Warren hosted the 1st presidential candidates' debate between McCain and Obama on 8/16/2008 at Warren's Saddleback Church. This was where Rick Warren asked the question, “What is marriage?” Senator Obama replied, “I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman. [big audience applause] For me as a Christian it’s also a sacred union, you know, God’s in the mix … I am not somebody who promotes same-sex marriage.”
Rick Warren also directed the question to the 2 candidates, in regards to abortion, “at what point does a baby get human rights?” Sen. Obama replied, "that whether you’re looking at it from a theological perspective or a scientific perspective, answering that question with specificity, you know, is above my pay grade." Sen. McCain replied directly to the question, "At the moment of conception."
Rick Warren was invited and delivered a prayer at BHO's inauguration on 1/20/2009 in Washington, D.C.
I do not recall Warren ever endorsing a candidate in that election. Warren graduated from a Southern Baptist Seminary, but I really don't know if he considers himself a member of the Southern Baptist Convention. I don't believe Billy Graham ever endorsed a presidential candidate, until OCT 2012, when he indirectly supported Romney. After the 2009 inauguration, Warren, the way I remember it, pretty much disappeared from the national scene. The death of his son clearly took a toll on him. But, I agree, he is late to the party, but most welcome.
Thank you for such lengthy reply. I hope he adds some financial muscle to this legal battle.