Obama meets with religious leaders

Posted: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:17 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC/NJ's Athena Jones
CHICAGO -- Obama will hold a private meeting this afternoon with religious leaders.

VIDEO: A Race for the White House panel discusses Sen. Barack Obama's split from the Trinity Church. Should he have done this earlier, or has the damage been done?

A spokesperson said the meeting of some 30 people will include leaders from several denominations including Evangelical, Catholic and Protestant members of the faith community. Among those taking part are Bishop Phillip Cousin, the Rev. Stephen Thurston and Dr. T. Dewitt Smith.

"Reaching out to the faith community is a priority for Barack Obama and will be a priority under an Obama Administration. This is one of several meetings he will have over the coming months with religious leaders," Jen Psaki told reporters on the campaign plane.

"He's done it before. He'll do it again. Some of those in attendance are supporters," Psaki said. "It's a combination of people who are from Chicago and from outside Chicago."

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Comments

I love Barack Obama!

OBAMA '08 & '12

ObamaMama - Glenwood, IL (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:24 PM)

This will be interesting... I think religious issues are Obama's weak point, right?

Could there be outreach to the evangelical vote in the works?

http://midwestmoms.blogspot.com

Midwest Mom, Illiana (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:26 PM)

Great, Chicago pastors! Haven't seen enough of them this campaign. Good idea Obama, bring them back into the news.

Not God Bless America, G-D America (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:27 PM)

I am sure FOX News will ask why not Rev. Wright you know Obama set in his church for 20 years!

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:27 PM)

These people will all know a devout and inspirational Christian and the next leader for the US; once thy see and hear him.

Change is a fresh, new, face, for America, Barack Obama.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:29 PM)

Obama wants to dialogue with them.

McCain licked their hands.

donna (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:30 PM)

McCain graduated near the bottom of his Naval Academy. Now people want him to lead America? Does that make sense?

Josh (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:30 PM)

Good for Sen. Obama he's made it clear that he's a Christian and being a Christian you include everyone and are always proud of your faith.

When God is removed from the equasion you get the Chaos we have now.

gg, fl (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:34 PM)

Given his excellent judgement in regards to religious "leaders", this meeting just might turn out to be a "who's who" of racist, radical, **ed-up, whack-jobs!

Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:36 PM)

Excellent and worth the effort for Senator Obama to engage these individuals. He uses his time wisely!

I want to tell Todd--the comment about the republicans not raising taxes but borrowing money for a huge deficit is "right on". Good observation--let's expand on this issue and share.

Obama 08

Obama for true fiscal responsibility (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:36 PM)

John McCain's Greatest Hits w/ Video
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/6/10/14255/2989/509/533434

Banko (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:36 PM)

Oh geeze, many are from Chicago?!? Make sure to ban video and audio tapes from being made! A few of them will be ranting about how racist something or other is!

FE Lauder (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:36 PM)

Obama for true fiscal responsibility (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:36 PM)

hmmmmmmm .... 'religious' or Christian leaders. Where are leaders from the Jewish faith ...

LSC - Montana (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:38 PM)

I'm sure they will tell him how their food banks are running out of supplies. But then Obama, unlike McCain, Bush and Cheney, will already know that because he has rubbed shoulders with the working poor his whole life. Imagine having a President who is in touch with the real world!

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:38 PM)

Obama is on the right path! The key is get the religious people on your side!

Faith and politics goes hand in hand!!!

** For discounts on Barack Obama products $8.99 & Up. Use this coupon at this Obama Store http://www.MyObamaStore.com
Coupon - Obama-X2Y9-10 (10% OFF)

Obama For President!! (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:39 PM)

While he's at it, maybe Obama can interview them. Him, Michelle and the kids need a new church to attend.

Kim M--AZ (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:39 PM)

See, there is a difference between Republican and Democratic religion. Republican religion focuses on actual religion, and how the bible relates to ones spirtual life. Democrats use religion to get out a political message and to tell people what time the buses leave the church to go to the polls. Handy 3x5 cards are provided to tell each member how to vote.

Chicago Hustle (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:40 PM)

These people will all know a devout and inspirational Christian and the next leader for the US; once thy see and hear him.

Change is a fresh, new, face, for America, Barack Obama.
************
I'm sorry, Beverly, but your "fresh, new face for America" comment makes me want to puke. There's nothing fresh or new about a Chicago politician! Obama's just snuck a lot of it by for a while. Besides that, he is a hypocrite and deceptive; that's NOT a good Christian.

But, I do want to know the seating arrangements. Where will Wright, Pfleger and Meeks sit--front row and center or on the stage next to their long-time good friend Barry Obama.

NObama (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:40 PM)

I for one welcome a continuation of the Bush legacy. It’s NOT the economy, stupid! It’s about saving the world from the false teachings of Islam. Are you really willing to sell out the future of your children’s children for a better job, yet another electronic gadget, or a few cents saving at the pump? I don’t think Americans are that shallow and we never shirk from duty. Here our obligation is clear; to rid the world of evil. If not us, then who? McCain in ‘08!

C Plumber (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:42 PM)

Good show! Whose idea is this? Barack's? NOT...

Joe Vidden (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:43 PM)

Did he meet with any Wicken High Priestesses? Don't they count too?

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:45 PM)

Tremendous idea. Smart people at work in the Obama campaign. Must feel like a noose for McCain. The McCain campaign is consantly on defense.

Elmer, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:46 PM)

I can't stand the PURE B.S. that is Barack Hussein Obama. But I can understand how those who can't think straight can let him lead them around.

Full Moon (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:49 PM)

Finally religion will not dictate our politics in this race... http://www.enewsreference.com

eNews Reference (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:49 PM)

"See, there is a difference between Republican and Democratic religion. Republican religion focuses on actual religion, and how the bible relates to ones spirtual life."

Chicago Hustle

*****

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

DV, CA (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:51 PM)

Given his excellent judgement in regards to religious "leaders", this meeting just might turn out to be a "who's who" of racist, radical, **ed-up, whack-jobs!
Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:36 PM)

Hey Bobbi, you always have some B.S. to spout whenever you take part in these posts. I for one will constantly remind you of what you have written here, once B.O. is sworn in as OUR President. If you really think McBush is the answer, please tell us why! And remember Mr. Keating 5 has decided to bring back the gas tax holiday for those of you who are looking to save $30 bucks this summer!!

StrongArm, Portland, Oregon (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:52 PM)

To LSC Montana,

If you read correctly it says "A spokesperson said the meeting of some 30 people will include leaders from several denominations including Evangelical, Catholic and Protestant members of the faith community," notice where it says including. That means that there are more than what is listed.

Domenico obviously just noted these. Religous leaders would include Jewish and Muslim, yes MUSLIM leaders as well. After all, this country does allow ALL faiths to be practiced, including those which most people might not agree with.

Paul, Riverside, CA (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:52 PM)

Pat, it's Wiccan.

DV, CA (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:53 PM)

Will Obama meet with the Quakers?

ObamaBoy (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:53 PM)

To Full Moon:

Just like you let George W. Bush lead you? You should really petition your state for better funding for schools in your area. Would'nt want more children growing up as narrow-minded as yourself.

Paul, Riverside, CA (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:54 PM)

Not God Bless get over it, you have to know that episode for what it is, if not you are one of the people who want to perpetuate the story. This is a GOP Rovian tactic and I think people are smarter this time around.

JeanWNY (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:55 PM)

Whatever happened to Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton's tour of the Southern Baptist? Weren't they suppose to try and get them on the "Wright track"? Throw down that old book of inconvenient rules and pick up the old book of Marx.

Dave, Tn (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:56 PM)

He has the right to calm the fears of those who were misled to think he's a muslim extremist. For the rest of them, they just needed a reason to hate him no matter what he says or stands for, go figure.

Jing li (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:56 PM)

Bobbi from Eau Clair,

You've become a daily joke in our office. Not because you're voting for anyone different than most of us are, but because we bet on which brick wall you'll be banging your head against each day by noon our time. The loser has to make the lunch run for all of us.

Cheers to you for being so much fun!

Janie, cube 35, Denver (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:57 PM)

DV frm CA makes the great insight:

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

-----------

Gagging on something there DV? Perhaps Mike Huckabee is around to help you out?

C. Beets (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:59 PM)

TO NOBAMA

Your posts have become overworked clichés. Try presenting some facts and ideas worthy of debating. We await some decent commentary from you that are factual. If you come with fiction we will rip them asunder. If all you have is fear tactics you need to crawl back under the rock you have been hiding for the past weeks. YES WE CAN!!!!!!!!

spicegirl Md (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 3:00 PM)

Umm, quick little question. When was the last time McCain went to church? Does he go often?

If the media's going to make the candiates pass a religious test, even though its forbidden by the Constitution, they'd better do it right. So I ask you, when's the last time McCain went to church?

Tim, Reading, PA (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 3:01 PM)

It's funny, I've almost developed an internal filter of anyone who says "Barack Hussein Obama" is automatically someone I'll ignore for the fact that no matter what the man does, or how he refutes "radical" clergy will never give the man a chance.

With that being said, I believe this is a good move if it isn't blatant pandering. Get all points of view involved, what a crazy thought?!? I believe it is something McCain will eventually do as well. Kudos for the outreach.

I do have to mention one more thing about "Chicago" pastors as if all Chicago pastors are crazy. Love those crass generalizations!

Andre, Chicago (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 3:01 PM)

How many suicide bombing muslim ones are there is what I wonder? America is trying to stay free and bring civilisation to a country in the middle east and all we hear is Obama the liberal is the best the news people have ever seen. Vote for a real navy hero and pilot John McCain and hopefully Huckabee for morality and conservation.

dusual tx (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 3:02 PM)

Whatever happened to Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton's tour of the Southern Baptist?
\\\\\\\\\\\\

Oh, please, please, please have Jimmy and Bill campaign for Obama!! And in the south, gosh, there's not enough red ink to paint all those states, Republicans will have to pick a different color scheme. Obama would get vote totals like around '2' in some counties.

Ricky Bobbie (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 3:02 PM)

Obama is certainly using his time wisely; ie. vetting his VP listing, bringing together the religious leaders, not accepting PAC money within the Dem Party, going into severaly States to let people know where he stands, etc. a whole host of things. I'm impressed. It's only been a week since he's become the nominee and he's achieved so much already.

That's what I'm talking about BARACK!!! This is LEADERSHIP I can definitely LIVE WITH!!!!

Dawn (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 3:02 PM)

Everyone has faith. Mostly in themselves until something really bad happens.

Religious fanatics are practicing agnostics.

Your life is your witness, everything else is just smoke and mirrors.

Cut the crap and save everybody else the trouble.

Obama walks the walk.

Mark Thieme (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 3:03 PM)

Right on Paul
and pat you seem to re lapsing to your old self.
a good leader lisen to those who lead other people
Churches ect. see the hurt everyday people face

joe Oklahoma City, Ok (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 3:03 PM)

Faith and politics goes hand in hand!!!
**************
NOT ACCORDING TO THE CONSTITUTION~

NObama (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 3:03 PM)

"Given his excellent judgement in regards to religious "leaders", this meeting just might turn out to be a "who's who" of racist, radical, **ed-up, whack-jobs!
Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:36 PM)"

Why, will John Hagee, Jerry Falwell, and Rod Parsley be there? Or will they all be busy meeting with John McCain?

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 3:04 PM)

Got to love what Obama is doing. He is not going to concede any votes to J. McCain or the Republican.

Marcel, Las Vegas. NV (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 3:05 PM)

This is good news for Barack. He has been looking for a new church, and this will give him a chance to interview some possibilities.

Question 1: "Do you rant, rave, or insult entire races during any of your sermons, and if so, which ones?"

Steel Munson (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 3:06 PM)

Did he meet with any Wicken High Priestesses? Don't they count too?
Pat Huntington NY (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 2:45 PM)

-----------
ROFL! Your post was the best. I always look to see if you posted, because I love your posts.

James, VT (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 3:06 PM)

Did he meet with any Wicken High Priestesses? Don't they count too?
***********
Pat, we mustn't forget the Satanic, Vampire and Voodoo cults. Ooops, forgot the spiritualists. They have their religion and Obambi has to think about their needs too. Maybe he could get the price of blood knocked down for the vamps. Anything anybody else wants he'll untax or lower the price or give it to you!

NObama (Sent Tuesday, June 10, 2008 3:08 PM)

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