Dobson decried Callista Gingrich as 'eight-year mistress' at conservative confab

Politico ^ | 1-17-12 | Haberson

[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.

[LearnsFromMistakes]

I most remember Dobson saying something like ‘good parents can raise bad kids, and bad parents can raise good kids’. It took a lot of pressure off of this young father.

[elpadre]

“What is it with them Baptists anyway? Baker, Swaggert.....etc.”

Clinton

[Coldwater Creek]

Fred Thompson owes ME and the people of Tennessee for the poor job he did as our Senator.

[Coldwater Creek]

Fred Thompson owes ME and the people of Tennessee for the poor job he did as our Senator.

[2ndamendmentpa]

I doubt it - pretty lame they used word “affair”

He’s just an old boyfriend with contrasting politics.

Interesting - perhaps says something about her...in in turn Rick - but that seems a stretch. I might actually assign Mrs Santorum with higher level of awareness and understanding of the folk in that business.

Has anyone seen the “Save the Music” add featuring Mrs Gingrich? That one actually gave me pause...

[duffee]

And Newt and Callista have gone to their Church for forgiveness and absolution and have married??

[Coldwater Creek]

THANK YOU!

[true believer forever]

During a recent debate, an ABC News commentator passed a bag of stones to Republicans on stage. Every candidate, except for one,  grabbed a handful of rocks, to throw at the man they considered the sinner amongst them.  In a scene right out of, well, the Bible, Republican candidates - again and again - pelted the sinner, a great sinner, to be sure, with stones; all the while, reassuring the audience: they, the upstanding candidates, were nothing like the sinner.  Each of them, they made it clear, were more fit to the hold the office. Their sins were small, not the large sort the sinner was guilty of;  humans of quality, they.

In another scene, right out of, well, the Bible, Jesus once spoke to those with great confidence in their own goodness: "Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a dishonest tax collector. The proud Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: `I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else, especially like that tax collector over there! For I never cheat, I don't sin, I don't commit adultery, I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.'

But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, `O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God."

This sinner.  Old as the Message is, it is so new and wonderful, if rightly presented, as to awaken astonishment in the weary, imperfect hearts who hear.  When babes in Christ give themselves to the Lord - justified through the Redeemer's sacrifice, brought into the family of God, begotten of the Holy Spirit - it means a great change for these. It means a Miracle.  Old things pass away; all things become new.

Only Now, just like Then – whited walls, the outside-of-the-cup crowd,  invested in the appearance of good conduct and their "core" principles,  make the Precious Savior, Bringer of Peace,  Lifter of Burdens, unapproachable, uninviting, intimidating, to sinners seeking forgiveness, desperate for a second chance.  The Rick Perrys, the Michelle Bachmanns, the Ron Pauls, the Rick Santorums and Mitt Romneys of today's world, their banners of spiritual pride waving high, keep multitudes of  sinners standing afar off, sure they are unworthy to approach the only One who can make them new.

On that stage, that night, there was not one word - not one word - from the political Christians about the miraculous saving work of Christ Jesus, sufficient to change, to make all things new, to transform the worst sinner, even Newt, into a new creature. 

America is full of sinners, who love their country, many of whom would die for it, and according to the purity test of  the republicans on stage that night, they probably couldn’t run for dog catcher.  Steve Deace sees things a little differently: sometimes the greatest sinners, "the most broken people are the ones God does the most tremendous work through." 

No one has walked a mile in Newt's shoes, except for Newt.  No one on that stage knows the crowded corners of Newt's heart.  There is only one thing every believer truly knows about Newt... he is forgiven. 

forgiven

[clashfan]

Unbelievable! First Lady is not an elected position. In fact, it is such nonsense for “The First Lady” to have any special role or duties at all.

We don’t need no stinkin’ first lady! The current one has been the last straw.

[elpadre]

Did the Roman Catholic Church allow them to marry in the Church?

[supremedoctrine]

This guy Dobson is the classic holier-than-thou idiot.
He might as well be working for Obama.
Santorum (not my choice) does NOT need him in his corner.
I know I heard Santorum say how thrilled he was to get this
group’s ringing endorsement.
I love the way things are falling out.
This makes Newt once again the subject of personal attacks
by people who don’t even deserve to be part of the political
process.
Scratch Santorum off your list.
He’s become party to the get rid of Newt campaign.
He’s trading his silence for reassurance that he’ll get a
big boost from the so-called evangelical vote.
Wish this guy would just go away, and now I can’t even force myself to muster ANY affection for Santorum.

[Coldwater Creek]

GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT! Baker, Swaggert, etc. are NOT Baptist, not that we don't have our own warts.

[muawiyah]

There was the (weakly sourced) Santorum story this morning, but there's another story on the net now about how Ensign went to Santorum regarding his own problem ~ he ended up resigning pretty soon after that meeting.

All of which should remind everyone that too many Republicans are easily misled in their moral and political judgments regarding the personal troubles of others.

First, it takes SOURCING. Second, the "affair", if any, you think you are hearing about may not be the one at issue.

Third, Democrats and their running dog lackeys make up a lot of stuff to prey on your gullibility

Fourth, Newt's first wife was 7years his senior. He was one of her students in high school. The laws then, as now, prohibit those in authority in public schools from seducing those in their charge ~ that is, their students. There's a well grounded fear that this sort of behavior can be harmful to proper emotional development ~ even to boys.

I'm not one of Dobson's big fans but I have some in laws who are. They have his magazines lying about. What can I tell those folks next time I see them and they ask me how great Dobson is, and I respond "He favors young boys be punished when they are seduced by their far older school teachers. I prefer to send those teachers to prison."

[trisham]

Dobson’s assertion is illogical.

[Siena Dreaming]

No. I’m saying, if what Dobson is saying is true, it has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not

Oh, I could have sworn you quoted a scripture verse about "having no sin" or something.

In any case, I don't think Dobson's point was virginity.

His point was being a mistress. Quite different things.

Do we want a former mistress in the White House? Valid question IMO. One which I would certainly expect a christian leader to be concerned about.

[Coldwater Creek]

Divorce is not the issue here. It is a married public official screwing around on his WIVES. Newt cannot be trusted.

[Coldwater Creek]

Divorce is not the issue here. It is a married public official screwing around on his WIVES. Newt cannot be trusted.

[conservativepoet]

Incredible. Let he who is without sin...
______________________________

Does that sentiment apply to Obama also?

[throwback]

Who are the sources? This looks like a hit piece designed to create chaos if nothing else. I believe Newt went to Dobson to get some sort of absolution back in ‘07 and Dobson was condemned by some on the Right then for giving it. So it just doesn't pass the smell test. It's like the puke piece on Karen Santorum. When the sources give their names and when they don't turn out to be in a political camp that didn't like the outcome, I'll believe it.

[Sola Veritas]

Jim Dobson has been an admirer of Santorum for a very long time. Santorum has consistently held positions that Dr. Dobson did. So, I would expect him to come out in support of Santorum.

However, I am a little surprised about the comment about Newt’s wife. That doesn’t strike me as something Dr. Dobson would say publically. He is getting old and no longer runs “Focus on the Family.” Maybe age is causing him to lose the ability to not say what he is thinking.

Whatever, don’t be too hard on Dr. Dobson. He has fought a long hard fight. I thought him and Newt were OK...I guess this isn’t so....IF the reports are true.

[trisham]

What are you talking about?

[Charles Martel]

Fred Thompson owes ME and the people of Tennessee for the poor job he did as our Senator.

So you must be among those who cheered Dobson's defamatory "not a Christian" attack upon Thompson, then.

[duffee]

My understanding is yes, the married in the Catholic Church.

[VinL]

His point was being a mistress. Quite different things.
************

Fine. Have it your way. Any woman who has been a “mistress” in her lifetime who eventually marries a man who is running for President, is automatically disqualified from being First Lady.. and thus her husband disqualified from the Presidency. Is that your position?

[paul51]

Where are those Marines at? I thing Dobson needs a golden shower....

The people that follow this twisted fool need to re evaluate their own thinking

[muawiyah]

That story is going nowhere. It was pulled in FR for being "weakly sourced".

I suspect it was concocted to make Dobson look hypocritical ~ and it's hypocrisy that motivates DEMOCRATS.

Remember 99.999999% of hypocrisy exists solely in the mind of the observer. Our positions over hypocrisy differentiate true Christianity from Islam ~ their prophet said it's acceptable to "Kill the Hypocrites".

Ours didn't. He said get your own affairs in order before you mess with others.

My understanding is that Calysta and Newt agreed together to straighten out their lives in accordance with the highest moral standards. I'd suggest there's plenty of room for everybody to do that.

[The_Media_never_lie]

I always thought Dobson was self righteous and a self promoter who knew how to jerk evangelicals chains for whatever purposes.

I unfortunately, encountered many like him in the 90s. It is too much power for a man to handle, and it is ultimately and almost always abused.

[paul51]

Where are those Marines at? I think Dobson needs a golden shower....

The people that follow this twisted fool need to re evaluate their own thinking

[kabar]

Yeah, and let’s knock off the hypocritical judgments about Clinton. Everybody lies about sex and he has asked forgiveness for his dalliances and received absolution from Jesse Jackson. Character doesn’t matter. Go Newt.

[OneVike]

I would like to know when my fellow Freepers will stop giving Politico hits.

Can someone please tell me the difference between politico and the National Inquirer?

Please, please, please quit giving Politico any credibility. Conservatives, and especially FReepers need to just ignore them, because all they do is write hit pieces that divide and conquer us.

[elpadre]

How did that happen? I understand the RC church does not allow the marriage of divorced persons unless they are named Kennedy. And if adultery was involved they really get upset.

[VinL]

Divorce is not the issue here.
**************
No. Religion is the issue here- Donson says a mistress should not be First Lady. OK. Reagan was divorced, that’s an abomination before God- marriage is for life. Should Reagan have been disqualified?

[The_Media_never_lie]

They were at the meeting to discuss the candidates. Dr. Dobson owes NO one an a apology. It's the truth.

It was hurtful and counter productive to the conservative Christian cause.

[pallis]

I’m not voting for First Lady. Newt’s indiscretions aside, and Santorum’s virtues considered, the important thing is who can beat Obama, and who can best lead America back to greatness.

[dennisw]

More confirmation that Newt is a playa who can jolt Bammy Boy down to his bones. David Axelrod is praying his boy doesn’t have to run against the Newt

[Coldwater Creek]

Fred Thompson belongs to the Church of Christ. They believe that there is no salvation without Baptism. I believe if one is depending on anything, but the grace of God for salvation, then No, I don't believe that they are truly born again. I believe that the Bible teaches this doctrine.

[maine-iac7]

Dobson - you're an un-Christian

[Responsibility2nd]

See post 26. See post 18.

[trisham]

Clinton has never repented. Newt has.

[Siena Dreaming]

My position is that christian leaders are to be expected to bring up issues like this...to be concerned with immorality.

It's usually the liberals who typically say christians should shut up about morality and character. A ridiculous stance.

[elpadre]

I have met and spoken with James Dobson (sat next to him at a football game) and found him to a great guy, conservative in politics and religion, and actually very humble. But he pulls no punches, says what he thinks and is the opposite of political correctness.

[dennisw]

Newt is the man! He does not need Dobson and most Dobson follower will vote for Newt in November. All we need is for Willard to stumble and fall and provide an opening for Newt. We have to get lucky. Axelrod is salivating at running his boy against Romney

[trisham]

Are you aware that Newt and Santorum are Catholic?

Do two posts tar Catholics as a group?

I'm Catholic, btw. Would you like to say something about me?

[Responsibility2nd]

Do you hate Reagan? Is that your game?

You keep bringing up Regan and comparing him to an adulter like Newt.

Listen, if you don’t like Ronnie and Nancy, just say so.

[Responsibility2nd]

Now it’s my turn to ask. What are you talking about?

[Uri’el-2012]

James Dobson needs to seek the face of YHvH
and ask for forgiveness for his arrogance and pride.

He is a sinner as are all created beings.

shalom b'SHEM Yah'shua HaMashiach

[Cicero]

Yes, Dobson's comments "leaked" during the 2008 campaign, too. It's his SOP.

Well, as I said, I'm not intending to defend everything Dobson says or does.

But let's just keep in mind, this is a group of social conservative Evanglical leaders who are meeting to discuss whether they can get behind one of the more conservative candidates, and perhaps edge out Romney in the process.

Their business is not to placate the press, or us, or libertarians. There business is to see if they can agree on a candidate and persuade Evangelicals to vote for that candidate.

Whatever one thinks of Evangelicals, we NEED THEIR VOTES if we are going to win this ballgame. So, if Gingrich has some negatives that the media will harp on, that could easily end up with millions of Evangelicals staying home, as they did in 2006 after Bush disappointed them in his second term.

[Coldwater Creek]

I absolutely detest Newt, BUT if he is the nominee, he has my vote.

[VinL]

My position is that christian leaders are to be expected to bring up issues like this...to be concerned with immorality.
**********

And my position as a Christian and gentleman is that if Dobson belives Newt to be of questionable morality (as I belieed of Clinton), then go after Newt.

For Dobson to say Calista is a fallen woman unworthy of First Lady-— begot my 1st comment-— let he who is w/o sin...

[Mariner]

"They believe that there is no salvation without Baptism. I believe if one is depending on anything, but the grace of God for salvation, then No, I don't believe that they are truly born again. I believe that the Bible teaches this doctrine. "

So, you're holding that VERY SAME DOCTRINE against Santorum the Catholic, right?

He's not a REAL Christian either, right?