Posted on 01/17/2012 2:50:57 PM PST by VinL
At the now-controversial meeting of evangelicals at a Texas ranch, influential evangelical leader James Dobson made a strong pitch for Rick Santorum's wife — and noted that Callista Gingrich was her husband's "mistress for eight years," questioning whether that's what people want in a first lady, three sources told POLITICO.
The moment left several attendees at the confab at the Pressler ranch stunned, according to the sources.
It came on Saturday, before the group of about 150 conservatives voted on a candidate they wanted to back. On the third round of balloting, the vote went to Santorum, but Gingrich backers and other attendees have argued that the voting was done unfairly, and in a way that seemed to benefit the former Pennsylvania senator.
The meeting was initially described as an event to try to unite behind a single candidate to thwart Mitt Romney, but his representatives also ended up speaking there, and despite the third round of balloting — which took place after some Gingrich backers left, thinking the meeting had ended — broad consensus was never reached, according to multiple attendees.
"Dobson first talked about how great Santorum is," recalled one source, who had first-hand knowledge of Dobson's comment. "[He said,] 'I want to tell you that I've gotten to know Karen [Santorum] and she is just lovely. She set aside two professional careers to raise these seven children. She would make a fabulous first lady role model. And Newt Gingrich's wife, she was a mistress for eight years."
Another source confirmed the account, and said Dobson concluded the sentiment about Callista Gingrich with, "Who do you want as your first lady?"
"It was like a chill [set into] the room," said one source. Several people were offended by the comment, said another source, adding that it was noted among some participants that Callista Gingrich had only been married once.
“Callista plays the French horn “
This, I believe.
Funny how many Catholic FReepers are FReaking out over this alledged attack on the third Mrs. Newt.
But any mention of Karen? Oh. No. Can’t have that. Entire threads with hundreds of replies get zotted.
A few facts.
First of all, Ronald Regan never had an affair while he was married. Second, Jane Wyman divorced him. Third, by any religious context - Catholic or Christian - Ronald had a “Scriptual divorce”. Fourth, your allegations that Nancy is/was immoral are crap. Fifth, you are a moron.
Go away.
Is Dobson an anointed leader ? NO.shalom b'SHEM Yah'shua HaMashiachIs he a leader in a political party NO.
He just a loud mouth SINNER.
If he were a follower of the Messiah
he would have followed scripture
concerning Gingrich.Public sinners like Dobson need to be shunned.
He does this every election cycle for his own personal PRIDE.
Unless you have a source that says it is not true, you ought to quit slinging insults around. I've read this account from more than just Politico.
If Dobson said this as is reported, he is revealing himself as a little less than a good Christian conservative.
I think Dobson’s comments are more appropriate for a Pharisee than for Jesus.
The McCains were a different story, as are the Gingrichs. And the 23-year age difference is there as well.
PROOF?
It’s common knowledge.
It’s common knowledge.
You would have had to have seen that thread to understand. It’s a lot like this thread, though. Battle lines are drawn based on faith.
Right...so your position is that no christian leader can never even say anything against immoral behavior by a woman in a high-publicity position or perhaps any woman because Jesus told Jews in the first century not to throw rocks at them.
************
Jesus told Jews??? That’s curious.
But, in direct response to your reply, you or any Christian leader can say or judge as you please- but our Lord Jesus Christ told us one should only caste the first stone if one is without sin.
Perhaps, you’re a qualified sinless stone thrower. Good for you. I don’t think Dobson is. But if you wish to stand in judgment of Calista as a First Lady based on her love for Newt, that’s your privilege.
Not sure what you mean by this.
Dobson is looked to by millions of christians and respected for his work in ministry and on the radio over the course of decades.
You may not like him but many do respect and seek out his opinion on issues.
I stand by the Idiot FReepers remark. Just look at the nasty comment # 2 and tell me if this isn’t an intolerant knee jerk reaction.
I do not give a damn about his personal life past. What I do care about is what he will do with the country from here on out.
The problem is that trying to separate one's actions in personal and political matters is a false dichotomy. One's character is shown when a choice costs you something. The relationship between a husband and wife is one of the most intimate of all human relationships. Mr. Gingrich's serial adultery shows he is willing to toss his closest human relationship under the bus when it serves his interest. Just what gives you confidence that he will put your interests and mine and those of our neighbors at least on par with his own if there is a time to choose as president? I used to have great respect for Mr. Gingrich but he has shown me that he will say/do anything to serve his own interests. I have no confidence in his integrity. You are, of course, free to disagree. My point is that some of us believe we have good reason to want a principled conservative other than Mr. Gingrich.
I have no problem with all the background info as long as it is for ALL the candidates
Individual voters can decide what is pertinent and what isn’t when it comes to being president
Battle lines should never be drawn based on faith. They should be drawn on principles, values and ethics. All good men should stand together.
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