws to be spread that take away my civil rights as an American. He can to whatever he pleases at church, or in private, but not to take my rights away. I also see double standards by many people who are liberals or lean-left such as myself, but in this case I cannot understand this choice. There are no double standards when it comes to bigotry.

Rick Warren giving the invocation is a slap in the face to everyone who voted for "Change"!

This is a terrible misstep by an otherwise smart Obama. He would be wise to retract the invitaion of such a divisive and hateful person in Rick Warren.

Every unborn child in America just rolled over as this now will "legitimize" radical and grotesque abortion policy. Big mistake Pastor Warren. Obama is using you. I write this from less than 5 miles from Saddleback Church.

I don't care who gives the address as I will choose not to listen to the prayer because i do not indulge in any organized religion. So I will turn a deaf ear and a blind eye. Rick Warren is fat on all the money he steals from the uninlightened. Fat=unhappy...

Thank-you Mr. Obama for your courage and willingness to have a heart bigger than the small mindedness of those on either extreme! I and many others applaud you! We need more leadership with the wisdom and flexibility that you have demonstrated. The only thing I would suggest that you add in your messages to Americans is less praise to the people, and more recognition of the creator and divine providence that has led this nation from its beginning. Reread the words of our greatest leaders and reflect on what they say. We have changed as a nation and we will change. Nothing can stop that. But where will the changes lead us? And what changes will lead us to true strength and honor?

To be truly inclusive, we need to include people who disagree with us. I voted for Obama, I agree with his agenda, and I applaud his reaching out. We can do better than the religious and political polarization we've had up to now. Obama will show us the way.

The comments on this blog just reinforce my belief that no group is more intolerant or mean-spirited than the far left . And to the guy who suggested holding up a middle finger while Rev.Warren prays - Great idea! You will really win a lot of people over to your side with that maneuver. VJB

Were John Hagee and Ted Haggard already booked?

In fairness, Diane Feinstein also concurred in picking this homophobe who also rejects science and the right of women to choose. And hardly a model of ecumenicalism -- picking two Protestant preachers, only one of whom believes in the notion that all men (and women) are created equal, with inalienable rights. (That's the one who's NOT Rick Warren.)

Disappointing, to say the least. Shameful and disgraceful, to be more candid.

I am of the far left. But the change I seek, and voted for, encompasses civil discourse, finding a middle ground that provides inclusion, and winning people over by dialogue that accentuates our similar needs and goals and diminishes the antagonism of recent history. Can't we recognize that our president has to be, as promised, the leader of all of this country's different factions? We have had many years of cynical and intentional division. Let Obama reach broadly across America to effect a better life for all of us. Let's applaud his ability to act in a way that truly serves the varying religious heritages many proclaim possess the right values. Taking the higher road is the real change we have all been seeking.

Re: "Just because Rick Warren does not agree with the Gay Rights movement and Pro Choice, it does not mean that he is not worthy of delivering the inaugural invocation."

Yes it does. I'm not gay and I can see that. In America all people are supposed to be equal under the law. I live in CA, and I saw the vile "Yes on 8" campaign up close when one of their volunteers knocked on my door. Imagine a glassy eyed fundie standing on your porch arguing with you because you won't accept a "Yes on 8" lawn sign. I finally just closed the door in his scary face. These people are delusional bigots who use religion to convince themselves that their hate is sanctioned by God.

Obama obviously doesn't think that gay rights or a woman's right to choose are important or he wouldn't let Warren anywhere near his inaugural.

Imagine that. In this day and age, a man who respects the right of a baby to live, and believes that marriage is for a man and a woman is labelled an 'extremist'.

Obama should have picked Ohio gov Ted Strickland. Ted is an ordained minister (Asbury Seminary...Methodist affiliation) and an important supporter during the campaign. Also, he has experience praying at inaugarations. He had to do the invocation at his own inaugaration when the minister that was selected to do it couldn't get through the crowd in time to get on the podium before the ceremony started.

It should not surprise anyone that Obama has flip-flopped again, promising the Left one agenda and then snatching it back and giving it to the Right.

Obama doesn't believe in anything but a vote and a dollar. He has the gay votes and the gay dollars-so under the bus!

Eat your hearts out "feminists" who turned against Hillary and supported this man because of Roe v. Wade. Can you now be sure about his supreme court picks?

Exactly redsoxwin, that is how far this country has deteriorated. It is pathetic.

Go Barack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And you wonder why I am a Log Cabin member. We can not let either party take us for granted. This is a shoe in the face.

Pastor Rick Warren is not afraid to say that gays are sick and sinful. He along with Cardinal Mahony and the Mormon Church stood up to the gay agenda and won. The people have spoken, every time there's a vote it's the same - No gay marriage, gay adoptions, gay military, government subsidies for their lifestyle. Maybe Obama is a smart enough politician to figure this out and go with the majority who elected him.

I think this is a good choice. I don't want gays to be my pastor-look where it is getting the Catholics. I don't want gay parades in my town because of the obscenities displayed. I don't want straight schoolgirls trying it because they might like it. I don't want free abortions and free pills for teens because it makes whores out of them. Wait for sex until marriage so your love can be complete and honest. Give gays the same rights as anyone else just pick another word for their union. The word marriage describes the union of a male and a female--do not degrade it. Gays simply cannot live up to the standards and responsibilities that the word Marriage stands for.

As one of the prior posters pointed, had John McCain become president, would you expect a pro-gay minister to be giving the invocation? And, as another poster said too, at least the Republicans tell us to our face that they don't want us, rather than the Democrats' shady way of taking the money and then slapping your face.

As somebody who worked for the campaign, I do not think there is a problem with this. If he had invited Rev. Wright, then maybe, but Rick Warren yes some of the stuff might be controversial, I do not agree with him on most issues, but he is a nice guy. And he has worked with Obama in the past, and even though he did not make an endorsement, I would not be surprised if he even voted for Obama. He is a good choice, personally, I though he should have invited a Pastor, Rabbi, and Imam, but that would have been a bit much for some people

Obama will find it's easier to shove the LGBT community away, than to bring us back.
He expects the entire country to come together, after he goes out of his way to SPIT ON US with that bigot Warren who promoted prop 8. Well here's one queer that ain't gonna be doing any heavy lifting for Obama ...again

I'm a dyed in the wool liberal and Janet M hit the nail on the head! We will never become a better nation if we continually let the "Karl Rove Wedge Issues" divide us. Quiet down and listen......you may just learn something.
from Janet M:
"I am a dyed in the wool liberal in many ways, however, I am sick and tired of having to proove my liberality by never deviating from the same old song. What ever happened to the idea of allowing alternative points of view into the mix? Are we, as a group, so insecure that we cannot entertain any other opinion? Sounds kind of like radical -- fill in the blank -- Islam, Christianity, homophobia, etc. Let's hear from Rick Warren. Heaven forbid -- we all might learn something. At worst, we might begin to understand where all the wrong-headed types are coming from. Let's let Rick Warren in so we don't have to put up with whatever Sarah Palin comes up with."

By your comments you kool-aiders show yourselves to be the hatefull and bigoted ones.

Why do we always have to have people that agree with us 100% speak? I can say I disagree with Obama's stand on gay marriage and Rick Warren has the same stand as Obama. If we are to ever have unity then we must be able to sit at the table with all people and have a good old conversation.

I sincerely hope that some major organizations -- HRC, MoveOn, PFAW, the ACLU, etc. -- care enough about the LGBT community and equality to start petitions or public letters for people to sign protesting this choice. I am sick to my stomach. I have been so desperately wanting to believe that Obama was an ally and supported of full equality.

I neglected to mention... this man is also anti-choice. This is a significant and blatant betrayal.

Personaly, as a gay pastor in a traditional congregational church, I am dissappointed in Rick Warren as the choice. There are many less extreme evangelicals (if that is the chosen political route to go) who don't preach hate against a sector of God's children. What about Jim Wallis, of Sojourner's --who is very active in poverty initiatives, peace initiatives, and gospel preaching? More to the middle, What about Jim Forbes, retired american baptist minister of Riverside Church of NYC? Or, maybe what might have been more radical is choosing a cleric the Jewish or Muslim or Buddhist tradition.

What credibility.....he began with 0 and and will end with less.......

"Imagine a glassy eyed fundie standing on your porch arguing with you because you won't accept a "Yes on 8" lawn sign."

Yes, and now imagine a glassy eyed gay man standing on your porch and arguing with you because you signed a petition to support traditional marriage.

Same deal my friend - everyone has a right to their opinion.

What a shame. Religion gets too much of a platform already...now this. Why must be add superstition to the inauguration?

Let him give his invocation, let him say what he wants. I don't think Warren is particularly worthy of the honor, but he was the choice and it is not a bad idea to have a broad spectrum of ideas on parade. Those in attendance who are opposed to this choice, turn your back when he makes his appearence. Don't boo, don't don't make a scene, just turn your back. The message will get through.

I am surprised on how important this selection has meaning for people. Rick Warren is one of the leading clergyman in the US. His book has been used all over the world. He has the gift of bring people together. This is more a nod of the next "Billy Graham" than anything else. I suspect that Mr. Warren is a sincere adviser to the President.

Regarding gay marriage in California, the people who predominately voted against this resolution are ethnic voters. This is forgotten (intentionally) over and over again. The LDS Church and Rick Warren do not have that much power over these groups.

“Lord — Protect my family and me. Forgive me my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will.”

I think God will answer his prayers.

This is wonderful!

HA HA HA HA!

Change you can believe in, right liberals?

HA HA HA HA!

Totally pathetic how the "open minded" liberals whine and moan whenever someone with a different viewpoint gets the spotlight in a positive way.

What the gays don't understand is they are not in charge of who sits at the table. They are lucky they have a place and acting like neo-fascists is not going to do them any good. They must understand that they too must have tolerance and that they will not get their way on everything.

I have to agree with Dan Gan up in comment 5. Why do we always have to focus on the negative aspects of people? Warren's work with AIDS is a noteworthy cause. So what if he has a different point of view about gay marriage and abortion? So does half the country (approximately) . Does that make them all evil? The only way President-elect Obama is going to get anything done is if he is open to people who may not necessarily agree with him on everything.

Lets just hope that Barack learns what life is all about and is more supportive of prolife causes....we want God's blessing on our country, not his anger and wrath.

Liberal moral values will only further our nation's moral and spiritual decline and decay

Is Obama determined to re-enact the Bush presidency? His appointments indicate he will continue President Bush's policies, and he is making the same mistakes. Trying to be all things to all people just ends up pissing everybody off.

Same you can believe in?

Obama throws the Right a bone. Most of the people watching won't even know who the large red-faced guy is. As he is spouting his 2 minutes of rehashed drivel, viewers will be thinking - are there any skinny preachers in the republican party? Geez Rick, do a sit up.

People, give me a break. He's just going to PRAY. He's not going to preach against homosexuality or abortion -- he's just going to pray, probably for peace and protection for our new president, and for him to make wise decisions. Why do we have to politicize prayer? And why would anyone suggest turning their backs on a prayer for wisdom for our new president? HE'S JUST GOING TO PRAY. This is not about Prop 8, or Rick Warren "selling out to the liberal agenda". It's just prayer, people. Let it go.

My main issue is that it seems to some that gay rights and abortion are the main issues. How does that stack up with what Warren has done to combat AIDS? I am tired of either of those topics being the lead-in, especially as a liberal democrat, for the religious discussion. They are not the most important thing(s) in the world. Are you saying that Obama's choice should be based on those first?

In addition, I cannot say as I know Warren's statements on either, but they seem consistent with the bible that I read. Does that make him a hate monger, that he disagrees with certain stances and practices what he preaches? Is he not allowed? Should he just say "everything's great, just keep doing what you're doing!" Was that what Christ said?

And the idea that current society "discriminates" against gays the way it did against African Americans in the 50's or women at the turn of the previous century is insulting. There are no specific laws preventing them from doing anything. In addition, lots of heterosexual couples that lived together over the years did not get all the spousal rights either. That was and is, of course, by choice. But, if it was so debilitating financially or emotionally, don't you think they would have gotten married just to get all the benefits, recognition, etc.?

I'm glad Obama is being inclusive, it's high on the list of items that drives me crazy about the Republicans, i.e., "my way or the highway." He has picked an influential Christian pastor, (being a Christian himself) not unlike politicians of old picking Billy Graham.

Perhaps this is a sign Obama is renouncing his sin and turning to the Lord, or perhaps it is a cynical, self-serving political ploy.

Time will tell. His decisions on policy will speak a lot louder than this one.

Bad Barrack, BAD! Now go sit in the corner and think about how you screwed up!

Susanna Rinehart: The 1.2 million unborn boys and girls this year would say he is an advocate for their birth and life, and against their mothers terminating their heartbeats and existence.

Another victory for the Republicrat Party. In other news, Obama is sending 20,000 troops to Afghanistan. I hope this was the "change" you all were waiting for. Say goodbye to the era of personal liberties and hello to the era of single-party statism.

Here's the problem with the democratic party: its made up folks that focus on really only one issue. Gay rights folks. Pro-choice folks. Pro-union folks. Folks that believe in the benefit of greater social spending by the government. Etc. All these folks only REALLY care about their own issues. Sure, they might have similar views as fellow democrats, but they are only motivated by the prospect of the democratic party (or its candidates) delivering on their own particular issue. its too bad. The democrats have won a tremendous victory over the last two election cycles. They are in a position to get a lot done for our country. But even before Obama gets into office, people are dividing the party because their particular interest isn't being made issue #1. Stop being so selfish. And by the way, Obama is against gay marriage. He said it himself...

This just proves what a FRAUD Obama really is.
Just look at his appointments/nominations, all Republicans or die-hard conservative Democrats.
His is going to be a right-wing administration.

There should be no prayer in government, in public government funded schools or any government funded programs. There is far to much religion in my government, what ever happened to the seperation of church and state. There is no need for prayer in this or any presidential inaugaration.

So why is there a public prayer at the Inauguration?

There is no Constitutional requirement for any religious element in the swearing in. The President need not use a Bible or any other religious scripture. The President need not "swear," but can merely "affirm" his willingness to carry out his duties, as at least one president has done. There is no mention of any god in the oath.

Clearly, the public prayer is traditional, which means it falls into the category of "ceremonial religiousness." So long as the ceremony has little to no actual religious content, it is considered not to violate the separation of church and state.

Still, there are Christians who attach great symbolic importance to such public prayers. Presumably, they hope that a public prayer, which merely expresses what a person SAYS, will stimulate religious thoughts and feelings leading to prayer by individuals.

One rather wonders what discussions Obama has had with Warren over the content of the prayer. How important does Obama consider the prayer?

While I agree that this man, Warren does not need the attention and that there are better examples of Christ out in the world. Men who truly praise God and live by his values and standards; which include no sexual immorality, and prejiduce against your brother and sister. Keep in mind this is not what Obam is doing. He is not trying to divide us or state that anyone should be treated less than others because of their moral behavior.
God--Himself states that immoral behavior such as that by homosexuals is wrong! You cannot continue in this path and expect God to honor this. After all! It is God who decides where you go, not men. And having said this; I'll pray you abondone this behavior, which has nothing to do with Mr. Warren or President Obama.

Prejudice is not a behavior co-authored by the physical and spiritual beings but a distasteful act of the heart. However; prejudice implies a behavior toward a brother of color; or a sister of varying character stature, not having to do with the immoral choices some people make to indulge in sexual perversion to fulfill their evil desires.

I ask that President Obama ask God for a dose of mercy on us all for our sins. Yes! For the times when I disliked people of color, for the times when I wanted to indulge in sexual thoughts not approved by our Lord, Jesus Christ. I pray also; for God to have mercy on those continuing with their sexual preferences because someone along the way broke their heart and someone with perverse motives came along and assisted them through this painful time and thus persuaded them to now behave as they do. Yes! I pray for mercy for those that have been misled and for punishment upon those who have mislead and taken advantage of those who were already weak.

My God Bless You All!
Gonzarelli