Faith

CNN‘s Soledad O’Brien Grills Santorum Staffer Over ‘Phony Theology’ Comments

CNNs Soledad OBrien & Santorum Communications Director Clash Over Obama Theology Comments

President Barack Obama supporters — particularly those of the Christian persuasion — were likely less-than-content with Republican presidential contender Rick Santorum‘s take on Obama’s faith views. On Saturday, Santorum came under fire for saying that the president’s agenda is based on “some phony theology” that is not “based on the Bible.” Then, on Sunday, amid controversy, he attempted to clarify his remarks.

(Related: Santorum: ‘I Wasn’t Suggesting the President‘s Not a Christian’)

But his most recent admission that he does, indeed, believe Obama is a Christian wasn’t enough to temper the storm. On Monday, the drama continued when Santorum‘s communications director Hogan Gidley appeared on CNN’s “Starting Point.” In an awkward back-and-forth, host Soledad O‘Brien poked Gidley and sought out clarifications on the candidate’s “phony theology” comments.

“What Rick was talking about was the president’s ideology has turned into a theology of sorts,” Gidley explained. “He was talking about…the energy crisis in this country. Skyrocketing gas prices across the nation…”

But O’Brien, clearly wanting a more profound clarification, interrupted during the explanation.

“Right, but what he was said was…’not a theology based on the Bible…’ He’s not saying, ‘not a theology based on the gas pump.,’” she said. “He said, ‘not a theology based on the Bible.’ What does that mean?”

“I think Rick has been very clear and probably the only candidate in this race who has actually defended the President’s Christianity and his own personal beliefs,” Gidley countered. ”He wasn‘t questioning the president’s personal beliefs. I mean, he can separate the president’s personal beliefs with his public policy. And that’s what he was talking about — was that theology and that ideology he has as it relates to energy is not good for the country.”

“Well, our job is to ask the questions again and again — I hear you,” O’Brien responded.

Watch the dialogue starting at about 3:00, below:

(H/T: Mediaite)

Comments (48)

  • stockpicker
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 11:22pm

    Santorum agrees with the popes that protestants are not Christian nor can they be unless they return to the Catholic church.

    Report Post »  
  • NarnianWarrior
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:33pm

    Santorum is absolutel right about that! Obama is not a Christian. Considering the fact that he’s violated every Christian tenet there is to violate, without remorse or apology, I would think he is more of a Wolf than one of our Sheep. This man is more like a reincarnated Anti-Christ. I’m tired of these drones in the media making an issue of someone speaking the truth, especially when it comes to Christians. These fools know nothing, or care to know nothing, about Christianity and they attempt to define it for us. Get real! Obama is as much a Christian as was Adolf Hitler. He is a despicable fool that has no morals, no regards for human life and no regard for Christian values. If you voted for this fool and you call youself a Christian, you’re Christianity can also be brought into quesiton. Black Pride is destroying this country! Can’t you see that?

    Obama is using that platform simply for votes and nothing else. You Black brothers ans Sista’s better wake up. You‘re being used and manipulated just like you’ve always been. The White man enslaved you, but it wasn’t before your tribal overlords sold you into slavery. That’s still the case today. Can you people just wake up and see through the facade? Black Pride will only enslave you even more.

    Report Post » NarnianWarrior  
  • Teaple
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 7:11pm

    Where is the baptism certificate?

    Report Post » Teaple  
  • collectorbob810
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 1:25pm

    she is such a doll

    Report Post »  
  • berlet98
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:01pm

    The Irrelevance of Obama’s Religion

    According to Islamic law, if your father is a Muslim, so are you, and once a Muslim, always a Muslim.

    That fact has become relevant in the campaign for the Republican nomination for the presidency ever since Sen. Rick Santorum called into question Barack Obama’s religion when Santorum alleged the president was motivated by “some phony theology, not a theology based on the Bible” and also referred to Obama’s “radical Islamic policies.”

    First of all, let’s stipulate that religion has no place in American politics–with one important exception: If someone has misstated his religion and misled the electorate, the issue becomes not one of religion but of truth and honesty.

    Barack Hussein Obama’s Muslim father, Barack Hussein Obama, Senior, conferred his Islamic middle name, derived from Hussein Ibn Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, on Barack Hussein Obama, Junior. At least in the eyes of Islam, our president is a Muslim, although he has said that “Hussein” is an African name and that he is a Christian.

    The case should be closed but isn’t for a variety of reasons.

    The president has said that his Kenyan father denied abandoned his Islamic faith before he abandoned his family. He was raised–in part–by his mother, Stanley Ann Dunham Obama, an atheist.

    Much of his upbringing was provided by his maternal grandparents after his mother married another Muslim, Lolo Soetero, took her

    Report Post »  
    • BetterInformed
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:59pm

      Santorum was referring to Obama’s support of “Black Liberation Theology” espoused by his minster, the radical, Jeremiah Wright. He listened to the “anti everything American theology” for 20 years. ( Later explained that he was selectively listening)

      Report Post »  
  • Listen_then_think
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 9:35am

    I don’t like Rick. He is very angry all the time and can’t control his temper. Spends 95% of his time attacking rather than telling us why he is not touching on any issue that he voted against or for, that was lock step with the liberals. He is a sneaky one, a perfect washington insider. I don’t like Soledad either the one time I watched 10 min of her program, but she is not running for pres. Be VERY careful of Santorum, He has Glenn, Pat and Stu fooled. No one brings up his record, no one brings up his earmarks, no one brings up his voting against body armor for the military, no one attacks him. Santorum is Obama with a worse temper.

    Report Post »  
    • alrunner58
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 10:01am

      So your a Ron Paul supporter. Explains the post.

      Report Post » alrunner58  
    • BetterInformed
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 10:49am

      I also support Ron Paul. He’s great. Have you seen him do his impression of an “ angry old white guy”? It’s great, so realistic . You’ll love it.

      Report Post »  
  • StonyBurk
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 9:06am

    Soledad O. ought read the Bible more. I recall reading that the Tree is known by its fruit. When I look at what tree Obama has produced it is clear one cannot get good figs from a thorn bush. Neither can one get an American Patriot from a Communist. Obama has produced fruit consistent with the tree of Communism. Consistent with the tree of Islam(surrender) Those policies he has supported killing babies in the womb (abortion on demand) cannot be reconciled with what the Bible teaches about the shedding of innocent blood. Obama on elevating and encouraging homosexual behavior cannot be reconciled with what the Bible teaches about Wickedness, and abomination worthy of death, fornication, idol worship ,infidelity,prostitution-Sodomy. Obama on same sex “marriage” cannot be reconciled to what the Bible teaches on “marriage” as taught by Moses,Jesus of Nazareth ,and the Apostle Paul. Obama on the Constitution -cannot compare to what Jesus taught on law,and obedience.Need I continue?Soledad?

    Report Post »  
    • techengineer11
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 9:26am

      Obvioulsy Obama is not a Christian by any measurement found in the Bible but don‘t touch CNN’s Obumma.

      You know I don’t care for anyone in the Republican primary but Paul; however, if Santorum or Romney wins I wouldn’t hesitate to vote for either. If for no ohter reason then to separate the Media from Obama.

      Report Post » techengineer11  
  • mikee1
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 8:16am

    Where they can, DUMMYCRAPS ARE CROSSING OVER IN DROVES TO VOTE FOR RINOROMNEY IN THE PRIMARIES.

    Report Post » mikee1  
  • crazyoz
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 8:03am

    Solbimbo O’Brien is just another liberal hack for the Anti Christian obama administration.

    Report Post »  
  • mikester8888
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:46am

    Stand strong Rick! Ask them about thier non-reporting of “The Mans Club in Chicago” murders ten months before the election. Soledad is probably a member.

    Report Post »  
  • Got2bRoni
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 1:31am

    Santorum is driving any mods, inds, and cons away with his crazy comments about religeon. Stick a fork in him, he is done. Our only chance is Romney!

    Report Post » Got2bRoni  
    • Tepeyac
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:59am

      You sound like a shill for the left wing media! Amazing how hard it is for so many to grasp the truth! Hang in there…someday you’ll get it…

      Report Post »  
  • thetreyman
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 1:07am

    he should have immediately challenged her to play the previous 30 to 45 seconds that they cut out that would have put everything into context. he kind of said it in passing but he should have been adamant. she wouldnt though because she would have looked like a fool.

    Report Post » thetreyman  
    • bigbro
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 10:12am

      Why do politicians go on these shows that only try to trap them?

      Report Post »  
  • Veritas
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:54am

    Soledad is such a shill for the left, it is not even a thing they could cover over. Santorum or Gingrich are the only 2 that have a chance. Mitt is to much of the same old same old and Paul is way out there on foreign policy. (too bad I really like most everything else). Santorum will make the right choices as far as SCOTUS nominees which will probably come up in the next 4 years. Obama would clearly change the courts in the left’s favor if he is re-elected. All this being said, I would vote for my goldfish for POTUS over Obama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » Veritas  
  • geonj
    Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:21am

    the media continues to make non-stories into something more than they are.

    Report Post » geonj  
  • The Third Archon
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 6:16pm

    If the Republicans want to give the Democrats four more years of Obama by nominating Santorum, by all means, please be my guest.

    Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • Trenaway
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:12am

      When the news media is out to get you, like they are Santorum; then they are scared of you. They have never went after Romney or Paul, because they do not scare the news media. Paul would lose in a landslide to Obama, because he is a qook and Romney is to centralist like McCain was. Romney is a conservative and the news media knows he would wipe the floor with Obama. Obama would lose to Santorum, so they have to take him out. Bye *******!

      Report Post » Trenaway  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:53am

      Ah.. I don‘t think that’s it at all Tren.
      Santorum scares no one.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • flipper1073
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:06am

      @JJCOOLAY
      They are afraid of Sarah Palin an Newt
      they darn near crap their pants at the
      Mention of their names.
      Ron Paul an Rick Santorum not so much.

      Report Post » flipper1073  
  • BV FROM TX
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 3:28pm

    He is being interviewed and the interviewer has control of the questions. He is not giving a speech. It is the same with the debates since the MSM interviewers are in the tank for Obama, they will also ask gotcha questions and cut you off when you try to answer them truthfully. He has no teleprompter.

    Report Post »  
  • snakeyes4liberty
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 3:18pm

    Every time I hear the media whores bashing Santorum I make another BIG donation to his campaign. Please put your money where your mouth is & donate at ricksantorum.com NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » snakeyes4liberty  
  • pap pap
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 1:59pm

    I couldn’t make anysense out of that. Whatever the president’s beliefs are is his business but he is pretending in public to be a Christian. I don’t believe it.

    Report Post »  
  • Gypsy123
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 1:50pm

    I will say it THE PRESIDENT IS NOT A CHRISTIAN and those who follow him and his false doctrine are in the same boat. How can you call yourself a christian and back abortion. How can you call yourself a christian and try to destroy christian values in the USA. How can you call yourself a christian and throw the 10 commandments and other christian ideals out the door you can’t. You can not worship two masters and Obama worships many.

    Report Post » Gypsy123  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 6:31pm

      You are right–I’m not a Christian, and I have a favorable opinion of Obama compared to any conceivably realistic alternative.

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • SoupSandwich
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 7:47pm

      What about 20 plus years of Black Liberation Theology? Rectify that alone. Mix a little marxism and a lot of racism and call it religion? How?

      Report Post »  
    • smokeyridgerunner
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:41pm

      You must have a job to favor Obama.

      Report Post »  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 12:55am

      Who follows the doctrine of ANY president?? The president is there to serve the country, not indoctrinate.
      This is why I don’t necessarily want a right wing Christian as POTUS, even though I’m exactly that!

      JJ Coolay  
  • Chuck Stein
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 1:48pm

    Soledad O‘Brien’s performance in that interview brings up a question I often have when seeing a liberal interview a straight-talking conservative. There are 3 ways to classify her:
    1) She is simply of limited intellect
    2) She is feigning igorance for political purposes
    3) She is so indoctrinated that she is limited in perspective
    I simply can’t figure out which one it is. Anyone have a method of figuring it out?

    Report Post »  
    • Female
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 4:57pm

      Why pick just one, when perhaps all 3 would apply?

      “She is simply of limited intellect,
      feigning igorance for political purposes,
      and so indoctrinated that she is limited in perspective.”

      See, really, quite easy and still makes perfect sense without contradiction.

      Report Post »  
  • dontbotherme
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 1:38pm

    I went to Rick Santorum’s web site to see what he stands for. He believes in our Constitution. His ideas & ideals are in black & white. He is right in what he has said about Obama. I give him credit for having the courage to speak (black liberation theology is not Christian). I give him credit for standing up for what he believes in. I give him credit for answering the dishonest questions & accusations being thrown at him from every angle in an attempt to destroy him by dismissing him as an insignificant candidate, which he is not. The people are waking up.

    Report Post »  
  • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 1:24pm

    All one needs to know… written by the pioneer of this theology… James Hal Cone.

    “Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him. The task of black theology is to kill Gods who do not belong to the black community … Black theology will accept only the love of God which participates in the destruction of the white enemy. What we need is the divine love as expressed in Black Power, which is the power of black people to destroy their oppressors here and now by any means at their disposal. Unless God is participating in this holy activity, we must reject his love. There is no use for a God who loves white oppressors the same as oppressed blacks. We have had too much of white love, the love that tells blacks to turn the other cheek and go the second mile. Black hatred is the black man’s strong aversion to white society. No black man living in white America can escape it… While it is true that blacks do hate whites, black hatred is not racism.”

    And then there is Rearend J. Wright… and then there is… Obama… sitting in those pews for 20 yrs.

    Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • snooop1e
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 1:31pm

      I just filled my gas tank and it cost $80.00. Is this the Hope and Change Obama was talking about? After I fill my tank I hope there is some change left over for food?

      Report Post » snooop1e  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 1:40pm

      SN000P1E. I hear you… Lima Charlie on that!

      And… “Understanding that black liberation theology is Marxism dressed up to look like Christianity helps explain why there is no conflict between Cone’s “Christianity” [i.e. reverend Wright and Farrakhan’s “Nation of Islam.” They are two prophets in the same philosophical (Marxist) pod, merely using different religions as backdrops for their black-power aims.” – The American Thinker, May 2008

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • NoNannyState4me
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 11:29am

      This coming from the guy that thinks a salient point is saying that Dr. Paul is a racist.

      Personally I agree with you, but you’ve made yourself look like a greater a$$ than usual.

      Now before you go posting links of what you thinks proves Paul is a racist, I want to warn you that it will only serve to further prove my point.

      Report Post » NoNannyState4me  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 1:20pm

    Not me, I‘m not defending the president’s Christianity, I’m questioning it. I am not so sure he is remotely Christian, or at least he doesn’t seem to understand the life of Christ. Things he says are so far out of the teachings of Christ it’s amazing. He just makes what he wants fit into scripture out of context. I have serious doubts about Obama, and they grow almost everytime he speaks.

    Report Post »  
    • disenlightened
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 1:22pm

      It doesn‘t matter if he’s Christian or not. He’s the worst president in history. Are we nominating a new pastor, or a presidential candidate?

      Report Post » disenlightened  
  • disenlightened
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 1:13pm

    Hey, Rick, we have a horrible economy. If you knew how to fix it you could campaign on that. So, why are you spending your time talking about women’s reproductive systems, gay marriage and religion? Oh, you have no experience creating jobs and have no clue how to fix the economy. Oh, you’re a lifetime civil servant with no experience in the real economy. I see. No wonder you’re talking about things a President has no control over. Lady’s issues.

    Report Post » disenlightened  
    • jsDway
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 1:28am

      @ DISENLIGHTENED – He is only answering questions ask him by the MSM. The MSM are also sifting through past speeches he has given to conservative christian groups trying to find anything they can to trip him up to make him look bad. I believe he has held his own very good, he answers all accusations put to him. I watched him on Hannity tonight and he said he is talking about the economy, but the MSM won’t cover it. You will have to watch the debates and read his web page to find out what he believes. I believe he is this generations Ronald Reagan – I pray to God that he wins the nomination. Also the RINO Republians need to back him and stop trying to pick our nominee!

      Report Post »  
    • flipper1073
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 5:44am

      Just My opinion but I think,
      Rick Santorum’s rapid Rise will be same
      as all the others. With an equally rapid Decline
      I like him as a person
      but he’s Not Quite Ready for Prime Time.
      Plus his Moral Issues are not a winning platform.
      While I Agree with him on most of what he says.
      On Abortion an Religion It’s not what We need to be
      Talking about. We need to wake up America to the
      disaster that is Barack Obama’s Presidency.
      “It’s about the Economy Stupid” ! (not calling Rick Stupid)

      If Mitt Loses Mich. an Santorum fades before Super Tuesday
      What are we left with ? Paul & Gingrich not a pretty picture.
      Maybe it‘s Mitt ’s Turn to SURGE he has’nt in 5 yrs. of running.
      Mitt needs to call Sarah an get some advice on how to Energize
      the Conservative Base. I’m sure she will give him a few pointers
      if he’ll just ASK. I still think it’s Brokered Convention Time.

      Report Post » flipper1073  
    • flipper1073
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 5:59am

      PS
      Mitt needs to learn the terminology.
      I’ve been a Conservative most of my life.
      an have been called a lot of things
      But NEVER a SEVERE Conservative !

      Report Post » flipper1073  

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