Rick Warren: Palin called me for guidance to deal with “the unfair, unjust attacks and the mean-spirited criticism”
posted at 2:00 pm on September 11, 2008 by Allahpundit
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I’m not sure whether to take this purely at face value or to admire it as a brilliant political calculation as well. There’s no doubt, given her background, that her faith’s helping her through this; I just wonder why she’s calling Rick Warren instead of her own pastor.
Whatever “cone of silence” she might momentarily be in, she’s obviously hearing Kos, Sullivan, and the Trig Truthers loud and clear.
On a Los Angeles radio show, co-host Kathryn Milofsky asked Warren what one question he would direct at Palin if he was able to have her sit down for a forum like the one he hosted last month with John McCain and Barack Obama at his Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California.
“Well actually she called me yesterday,” Warren said. “The question I asked her was ‘how can I pray for you?’”
Warren said that Palin then “asked me to send her some bible verses on how do you deal with the unfair, unjust attacks and the mean-spirited criticism that comes in.”
[T]he root of the left’s dread of this happily married mother of five seems to be that she actually believes in God: How could anyone be that stupid?
Such a woman wouldn’t fit in Washington (nor would a man of equal faith). In the DC area (where I live), plenty of government-affiliated men and women regularly attend a church or synagogue. But their appearances are perfunctory and well-mannered. Passionate faith is regarded as an embarrassment…
Humans fear what they can’t understand, and our comfortable ruling class just can’t comprehend the power and the glory, the beauty and the ecstasy, the awe and commitment experienced by those who believe in a divine power. To paraphrase the late Leona Helmsley, “Faith is for the little people.”
Exit question: Is that why Republican embarrassment turned independent Obama supporter Linc Chafee’s calling her a “cocky wacko”?
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My father is a pastor. No way Warren would betray a confidence like this.
stenwin77 on September 11, 2008 at 2:01 PM
OK, you got me. I am one of the little people.
NoFanofLibs on September 11, 2008 at 2:01 PM
She’s getting criticized on lefty blogs for this – they see it as a sign of her “weakness”.
This is just another way that many women, particularly those of us who are Christians, will identify with her…though I would have preferred that Warren respect the Governor’s confidence.
capitalist piglet on September 11, 2008 at 2:02 PM
I love you Sarah, and you have sooooo many people praying for you for strenght and guidance you can’t even begin to imagine
Mercy4Me on September 11, 2008 at 2:03 PM
Meawhile the attacks have backfire. McCain is up by 4 today in Gallup
William Amos on September 11, 2008 at 2:04 PM
As opposed to worshiping the Obamessiah? Or the State? Or their own craven lust for power?
God will deal with them in His time.
Flyover Country on September 11, 2008 at 2:04 PM
Wow–thank you, AP, for giving credit where credit is due.
eea on September 11, 2008 at 2:04 PM
If this is true, then it’s a terrible betrayal on the part of Warren. I’m not his biggest fan, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt that he didn’t say this until I see proof that he actually did.
I certainly hope this report isn’t true.
labwriter on September 11, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Warren didn’t give specifics of the discussion. He is more media celeb than pastor. Think about that movie Contact. That’s about who he is.
I have no doubt Palin may have called him.
Nor do I care.
JP1986UM on September 11, 2008 at 2:05 PM
It does seem a little odd.
DrSteve on September 11, 2008 at 2:05 PM
I don’t think this makes any sense. I smell BS in the air.
upinak on September 11, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Many Presidents have turned to America’s preacher–Billy Graham–for counsel.
eea on September 11, 2008 at 2:06 PM
I’m really wondering why Obama gets away with being a Christian, and making that part of his campaign, but her Christianity is “scary” to the same people who accept Obama’s.
Nevermind. Rhetorical.
capitalist piglet on September 11, 2008 at 2:07 PM
How many atheists have come out so far saying she’s stupid? At least two I can think of off hand, but surely that’s where some of the stuff like “cocky wacko” is coming from as well.
Not trying to claim she’s a victim, but she is taking flak for her beliefs.
John on September 11, 2008 at 2:07 PM
As one of the little people, I have to ask…
Does that means that Leona Helmsley now realizes that she was one of the ‘little people’ who screwed up?
Anybody know?
Marine_Bio on September 11, 2008 at 2:08 PM
Lincoln Chafee is an embarrassment to his first name.
eea on September 11, 2008 at 2:08 PM
Rick Warren’s writings make him a likely source of information and guidance for someone going through what Sarah Palin is experiencing right now.
AubieJon on September 11, 2008 at 2:08 PM
Ugh, I really don’t like Rick Warren. He should have kept the conversation to himself… it’s not like he didn’t hold a presidential forum or anything. He’s betraying a lot of trust on both sides of the aisle…
ninjapirate on September 11, 2008 at 2:09 PM
Way to go, Sarah! Wow, it just keeps getting better and better. Please oh please oh please, national media, breathlessly report this. It will only endear Americans towards Sarah Palin even more. Imagine, a human being seeking spiritual guidance from a respected man of faith…
Matticus Finch on September 11, 2008 at 2:09 PM
They may have had Palin call him to establish some connection, then he may have asked her how he could help, etc.
Going to Rick Warren is no asset in my book.
He is a publicity hound in a pulpit.
The fact that as a “pastor” he spoke of this on the air shows he is more interested in being “in” then a pastor…pathetic.
right2bright on September 11, 2008 at 2:09 PM
I sure don’t blame her if she is talking to Mr
Warren. The attacks she has to weather are so
despicable and vile. It really does bring to the
forefront what Christians have to go through everyday
all over the world. As long as she continues to
remember that God is with her at all times then she
will be fine.
And Sarah, we the people are with you also, put the
evil of the left behind you and continue your work.
Duane1947 on September 11, 2008 at 2:09 PM
Unfortunately, I fear that the term Christianity is applied to things that are not authentic.
Hmmm…there’s that authenticity thing again..
Marine_Bio on September 11, 2008 at 2:10 PM
And Warren again tries to be the new Falwell
danarchy on September 11, 2008 at 2:10 PM
If this did happen, Warren should been silent. It makes sense to me that she would have called her own pastor first.
INC on September 11, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Exception to the rule: Community Organizers.
TheHat on September 11, 2008 at 2:10 PM
I’m with Steinwin77 on this one. A pastor of any stripe wouldn’t betray a confidence of this sort.
Mr. D on September 11, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Not saying I believe she called him, but he would be a good source of guidance.
AubieJon on September 11, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Because to the left, as long as you embrace leftist dogma, it doesn’t matter what religion you claim to have.
BO: “I’m proud to say that my religion has absolutely no impact on my life.”
eea on September 11, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Isn’t her own pastor of questionable sound mind? Rick Warren also has a much bigger audience.
MB4 on September 11, 2008 at 2:11 PM
My problem with Rick Warren is that this guy is coming across to me as someone who is starting to enjoy his sudden fame just a little too much. If he were just a writer or something, I would have no problem with it. But he is a pastor and he should be watching what he says and does here.
If he wants an example of what happens when you try to mix religion and politics, especially in the context of this election, he may want to look under B.O.’s bus and have a chit-chat with the Very Wrongly Righteous Rev. Wright.
Last I checked, he’s still under there.
pilamaye on September 11, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Isn’t it strange that everyone sees the obvious hatred coming from liberals and liberals have to “explain” why things the conservatives say is evil, or even coded?
Rogue Traveler on September 11, 2008 at 2:11 PM
How can people who believe fire cannot melt steel think belief in a higher power is stupid?
Elizabetty on September 11, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Unless she gave him permission to talk about it.
Romeo13 on September 11, 2008 at 2:11 PM
More lefty logic:
Calling nationally acknowledged pastor/ author for advice= bad
Ranting about made up injustices (funny name, dollar bills, racism, patriotism, etc.) calling your opponents liars, legal injunctions against “inconvenient” ads, organized protests of radio stations instead of appearing to debate the issue, etc.= noble and admirable
___________________________________________
Yeah… at big WTF? What is Warren’s deal with this? This is not something a pastor talks about on a radio show.
Damiano on September 11, 2008 at 2:11 PM
I think Pastor Warren is a bit of a grandstander. Like Chuck Schumer, he can’t manage to avoid an opportunity to avoid the media spotlight.
HawaiiLwyr on September 11, 2008 at 2:11 PM
so much for taking a pastor into your confidence…warren should be ashamed of himself, but he’s not..he’s a shameless self-promoter.
right4life on September 11, 2008 at 2:12 PM
And he never went on the air to pronounce it…a shame to compare Rick Warren with Billy Graham, in fact it is embarrassing to place them in the same sentence.
right2bright on September 11, 2008 at 2:12 PM
I don’t know about his betraying a confidence. I would
be will to bet that he had her permission to say this. THe cynical part of me, would say she might have even mentioned it first to him knowing he would be on the air today.
Duane1947 on September 11, 2008 at 2:12 PM
Trust me on this one: Sarah Palin and her family are now in the prayers of millions of Christians in this nation right now.
Having said that… C’mon, Warren! Why did you have to tell people she spoke to you? Can’t she have a little confidential treatment here?
newton on September 11, 2008 at 2:12 PM
On a side note… what’s the over/under on Obama dumping Biden for Hillary Clinton? My guess is 36 hours… and I’ll take the under.
miles on September 11, 2008 at 2:13 PM
I don’t care much for Warren, though I’ll concede that he hosted an event that made Obama look terrible. That said, I’m troubled that he’d blab this. Way to keep Palin’s confidence, Pastor Rick.
Even so, there may be 30% of the country ready to ream her for this, but Democrats are playing with fire. Making fun of someone for seeking spirtual counsel when in a firestorm of falsehoods?
Exit question: What was one of Clinton’s first actions after the truth about Lewinsky and him was revealed? Public prayer breakfast with clergy from all over the country. Where are the pictures of Clinton and Jeremiah Wright?
BuckeyeSam on September 11, 2008 at 2:13 PM
Lots of Christians spent the heat of summer looking at the two candidates and not liking what was seen in them. There has been a lot of prayer regarding this, and the all of a sudden – Palin! Warren should have kept zipped about it, but anyway, our newfound confidence in McCain/Palin is bolstered by this, not diminished.
It’s not like we were going to gather a lot of the humanist-academic-religion-is-a-crutch votes anyway.
innominatus on September 11, 2008 at 2:14 PM
It’s not from the bible, but Roddy Piper has some advice.
“I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass, and I’m all outta bubblegum.”
V15J on September 11, 2008 at 2:14 PM
Concur with the general sentiment that Warren is not exactly the same kind of spiritual leader as Billy Graham, however, HE IS NOT ANYTHING LIKE WRIGHT.
Marine_Bio on September 11, 2008 at 2:15 PM
Valuing faith, prayer and Christian guidance, though… is not weakness.
At least, she knows that He Who Must Not Be Named By the Left will listen to her concerns.
newton on September 11, 2008 at 2:15 PM
I would not be too troubled about attacks on her faith. When they are attacking her faith, they are really attacking Who she believes in.
He told more than one prophet in the Old Testament to not worry about it – that He would take care of it.
I don’t think her critics even begin to realize just Who they are messing with.
kybowexar on September 11, 2008 at 2:15 PM
As an agnostic, I have always wanted to believe in God, and actually envy the strength that belief in a good and loving God gives to those of faith. I am probably one of the few without faith that feel this way- as you pointed out, it is difficult for atheists and agnostics to understand it.
But one thing is true: faith in God, and trusting in God is what made our country great. Most of the founding fathers professed their faith in more than words, but with deeds and actions that demonstrated genuinely inspired courage and strength.
Oh, to have that.
lionheart on September 11, 2008 at 2:16 PM
I think she would turn him down if he asked. She wants to be POTUS and if Obama wins she loses her chance. If he loses, she will be the “I told you so”candidate in 4 years. If he wins, she will not be able to run against him in 4 years.
She is 60 and will probably not be able to run at age 68.
Elizabetty on September 11, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Wasn’t Roddy Piper the goofy wrestler who wore a kilt? If so why quote him?
Marine_Bio on September 11, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Good for Sarah.
I don’t like that Rick Warren talked about this, but then again, maybe he felt it would help. Maybe he thought it would STOP some of the crappy attacks on her.
bridgetown on September 11, 2008 at 2:16 PM
I’d say if she can’t stand the heat, she should get out of the kitchen, but that may be sexist, I guess.
Warren should never have said this.
jim m on September 11, 2008 at 2:17 PM
Because Old women can’t do what old men do?
LOL
What kind of comment is this?
bridgetown on September 11, 2008 at 2:17 PM
Look at the update to that post. Warren called her, and she called him back.
In other words, she did not seek his guidance, but when they were chatting and he asked how he could help her, she didn’t rebuff him; she said that some Bible verses would be nice.
sandberg on September 11, 2008 at 2:18 PM
What??
Where do you get this garbage? Do you just think this stuff up,or are you still reading Media Matters and Huffpo and accepting them as gospel?
Where is Larry Kroon of not sound mind?
Link please…
right2bright on September 11, 2008 at 2:18 PM
jim m on September 11, 2008 at 2:17 PM
Yeah, because no leader of the free world has ever needed guidance.
jeeez
bridgetown on September 11, 2008 at 2:19 PM
Pretty shrewd move on his part. Even if she didn’t call him, he knows she and McCain can’t afford to get into a public battle with him on it. So, he reaps the harvest spotlight.
a capella on September 11, 2008 at 2:19 PM
That makes sense, he had to be “in”, so he contacted her.
right2bright on September 11, 2008 at 2:19 PM
miles….on your side note…. just saw on Drudge that Biden says that BO should have picked Hitlery.
Duane1947 on September 11, 2008 at 2:20 PM
never forget what he says…
“clinging to guns and god”
“above my paygrade”
wildweasel on September 11, 2008 at 2:20 PM
Maybe Rick Warren means well.
Or that’s just not possible to you people?
sheesh
bridgetown on September 11, 2008 at 2:20 PM
Peters has nailed something here.
Rep. Pelosi and Sen. Biden claim to be Catholic, but their statements are belied by their positions…and actions…regarding abortion. They claim to be of the Catholic faith, but they demonstrate a phenomena I call “faith without belief”.
Blaise on September 11, 2008 at 2:20 PM
In what context do you make this statement…that she asked a pastor for guidance?
Is this like the day for loons to post??
right2bright on September 11, 2008 at 2:20 PM
This was all about Rick Warren from the start — the Saddleback forum was just a vehicle for him to promote himself and this is no different.
His book was a joke, too.
BigD on September 11, 2008 at 2:21 PM
Ah, so he misrepresented the circumstances to build himself up.
a capella on September 11, 2008 at 2:21 PM
I have complete confidence she can “stand the heat”. This is just one of the ways she does it, like many of us would.
I’m sure if Obama asked a pastor for advice on how to deal with smears and attacks, it would be seen as just more evidence of what a thoughtful, spiritual guy he really is.
capitalist piglet on September 11, 2008 at 2:21 PM
He may think he means well, but why insert himself into politics. Doesn’t he have a church to run?
right2bright on September 11, 2008 at 2:21 PM
I can’t take it.
I gotta leave here.
Too much hate.
Might as well go spend my time at huffpo.
bridgetown on September 11, 2008 at 2:22 PM
True, particularly when you add Israel into the picture. I have little doubt that as a true believer she holds true to the validity of the covenent between God and Israel.
Those who curse Israel do so at their own peril.
Marine_Bio on September 11, 2008 at 2:22 PM
Thanks. Now everything adds up. Everyone is behaving as expected.
JiangxiDad on September 11, 2008 at 2:22 PM
From the same source.
“UPDATE: Palin’s camp calls to say that the Alaska Gov. was returning Warren’s call. According a Palin spokeswoman, Warren called her on Saturday September 6 and she returned his call on Monday September 8. The Monday phone call is when the above conversation described by Warren took place.”
Makes sense.
connertown on September 11, 2008 at 2:22 PM
right2bright on September 11, 2008 at 2:21 PM
I can’t and won’t claim to know his reasons, or the great spirit’s plans for him.
And to speculate on it is worthless. Totally worthless and empty.
bridgetown on September 11, 2008 at 2:23 PM
Why would Warren publicize this? To capitalize on Palinmania? I don’t like the idea of a pastor talking about prayer requests (assuming it happened).
Spirit of 1776 on September 11, 2008 at 2:24 PM
I thought of this after commenting earlier. Only after the hard left trashes Palin for this and there’s a torrent of backlash so great that the media and the left are right back in the doghouse, lefty bloggers will conclude that the whole thing was a ploy staged by–who else–Karl Rove!
BuckeyeSam on September 11, 2008 at 2:25 PM
Maybe you might try doing a little research of your own before sounding off hysterically.
Palin’s pastor, Larry Kroon, invited the founder of Jews for Jesus, David Brickner, to speak at her church on August 17th, Politico’s Ben Smith reported. According to its mission statement, Jews for Jesus is an organization that tries: “to make the messiahship of Jesus an unavoidable issue to our Jewish people worldwide.”
Palin and her family were present in the church for Brickner’s sermon, the full text of which can be found here. In the sermon, he made a number of inflammatory claims, most particularly about terrorist attacks in Israel. “Judgment is very real and we see it played out on the pages of the newspapers and on the television. It’s very real,” he opined. Speaking of his son, who had recently been in Jerusalem, he said: “When Isaac was in Jerusalem he was there to witness some of that judgment, some of that conflict, when a Palestinian from East Jerusalem took a bulldozer and went plowing through a score of cars, killing numbers of people. Judgment — you can’t miss it.”
- Salon
David Brickner is clearly an anti-Semetic loon and Sarah Palin’s pastor, Larry Kroon, brought him in to speak to his congregation. I think that it is more than fair to question the soundness of mind of someone who would do that.
MB4 on September 11, 2008 at 2:25 PM
Didn’t Slick Willy seek the guidance of The Reverend Jesse Jackson when he did not have sex with that woman ???
redrock on September 11, 2008 at 2:25 PM
Look at the hard left drivel on the UCC web site at http://www.ucc.org . The book titles include some scary hard left stuff.
Obama’s church of 20 years was too hard left for the UCC.
Right_of_Attila on September 11, 2008 at 2:25 PM
yeah he’s just like jesse jackson in that regard.
right4life on September 11, 2008 at 2:25 PM
Errr…
If you are looking for pastors that are not of sound mind, see Jeremiah Wright and Fr. Phlager.
As far as Palin’s pastor, the guy seemed downright normal and reasonable to me… and I am an atheist.
Greta has been doing excellent work on all this stuff all week.
Damiano on September 11, 2008 at 2:26 PM
Spirit of 1776 on September 11, 2008 at 2:24 PM
Because he was asked about it.
God forbid he be honest.
bridgetown on September 11, 2008 at 2:26 PM
Rick Warren is all about…
Rick Warren.
Valiant on September 11, 2008 at 2:27 PM
Well, you can tell from the comments at The Hill’s blog which side their readers are on. Nice.
BigD on September 11, 2008 at 2:28 PM
did you ever read the OT? its full of judgement. if bricknet is anti-semitic, then he’s full of self-hatred, since he is jewish, is he not?
right4life on September 11, 2008 at 2:28 PM
Did anyone hear the caller on Rush today who said he was a Democrat but is going to vote for Obama because he’s deeply offended by the Palin smears and the whole “Jesus was a community organizer” meme. He said, “Jesus was a carpenter. These people don’t even know what they’re talking about.”
CanadianGuy on September 11, 2008 at 2:28 PM
you got that right and I’m clinging to my bible and guns
Mojack420 on September 11, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Ugh. Not more Rick Warren.
I swear, if this guy continues to get airtime with Republican pols it will NOT end well.
Prediction: He’ll go all Jimmy Swaggart on us at some point.
TheUnrepentantGeek on September 11, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Here is my point, and I have been consistent with this for the past year while this has been going one with Warren, Dobson, and others.
Christ was quite clear about not serving two Gods (having two masters).
As a pastor you can serve but one, God, Christ. You can’t get into politics and serve your congregation.
As soon as they do that, they step out of being a church leader, and they become a cheer leader.
It is not a matter of hate, it is holding a pastor to his commission to serve Christ and his people of his congregation. Not to interject himself into the political arena, it becomes self promotion.
Remember, as a pastor he is held to a higher standard, and scrutiny then any other position, that is his calling that is Christ’s demands on him.
right2bright on September 11, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Do you think that is appropriate?
And he was asked what question he would ask, not what she asked.
Spirit of 1776 on September 11, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Instead of doing “research” at Daily Kos, try actually listening to Kroon. They guy was hearing a lot of anti-gay sentiment and also a some gay folks struggling with religion. These “pray for gays” people offered to do a seminar on a off night and he allowed it. No big promotion or endorsement… just something that was there.
Seriously get a clue.
Damiano on September 11, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Just wonder if there are any clips of him actually saying this. I just find it very, very hard to believe.
stenwin77 on September 11, 2008 at 2:32 PM
So what? Unless Sarah sat in the pews for 20 years listening the GD America, what’s the prob?
Spirit of 1776 on September 11, 2008 at 2:32 PM
Yeah, this is great. I’m choking on the cynicism. Everymom just got home WalMart and decided to give ol’ Pastor Rick a ring. This sort of thing only helps her with the voters who are already 120% behind her. IOW, it doesn’t help at all.
I
RightOFLeft on September 11, 2008 at 2:32 PM
Irrelevant to what I said.
Also irrelevant to what I said.
MB4 on September 11, 2008 at 2:33 PM
That’s actually down a point. But the bounce does seem to be stable.
BadgerHawk on September 11, 2008 at 2:33 PM
Topsecretk9 on September 11, 2008 at 2:34 PM
Rick Warren appears to be the Dr. Phil of religion. No class, no scruples.
Django on September 11, 2008 at 2:35 PM
Awww… leave Barack alone. He wasn’t in church on those days and didn’t hear the crazy stuff from Wright… you know all those quote’s in Obama’s book… yeah… he didn’t hear those.
Damiano on September 11, 2008 at 2:36 PM
SadlyNO! it’s not.
Topsecretk9 on September 11, 2008 at 2:36 PM
MB4,
Don’t take Salon’s slant on Brickner. He is Jewish and he’s neither anti-Semitic nor a loon. He happens to be a Jew who believes that Jesus is the Messiah.
INC on September 11, 2008 at 2:37 PM
I think that nicely sums up my feelings on the man.
TheUnrepentantGeek on September 11, 2008 at 2:37 PM
Clearly there is the possibility that what you report from Salon means that Sarah Palin is a card-carrying anti-semite. Thanks for the heads-up. After you did your research, what did you discover as to whether she actually is or isn’t.
I’m sure you wouldn’t want anyone to think you’re here just spreading innuendo, especially a long-time HA commenter as yourself– part of the family, so to speak.
JiangxiDad on September 11, 2008 at 2:38 PM
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