Politics 2008:The Caucuses and The Dem/Rep Conventions

[nittanyalum]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

The Ronald Reagan seance comment was stupid. I cringed. Obama called Nancy Reagan to apologize. I think the conservatives have had enough of nitpicking so aside from some remarks about it they will let it slide.

Well, maybe all except my father -- he shot out an email about this to the family last night. I figured as a life-long conservative and straight Republican voter no matter the candidate or the issues over the years, he'd be disappointed in the election result. Turns out the man is flat-out PISSED. Woops.

Originally Posted by deepimpact2

Now Bily Graham has come out and stated that he will no longer mentor presidents. How convenient that this occurs when the first Black president is elected. I know that Billy Graham is old, but in the article it clearly stated that he would continue working with his ministry and that he is writing a book. Not only that, but Graham met with McCain, but when Obama wanted to meet with him he was "too ill." At any rate, Obama is probably better off without Billy Graham as his mentor.

Interestingly enough, I just heard Graham's 2 grandsons on NPR this morning, they've just released a book about Graham's ministry. You can listen to the interview here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...oryId=96778336

During the interview, his grandsons describe him as a "50-year-old in a 90-year-old's body". He's apparently sharp as a tack, but his body is failing. This article gives insight into just how unwell he's been/is (and that he does very much want to meet and pray with Obama): http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h...RFsIAD94ALAGO0

Graham is known for breaking down racial barriers and refusing to preach to segregated crowds in the south starting back in the 50s: http://www.vop.com/previous_broadcas...jan/99034.html

He's also a registered Democrat, though he's ministered Republican Presidents as well as Democrats. I have no doubt that Billy Graham is celebrating the election of the nation's first African American President with most of the rest of the country and would have been on a plane to see him if it were physically possible for him.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by nittanyalum

Well, maybe all except my father -- he shot out an email about this to the family last night. I figured as a life-long conservative and straight Republican voter no matter the candidate or the issues over the years, he'd be disappointed in the election result. Turns out the man is flat-out PISSED. Woops.

I'm sure Obama will be as imperfect as every other president and will give your father plenty of material over the years. You may want to consider a "block sender" to spare yourself.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by nittanyalum

Interestingly enough, I just heard Graham's 2 grandsons on NPR this morning, they've just released a book about Graham's ministry. You can listen to the interview here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...oryId=96778336

During the interview, his grandsons describe him as a "50-year-old in a 90-year-old's body". He's apparently sharp as a tack, but his body is failing. This article gives insight into just how unwell he's been/is (and that he does very much want to meet and pray with Obama): http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h...RFsIAD94ALAGO0

Graham is known for breaking down racial barriers and refusing to preach to segregated crowds in the south starting back in the 50s: http://www.vop.com/previous_broadcas...jan/99034.html

He's also a registered Democrat, though he's ministered Republican Presidents as well as Democrats. I have no doubt that Billy Graham is celebrating the election of the nation's first African American President with most of the rest of the country and would have been on a plane to see him if it were physically possible for him.

I won't be surprised if Grahams' sons assume the role of spiritual mentor to the presidents, including Obama.

[deepimpact2]

Originally Posted by nittanyalum

Interestingly enough, I just heard Graham's 2 grandsons on NPR this morning, they've just released a book about Graham's ministry. You can listen to the interview here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...oryId=96778336

During the interview, his grandsons describe him as a "50-year-old in a 90-year-old's body". He's apparently sharp as a tack, but his body is failing. This article gives insight into just how unwell he's been/is (and that he does very much want to meet and pray with Obama): http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h...RFsIAD94ALAGO0

Graham is known for breaking down racial barriers and refusing to preach to segregated crowds in the south starting back in the 50s: http://www.vop.com/previous_broadcas...jan/99034.html

He's also a registered Democrat, though he's ministered Republican Presidents as well as Democrats. I have no doubt that Billy Graham is celebrating the election of the nation's first African American President with most of the rest of the country and would have been on a plane to see him if it were physically possible for him.

I tire rather quickly of people spouting off info about Graham's history concerning civil rights. All of that is pretty much negated by the fact that, as I mentioned previously, he was willing to maintain membership in a country club that prided itself on segregation. Rather hypocritical of someone to refuse to preach to a segregated crowd, but go play tennis on a segregated court.

I just can't muster up the same warm, fuzzy feelings that so many others seem to have for him. I don't think people really see him for who he is. Just because he's a minister means nothing. There are many ministers that preach fiery sermons, leave the pulpit, and go put on a hood and a robe. And there were many ministers who were active in civil rights issues, but still didn't believe that we were equal to them...let alone that one of us should be president.


And I'm well aware that he's a Democrat. That really has nothing to do with anything.

As for him wanting to pray with Obama...he had his chance. He chose not to when Obama asked to meet with him. Obama shouldn't even bother with it at this point. I think it may be a blessing in disguise that this is happening, but I just don't like the reasoning behind it.