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.
Unable to defend your position, so you resort to vituperation. That’s ok, though I would have hoped better from a fellow Christian- but I forgive you. .
The Reagans were with child before they married- fact. He had numerous affairs during his marriage to Ms. Wyman. A divorce is a divorce— no matter how you wish to engage in semantics.
Ronald Reagan was the BEST President of our times- Nancy Reagan was an incredible First Lady. But, evidently, if Mr. Dobson (and apparently you) had your religious say, you would have adjudged her unfit as a First Lady and him unfit as President. I think they were fine.
Calista Gingrich would be excellent also- though I wish she might change her hair style.
Finally, I take no offense with you having called me a “moron”. I am merely a child of the Lord, and I thank Him for the limited Blessings I’ve received- though I obviously cannot competet with someone of your intellect and discernment-—and moral judgment.
Really? You never judge? Really?
Ever made any negative statements about Obama or maybe Hitler...Stalin?
BTW...yes, I've checked my own skin on adultery. Never committed it and since I am sinless in that regard I feel free to say that those who do are wrong. You can believe adulterers moral if you like. But that would be unbiblical.
AMEN, AMEN, AMEN
Applause, applause!
We have to go to the foreign press to get the news - let’s see if our media evens out the coverage -
thanks for the link...what a bombshell -
If one is to indulge in judgement, this is worse than Calista,
Stones & glass houses - Dobson should also opine on this - but we shouldn’t hold our breath...
Start dissin a dudes wife, that’s pretty low-class...
I really don’t see any rock in Dobson’s hand. I see him articulate an opinion about character which christians do every day...
************8
I know of no Christian who would say that Calista would be an inappropriate First Lady based on morality- accept Mr. Dobson and apparently you. That’s OK, you’re entitled to make your views known.
As for your efforts to divert the discussion to areas that might distract from your indefensible argument, nice try-— but not very Christian. God Bless.
Good on you; no matter who you ultimately select. -:)
“Dobson should also opine on this - but we shouldnt hold our breath...”
His action was not about morality or Christian values, he is nothing other than a politician wielding force to get his political way.
He will say nothing about Santorum’s wife’s affair, because he wants Santorum. His judgement of Gingrich is nothing compared to his Final Judgement. I’ll take that back if he recants Santorum due to his wife’s indiscretions. Absolute Hypocrisy.
Of course he is a Charlatan for “christians” of little brain.
Say what you want about the candidate, but leave the wives and children out of it. They aren’t running for anything. I hope that Dobson apologizes.
If she is so accomplished, why didn’t she have the confidence to not have sex with newt until he divorced?
Too bad your experience is so narrow. Many, many christians are opposed to immoral behavior and don't consider their position unbiblical. Rather, they feel they are upholding God's standards of good behavior for leaders in the public eye. It is a christian leader's duty to speak out against immorality. It is not "casting stones" as you put it. It is doing the responsible thing. Your argument is very similar to that of the gay marriage lobby (don't say negative things or you are "unchristian"). Hogwash.
As for your efforts to divert the discussion to areas
What on earth are you talking about?
Do you have proof that Calista had sex with Newt, while he was married?
The posters here immediately 'piled on' without facts....context...simply taking Politico's words as truth...and running with it.
...and I doubt....seriously doubt....many here who have just written unkind and untrue posts against James Dobson have any idea what this man has stood for through the years....what sacrifices he has made....and how much he loves his country.
Thanks again Responsibility2nd....for your exhortation..
Are you saying that Jim Dobson is calling himself Jesus?
No, I never heard him call himself Jesus.
Sorry to hear of your illness. The Lord is amazing and I will be praying for you.
Yaelle, my firend, believe me, I’m not being contentious. But, your view would be that since Caluista would not make a good First Lady, then you would not vote for Newt? Just curious, and asking respectfullly. -:)
That's only OK if the politician is a Democrat--FDR, JFK, LBJ, Clinton.
The founder of the Democratic Party set standard by marrying his wife while she was still married to her first husband.
...and hypocrite, what is your opinion of Karen Santorum’s affair with a married abortion doctor...
..and your take on Rick Santorum wanting to marry somebody like this.
...and Dobson’s future silence on these facts.
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