Meet the 23-Year-Old Obama Hired to Head His Religious Campaign Outreach
- Posted on May 15, 2012 at 8:49am by
Billy Hallowell
- Print »
- Email »
Over the past few months, the Obama administration has come under intense criticism for its treatment of religious freedom issues. In addition to the president’s highly-publicized battle with the Catholic Church, The Blaze has covered angst among faith leaders over the administration’s faith advisory council, which critics claim has “gone dark.” Now, after progressive Christian leaders were beginning to express frustration with an empty campaign slot for a faith outreach manager, the Obama camp has finally selected someone for the role.
(Related: Obama Does Damage Control Among Christian Pastors Following Gay Marriage Endorsement)
Among the more notable attributes possessed by the new religious outreach director, Michael Wear, is his youth. The 23-year-old, who interned during the president’s 2008 campaign, is an evangelical whose age could bring innovation and vibrancy to the campaign’s religious outreach projects.
Michael Wear (Image Credit: Twitter)
Wear, who graduated from George Washington University with a B.A. in political science last year, will turn 24 this Wednesday. He will also move to Chicago in the coming days to fulfill his duties. Wear’s official title in the campaign will apparently be “Faith Vote Director.” CNN has more:
Wear, who was raised a Catholic but now attends a nondenominational, evangelical-style church in Washington, has spearheaded White House outreach to evangelicals and has focused on policy issues like adoption throughout Obama’s first term
Joshua DuBois, the executive director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, directed religious outreach for the Obama campaign in 2008. Before that, it was unusual for Democratic presidential campaigns to hire faith outreach staffers.
“It has been an honor working with Michael Wear to create positive faith-based and nonprofit partnerships to serve people in need,” DuBois said on Monday of his departing assistant.
The Post goes on to say that Wear is married and that he grew up in Buffalo, New York. The young evangelical worships at the National Community Church in Washington, D.C., the outlet reports.
Wear was — before taking his new role — an assistant in the White House office responsible for working with faith-based social service groups (Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships). His appointment this week will appease some religious progressives who have charged that faith concerns have not been a big enough priority for Obama’s re-election team.
The time that it took to fill the role as well as Wear’s youth are certainly factors worth considering. As for the former issue, some are questioning whether faith outreach truly is a priority for the Obama camp. Wear’s age, while it may serve as beneficial in terms of fresh perspective and better relations with younger people of faith, also comes with a potential price — a lack of contacts in the religious sphere.
“Michael has spent a number of years in the faith-based office so he knows the territory” political author Amy Sullivan told Religion News Service. “But the Republicans would put somebody senior with years and years of experience and a big Rolodex in that position. And I guess that tells you something about how Democrats still view faith outreach and its importance.”
Wear’s appointment comes at a difficult time for the president, as there’s no telling how his announcement last week proclaiming his support for same-sex marriage will impact his electoral prospects. As we’ve noted, Obama is already getting push-back from many African American faith leaders who previously supported him. The White House is denying that the timing of the announcement and Wear’s hiring are related.
Popular Stories
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 706 Comments
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 551 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 368 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 362 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 362 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 362 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 368 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 282 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 149 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 362 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (185)
Free2speakRN
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:51amA politically picked, young, marxist, spread the wealth, ‘Christian’?
Report Post »jhaydeng
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:12amSad that he has no idea what he just signed up for!
Report Post »dealer@678
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:24amOsama found himself a Christian without a lick of common sense
Report Post »pavnvet
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 4:03pmHe is 24? It took him 6 years to graduate? Never knew they taught theology in poly sci courses.
Report Post »I support God's Israel!
Posted on May 21, 2012 at 11:29amThank God November is just around the corner. He and his Marxist buddy Obama, will have to look for another job. Now, I would drink to that!
Report Post »philoise65
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:45amBeware the leaven of the Pharisees. Luke12:1-3
Report Post »Juniemoon
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:25amPharisee’s were Jewish and not all were on the wrong side. Yeshua told us to listen to the Pharisees. Paul was a Pharisee. Some of them just made the law a burden and Yeshua came and removed the yoke they had added. This young twerp is a little wolf in sheeps clothing.
Report Post »gsplgtr
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:54amIf this young man had any true working inspiration from the Bible, as soon as Obummer came out for Gay marriage, he (Wear) would have separated himself from the campaign.
Report Post »Amos37
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 11:51amListen to the pharisees? what bible are you reading?
Report Post »MBA
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 12:40pmLooks gay to me.
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 1:08pm@Juniemoon
Report Post »Pharisee’s were Jewish and not all were on the wrong side. Yeshua told us to listen to the Pharisees.
—–
No. Jesus said to observe what the Pharisees as bearers of the Law required of the people. BUT to “not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.” (Matt. 23) Read the whole chapter.
I support God's Israel!
Posted on May 21, 2012 at 11:31amMBA, Posted on May 15, 2012 at 12:40pm, “Looks gay to me.”
THIS type of comment is what STARTS A FIRE, even tho you have free speech, IT SHOWS A LOT ABOUT YOUR UGLY CHARACTER.
Report Post »zoro51
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:45amfaith VOTE dir?? UM seperation of church n state… OH NO evita obama tax n speech wil USE anything to get his SOCIALIST agenda and sway voters since he CANT get them to come to hear him speak no more.. PITTY its bene foretold hes OUT.. so poncho villa here is wasting his time. and pastors are to preach the gospell not tell them whom to vote for so TIS is a MAN MADE CULT dir….. either way OBAMAS A LOSER
Report Post »VanceUppercut
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 12:10pm@zoro51
I would like to respond to your post, but since I only understood about 15% of what you wrote I am unable to.
I support God's Israel!
Posted on May 21, 2012 at 11:33amSorry, but I only understood the last 3 words. Moving on………
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:42am.
Report Post »I wonder if we are all gonna get a little rug in the mail, as part of this new out reach?…..
Gonzo
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:46amIf he was Muslim, he wouldn’t be supporting gay marriage. He’s an atheist I tell you!
Report Post »antrancher
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:56amGonzo, Obama’s faith as a Muslim permits him to do things that promotes strength of Islam. It is called Taqiyya! Look it up.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:27amObama has no capacity to address anything but ridicules social issues that mean nothing to 95% of the people. He just doesn’t have the stones to run anything of a serious nature. In essence, he’s a toy President.
Report Post »SquidVetOhio
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:47amObama is no muslim. He worships himself. He uses the muslims to get at Israel because he hates Israel. This guy is a wanna be anti-christ. But the real anti-christ will be much more popular and smarter than him. “If it were possible, he would deceive the very elect”
Report Post »eternalwolf777
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 12:11pmGonzo, I think you’re right…. that or he worships himself. I can’t make up my mind.
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 1:49pmHe’s a communist, ergo he’s an atheist. Hussein was also born, circuumsized into and raised Muslim during a significant part of his childhood. He remains a Muslim because he would have to publicly renounce Islam (commit apostasy) to stop being a Muslim. Fortunately for him, Islam allows him to exercise taqiyya and claim he converted to Christianity.
There are plenty of commie Muslims in Africa. Africa is Satan’s mixed bag of ideologies and beliefs, because it is an anarchic continent, so everything goes. That‘s Hussein’s SPIRITUAL heritage: a mixed bag of evil. In his inner being there’s a little bit of everything Satan has to offer. True, Obama is too stupid and from the wrong family tree to be THE antichrist, but the spirit of antichrist undoubtedly indwells him. So don’t kid yourself and think you can vote him out. Obama hates America like his father the devil hates us. He is a very powerful worker of iniquity, and unless God intervenes, he will destroy the America God raised up.
Report Post »Jezreel
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:37amEverything Obama does will fail. Liars and perverts will always have a life filled with disappointments and failures. He was only elected because of stupid people who believed him. Now that the truth is out, I even hope that after he is not president anymore that his political career will continue to be destroyed and that him and his wife and kids will have to leave the U.S.
Report Post »JAMACAMECRAZYMAN
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:47amThat would make my day!
Report Post »AMENDMENT
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 11:21amJEZREEL – political career will continue to be destroyed and that him and his wife and kids will have to leave the U.S.
Think it would be better to keep him in the U.S. That way he can be ridiculed the rest of his life for trying to destroy others lives with his treasonous policy’s. Plus he knows way to many U.S. secrets to ever be aloud to live in one of his favorite enemy commie or islamic states.
Report Post »Jinglebob
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:36amHummm, 23 years old, BA in Political Science. Sound kind of thin in the experience, leadership areas. Oh but does sound like his boss. Who would have thought.
Report Post »sensibleadult
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:34am23 years old? I’ve got socks older than that.
Report Post »Akridgerunner
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 11:13amMe too Sensi! I’ve got perfectly good socks that are old enough to have been worn by this kids grandfather and which are likely smarter than this kid. Maybe he’s being set up as a fall guy when Obummer loses in November ??
Report Post »rosegrower
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 11:33amIn other words, he‘s someone who will keep his mouth shut and do as he’s told by his masters. The perfect definition of a Useful Idiot.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:33amCorn-Holeobama.
Report Post »jim
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 11:24amObama’s own outreach speaks volumes. I pray for him.
Report Post »sawbuck
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:32amPolitical science grad. But heading the “religious outreach program”
What’s wrong with this picture…?
I thought WE are not suppose to MIX politics and religion in this country.?
Report Post »VastRightWingConspirator
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 11:46amExactly what I was thinking. Why a poli-sci major? It seems that even Obama’s religion is purely political. Our country and our leaders need our prayers people. Perhaps not prayers for success because their ideas of success may be destructive to our liberties, but prayers for true wisdom and the courage to use that wisdom.
Report Post »Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:30amInteresting as well is the Democrats disdain for GWs highly successful faith based initiative. The good books describes Satan and his arrival exactly as we see from obama.
Report Post »Tankertony
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:27am“progressive Christian leaders” is oxymoronic, its all political BS. It comes from those faithless souls who think they can pick and choose what to believe according to political expediency.
You either follow God‘s word or you don’t. That word doesn‘t change and it doesn’t ‘progress’.
That which is eternal never changes. That which changes is of this World, and thus temporary and not true in the ultimate sense.
Report Post »ScienceIsNotEvil
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 11:13am“You either follow God‘s word or you don’t. That word doesn‘t change and it doesn’t ‘progress’. ”
Then I assume you kill your kids when they are disrespectful? That is, after all, what your unchanging Bible tells you to do.
Report Post »Deckle
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:25amSorry, if you know the truth the truth will set you free. I don’t think this guy has a clue to what God is really all about. He certainly does not know what Obama is all about.
Report Post »acovenantinblood
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:20amAnyone who reads the Bible with the view that It is Gods Absolute Truth and does not see the darkness pouring out of the White House truly has been given over the strong delusion that they might believe in a lie. Soon Islam will come upon us to remove the Candlestick from among us for our defamation of Gods character by making cheap His great sacrifice.
Report Post »twolaneflash
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:24amAmen. God will not be mocked. He will pull His Water of Life from us and we will be dust in His wind.
Report Post »twolaneflash
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:15amOh, yes, he’s praying:
“Heavenly me, who art heavenly, hallowed by my name. My kingdom come. My will be done, on earth as it will be in heaven. I give this day its daily bread, and I forgive my trespasses, but not those who trespass against me. I will lead them into temptation, and deliver them to evil. For mine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory. Forever, or at least for a second term. Amen.”
Report Post »BubbaCoop
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:11amThis story identifies the young man as an evangelical? By what definition? Nancy Pelosi’s?
of, relating to, or being in agreement with the Christian gospel especially as it is presented in the four Gospels
of, adhering to, or marked by fundamentalism
Report Post »hillbillyinny
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:49amAmen!
Was Catholic, now an UNDEFINED “Evangelical” moving FORWARD to social action, “neverneverland”! He’s REALLY YOUNG, and FRESH MEAT!
I know I have “evolved” in my understanding of theology over my many, many years of faith. However, I have moved closer and closer in relationship to my God through His Son, The Word, and the Holy Spirit. I have realized that my God IS RIGHTEOUS, aboring sin, which has caused me to strive to become “holy like God is Holy,” This will not removed my sins, only the Perfect Sacrifice can do that, but it will prepare me to be able to see the Face of God and His Glory!
Pray for this “child” that the Lord will guide him against the “. . . wiles of the Devil”! (Ephesians 6)
Report Post »sensibleadult
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:32am“Non denominational” means you don’t think adherence to the Scripture is important. It means you don’t believe much of anything.
Report Post »BODYBAG
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:09am“Michael has spent a number of years in the faith-based office so he knows the territory” political author Amy Sullivan told Religion News Service. “But the Republicans would put somebody senior with years and years of experience and a big Rolodex in that position. And I guess that tells you something about how Democrats still view faith outreach and its importance.”
Yes, it tells us that Democrats view faith outreach as purely a political ploy. Talk to Pelosi
about “The Word”. Progressives are a cancer to be eradicated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIeYt6X5Tqk
“The ‘word’ defines her policy-making decisions” – Really? I thought progressives were all about
separation of church and state and stuff? Cant have prayer in schools or football games. Cant have
10 commandments in a government building or a nativity scene in front of town hall.
You people are insulting to the average americans intelligence and you can shove your progressive BS up your a**.
Report Post »BODYBAG
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:16am“Michael has spent a number of years in the faith-based office so he knows the territory”
Wait – He’s 23 years old – Was he recruited in Jr High School?
Report Post »KathleenElsie
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 7:06pmSorry but if I were to discuss this kind of movie theater show it would not include long time credentials for a just turned 24 year old poly-psy student. It would be that what we see in the movie theater is usually fiction.
Report Post »thegreatcarnac
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:08amWhat a crock. Now they have a made up picture of obama praying. How religious of him. Who is the little bast*rd praying to is what I want to know. This guy is a fake …fake…fake.
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:21amSince he thinks he‘s God he’s talking to himself.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:40amCan’t be fake.. he’s got a gay halo!
Report Post »genusadfundum
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:07amThere is no way to reconcile being an evangelical and an Obama supporter. Unless you are dishonest or just not very bright. Like the saying goes, “If your young and not a democrat, you have no heart. If your old and not a Republican, you have no brain.” I guess O went with the kid with the big heart and no brain.
Report Post »CMDR6
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:35amyou need to understand that there are “Christian” churches all over, especially in DC that are using the bible, or more specifically, parts of the bible to teach people their view of Social Justice. Just like Odumbo saying that Jesus would like higher taxes. They USE the word to vindicate and validate their agenda which makes their minion FEEL SO GOOD while they go and ruin this great country and work to enslave the people to the gov’t.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:05amAnything for a vote. Pitiful, just pitiful.
Report Post »Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:05amHe could start by reviewing the 10, commandments with obama. Especially, Thou shalt not bare false witness, covet, steal and taking the Lord’s name in vain (vanity).
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:05amAnother *******???? I’m surely surprised!
Report Post »HOW BLIND, DEAF AND DUMB are obamamaites?
Gonzo
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:04amHow anyone can claim to be an evangelical and an Obama supporter is beyond me.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:18am.
They lie……
I had to go back to work Gonzo. Though I kinda wish the black helicopters did get me lol….
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:39amWhere you retired?
Report Post »Steelhead
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:50amhairy-evangelicals are a peculiar groups, they all claim they are right and ever body else has it wrong
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:15amYea Steely, stick with the Muslims, they are more open minded.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:20am.
Report Post »Semi retired did some consulting now back full time in the environmental business, dewatering hazardous waste……
Obama_Sham
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 12:00pm“Steelhead
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:50am
“they all claim they are right and ever body else has it wrong”
You just summed up the progressive ideology… Way to go champ…
Report Post »VanceUppercut
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 12:11pm@Gonzo
I suspect that there are many things that are beyond you.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 3:04pmOUCH! That really stings coming from a rocket scientist like you Vance…eye roll.
Report Post »edmundburk
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 6:48pmalot of so called “evengelicals” voted for BHO. Thats what happens when you have religous relevism.
Report Post »hi
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:04amHe will attract the networkers at the church, not the Christians.
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:01amWow!! He likes them young, huh? Hehehehe!
Report Post »Life_Liberty_Happiness
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 8:59ameh, we have young ones getting involved too. my friends and I are the same age as this young propagandist… but at least we work for a Man of Truth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlPE7BMLQkA
Report Post »Xiccarph
Posted on May 15, 2012 at 8:58amNice Obambi propaganda photos….. question(s) is, who is he praying to…? Is he even praying…? Is he kneeling on a prayer rug…? Does he know the cameras are clicking away….? Ah yes, so many questions, so few answers….
Report Post »