Obama explains why he asks Rick Warren to pray for him

Photo: The Age

It makes perfect political sense that Barack Obama asked the Rev. Rick Warren to deliver the prayer at his inauguration. Obama is trying to get in good early with conservative Christians, and he’s doing it with no risk of alienating his base. At least, that’s my analysis. Here is what the president-elect had to say for himself:

“I think that it is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americas. It is something that I have been consistent on and something that I intend to be consistent on during my presidency. What I have also said is that it is a time for America to come together, even though we may have disagreements on certain social issues. I would note that a couple of years ago I was invited to Rick Warren’s church to speak despite his awareness though he was aware that I held views that were entirely contrary to his when it came to gay and lesbian rights when it came to issues like abortion. Nevertheless I had an opportunity to speak. And that dialogue, I think, is what my campaign has been all about.

“We’re not going to agree on every single issue. But what w have to is create an atmosphere where we can disagree without being agreeable and then focus on those things we hold in common as Americans.”