Obama takes on Evangelical leader on AIDS

[Perky]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/D/DEMOCRATS_OBAMA?SITE=CATOR&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-11-29-21-02-49

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Famed pastor and best-selling author Rick Warren on Wednesday defended his invitation to Sen. Barack Obama to speak at his church despite objections from some evangelicals who oppose the Democrat's support for abortion rights.


snip

Conservative evangelical Rob Schenck, president of the National Clergy Council, e-mailed reporters Tuesday to protest the visit because of Obama's support of abortion rights. "Senator Obama's policies represent the antithesis of biblical ethics and morality, not to mention supreme American values," Schenck wrote.

Saddleback responded with a statement acknowledging "strong opposition" to Obama's participation. The church said participants were invited because of their knowledge of HIV/AIDS and that Warren, author of "The Purpose Driven Life," opposes Obama's position on abortion and other issues. "Our goal has been to put people together who normally won't even speak to each other," the Saddleback statement said. "We do not expect all participants in the summit discussion to agree with all of our evangelical beliefs. However, the HIV/AIDS pandemic cannot be fought by evangelicals alone. It will take the cooperation of all - government, business, NGOs (nongovernmental organizations) and the church."

Obama declined an interview request. But in a statement, he said while he respects differing views on abortion, he hopes for unity "to honor the entirety of Christ's teachings by working to eradicate the scourge of AIDS, poverty and other challenges we all can agree must be met. "It is that spirit which has allowed me to work together - and pray together - with some of my conservative colleagues in the Senate to make progress on a range of key issues facing America," Obama said.

[luckyleftyme2]

1. 0BMAMA

IT'S LIKE PUTTING A PROMISING PRIZE FIGHTER IN THE RING BEFORE HE'S HONED ALL HIS SKILLS AND REACHED HIS MAXIUM GAME.
I HOPE HE DOESN'T LOSE HIS CAREER BECAUSE THEY ARE SENDING HIM IN TO EARLY. HE SHOWS A LOT OF PROMISE,BUT I DON'T THINK HE'S SEASONED ENOUGH.

[Perky]

2. I understand, but the counterpunch is pretty effective

He may not be seasoned enough, but he also is not had the time to become jaded either.

[TlalocW]

3. I want Joe Frasier! I WANT Joe Frasier!

Sorry. All the boxing metaphors got to me.

TlalocW

[Perky]

4. Ali Ali Ali Ali

Somehow this post has not gone the way I anticipated...LOL

[qanda]

6. Why do you need to shout?

Obama will be fine. Whatever he decides to do, he will be fine. People crack me up trying to say the Obama isn't ready yet. Well, will you guys please let him know when he's ready? I'm sure he'll appreciate it.

[Toots]

5. They are scared to death Obama will invoke Christ to which they have no answer

Evangelicals are about as far from the teachings of Christ as night is from day...

[ripple]

7. Good for him

Obama is very smart to use christian principles to call these people out on their hypocrisy. Instead of ignoring them, make them put their money where there mouths are. There's a lemon/lemonade analogy in there somewhere, I think.