Faith

Michelle Obama: There‘s ’No Place Better’ Than Church to Talk About Political Issues

Rev. Jeremiah Wright claims that church wasn’t Barack and Michelle Obama’s “thing,” but in a speech the First Lady delivered to African Methodist Episcopal Church in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday, she sang a very different tune. From the pulpit, Mrs. Obama told parishioners that there’s “no place better” to talk about political issues than the church.

Legally, churches are restricted from delving too deeply into the political schema. While they can address the issues of the day, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations forbid pastors and faith leaders from endorsing candidates from the pulpit. Many conservative and liberal leaders, alike, rail against these regulations, claiming that they are unfair and that they hamper free speech.

So, does Obama agree with these critics? Well, we can’t be entirely sure. While she stopped short of telling pastors to endorse people, she endorsed issues as being a centerpiece for viable discussion.

Michelle Obama: No Place Better Than Church to Talk Political Issues

CNS News has more about the speech that Obama delivered about faith issues and electoral politics. In her talk, she made it clear that houses of worship, in her view, are the prime location at which to discuss these “moral issues”:

There is no better place than church to talk about political issues because they are ultimately moral issues, First Lady Michelle Obama told a church gathering on Thursday.

“To anyone who says that church is no place to talk about these issues, you tell them there is no place better – no place better,” Obama told the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s 49th general conference, held in in Nashville, Tenn.

“Because ultimately, these are not just political issues – they are moral issues,” she said. “They’re issues that have to do with human dignity and human potential, and the future we want for our kids and our grandkids.”

Watch a portion of the speech, below:

This is particularly noteworthy, because liberals have traditionally lamented the Christian right’s hand in electoral politics. While the president has faltered many times with people of faith, it seems his wife, at least, is helping to ramp up support for his re-election among the faithful. The speech comes as some Democrats fear that Obama may be struggling among religious voters.

Watch more of the address, below:

WSMV Channel 4

And CNN has a longer version, too, showing Obama warning the congregation about “other folks” who are active (i.e. Republicans):

(H/T: CNS News)

Comments (225)

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  • v15
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:38pm

    Did Michelle say “GOD” even once? I didn’t hear it. Michelle, you never were religious so please stop pretending to be religious now. People should not go to church for politics.

    Report Post » v15  
    • pavnvet
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:51pm

      Despicable. No other word could describe this hypocrite and propagandist.

      Report Post » pavnvet  
    • MittensKittens
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:57pm

      So much for the separation of church and state. I bet the first crackwh0re never step foot in a church.

      Report Post » MittensKittens  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:06pm

      What is an African Methodist Episcopal Church ? …can a white german go to it . If I saw a White American Fellowship Church .. I know of two churches I would not be attending!

      Report Post »  
    • The_Jerk
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:14pm

      Rev. J. Wright’s church was all about politics.

      Report Post »  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:15pm

      So I guess that when it pertains to liberals the interpretation of the separation clause is somewhat different? So it follows then that conservatives may discuss their own values and who might best support those values at church functions?

      Report Post » dmerwin  
    • Gold Coin & Economic News
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:22pm

      They are the same despicable socialists that will march right along with the separation of church and state atheists, but when it serves their purpose, they are just like the Clintons, get up in the pulpit, rile up the black churches to get their vote. Vote for us before rich whitey gets yo money, and they have no shame to do it right behind the pulpit.

      God will judge these traitors accordingly.

      Report Post » Gold Coin & Economic News  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:24pm

      She is just looking for an excuse to remove tax exempt status from churches.

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • sWampy
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:38pm

      Politics most certainly has a place in religion, if the churches don‘t stop the government from killing off babies they don’t like, promoting life styles counter productive to civilized society, and care for the poor and down trodden, frankly the aren’t worth having around.

      Report Post »  
    • oneshiner
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:51pm

      If they’re MORAL issues Mz. Obama, you better leave the abortion issue out of it, because Morally, God would not approve of killing the babies like so many of you do.

      Report Post »  
    • dublinthewagons
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:07pm

      I can’t think of anybody better to talk about moral issues than Michelle Obama. Ha ha ha
      How about abortion? Lying? Hypocrites? Taking from others? Aka steeling

      Report Post »  
    • DisgruntledInClinton
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:21pm

      If you talk politics in church, you lose tax exempt status. So, keep it up, Moochelle. When churches rally for Obama, then lose their exemptions, are they still going to like you? Oh, that’s right, Bams will just let them off the hook, like Holder didn’t pursue the New Black Panthers intimidation of white voters at that voting place in Philly. Like when Bams got all of his buddies companys exempted from ObamaTax.

      Report Post »  
    • Realist4U
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:22pm

      While she’s there, she needs to talk to someone about her husband’s “homosexuality.” This is why she feels the need to vacation all the time. She should find a discrete Pastor to see why she isn’t “enough” for Barry.

      Report Post »  
    • brother_ed
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:32pm

      @SWAMPY

      If by ‘churches’ you mean the ‘people who attend church’, then I agree.

      However, the church itself should not be involved. Members should be taught properly and educate themselves as to the candidates and positions, then vote accordingly.

      If we have a moral dilemma in this country, it is because the churches are not properly teaching their members, or the members aren’t researching the candidates, or they are not voting upon the principles they learn.

      I do not want the mega-church down the road becoming a political force, but I don’t mind if the members are.

      Report Post » brother_ed  
    • sWampy
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:50pm

      With the democrats using unions to organize, their sudo secular churches to organize, crony corporations to organize, if the Christians don’t organize against their evil, we are going to be wiped off the face of the earth. The churches should organize and make sure that there are a million men/women on the mall praying for our freedoms and standing up to the evil 24/365.

      Report Post »  
    • rawmilker
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:59pm

      Obama said this in 08 and brought his america hating old hag now the 1st mooch into the conversation: “The National Anthem should be ‘swapped’ for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song ‘I’d Like To Teach the World To Sing’. If that were our anthem, then, I might salute it. In my opinion, we should consider reinventing our National Anthem as well as ‘redesign’ our Flag to better offer our enemies hope and love. It’s my intention, if elected, to disarm America to the level of acceptance to our Middle East Brethren. If we, as a Nation of waring people, conduct ourselves like the nations of Islam, where peace prevails – - – perhaps a state or period of mutual accord could exist between our governments …….”

      When I become President, I will seek a pact of agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity, and a freedom from disquieting oppressive thoughts. We as a Nation, have placed upon the nations ofIslam, an unfair injustice which is WHY my wife disrespects the Flag and she and I have attended several flag burning ceremonies in the past”.
      “Of course now, I have found myself about to become the President of the United States and I have put my hatred aside. I will use my power to bring CHANGE to this Nation, and offer the people a new path..My wife and I loo k forward to becoming our Country’s First black Family. Indeed,CHANGE is about to overwhelm the United States of America

      Report Post » rawmilker  
    • oneshiner
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 5:14pm

      @REALIST
      Good question, Newsweek called him the first Gay President. Google the stories, Interesting.

      Report Post »  
    • apojoe69
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 5:51pm

      Its ok for democrats to talk politics in black churches and to promote a democrat. It is not ok for republicans though, black or white or any other color.

      Report Post »  
    • liberty49
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 6:44pm

      The Progressives like the Clintons and Obamas are not religious. They do not go to church to hear the Word of God. They go to church to stir up the blacks against ‘whitey’. If ALL the Christians would vote the Bible, we could send these frauds back where they came from. Thank God the black pastors now see through Obama and refuse to go against their beliefs just because Obama says to do it. Christians come in all colors and all economic levels. God will be the final judge. I would rather give my tithes to God than to Obamacare.

      Report Post »  
    • Thatsitivehadenough
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 6:44pm

      STFU Mooch. Every time you open your yap, I want to stick my fist in it.

      Report Post » Thatsitivehadenough  
    • drbage
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 6:46pm

      What could you expect from a woman who sat in Rev. Wright’s church for over 20 years and from what you can deduce from various clips the only time Rev. Wright used the word “God,” it was in the context of damning the country? Like her husband, I wonder if she heard or paid attention to anything he said during that time.

      Report Post »  
    • db321
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 7:18pm

      V15 – you don’t have to worry about going to any Church to get Politics, most Churches don’t even teach the Bible much less teach Politics. Other, than a teaching hear and their about the Good Samaritan and turning the other cheek.

      I get 100% of my political Decision, Business Decision, Financial Decision and Family Decisions from the Bible. The Bible has never let me down.

      Most Churches know how to help a person t become born again and collect the offering, but that’s about it. They spend very little time teaching their Congregation how to stay in God’s grace and how to discern a Mighty Power of Evil from the Truth.

      Jesus even warned us that one day we would be deceived by an evil dower, even the elite among us would be deceived. Thank God, Jesus taught us how to discern a false from a true prophet, person, politician, pastor or any man of God.

      Here is the test – it works ever time. Listen carefully, does the Speaker edify God or does he edify himself. Do his work benefit himself or God.

      Apply it to:
      Fast & Furious – does it benefit God or Obama
      Gay Marriage – does it benefit God or Obama
      Abortion – does it benefit God or Obama
      Non Support of Israel – does it benefit God or Obama
      Occupier – does it benefit God or Obama
      Giving GM to the Unions – does it benefit God or Obama
      Obama Care/Tax – does it benefit God or Obama

      Reagan tore down a Wall, so Millions of Jews were free to return to Israel – Reagan was a man used by God to help Gods Pro

      Report Post » db321  
    • Salamander
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 7:49pm

      Sadly, she is not pretending–she simply does not know the difference!

      Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 7:55pm

      @DB321. My sister’s favorite saying: “Find a good church that doesn’t just tickle your ears.”
      Yes, it’s difficult to find one that truly preaches the Word of God.

      Report Post »  
    • jwt
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 8:55pm

      anyone can be in a religion – not many can follow Jesus. Generally the best liar is the ruler of most nations, unless God intervenes. Satan rules this domain and is the father of liars and installs them as leaders

      Report Post »  
    • cosette
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 9:31pm

      Ovomits’ pet wookie speaks. Who knew?

      Report Post »  
    • Old Truckers
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:19pm

      There‘s ’No Place Better’ Than Church to Talk About Political Issues.

      Does Jesus Christ agree with that statement? Hhmmm, I wonder….

      Report Post » Old Truckers  
    • Izzy2626
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 6:58am

      Pavnet

      How about C***T.

      Report Post »  
    • Mike Z4000
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:27am

      Folks you are looking at the face of “EVIL”. And I think the schools should be the right place for the “Ten Commandments”.

      Report Post »  
  • HKS
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:37pm

    A wise man keeps both to himself and a fool does not.

    Report Post » HKS  
  • AnAmericanToo
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:37pm

    Oh good! So does this mean that the Christian leaders can finally get back to speaking about the evils of communism and Marxism from the pulpit? From about 1915 through about 1980s …a major Christian church used to speak about the dangers of creeping communism and Marxism into the US government. These warnings and calls to get their members into action to stand up for the US Constitution and the peoples’ liberties were bold, clear warnings pleading with their people to get involved. Many of them did but not enough apparently. Then in the last 20 – 30 years this same institution began to crush any discussion of ‘politics’ from the pulpit or even within the buildings for fear of losing their IRS Tax EXEMPT status. Will these religious mice now be empowered by the words of Michelle to return to their duties as Watchman on the Wall and warn their sheep about the dangers of the dark clouds of Marxism and Communism?

    Many of these religious leaders had worked within the US government and had seen the creeping of communism and Marxism into the US government. They spoke from personal knowledge but their voices were silenced as the ‘institution’ saw the IRS tax exempt status ….thanks, Michelle….yes! let us be empowered to speak the truth of the amoral systems of Marxism and Communism from the pulpit again!

    Report Post »  
  • jmgair
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:37pm

    Another fine example of the lawlessness of this family and their administration. Could this be the “Change” that they promised finally being delivered to the churches and the separation of church & state.

    Report Post »  
    • Gregb
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 4:48pm

      speaking of separation of “church and state”… could we please have separation of obamas from our government!

      Report Post » Gregb  
    • BeeDee
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 5:55pm

      “Change” is only what they want it to be, not what is decided by the people. Our needs and desires have no place in the world of the Obama’s. “It’s good to be the king!”

      Report Post »  
    • apojoe69
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 5:58pm

      OK. Now lets all vote for Obama because he is half black. Brilliant!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • BehindTheMouth
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:35pm

    Church, doesn’t she mean Mosque or whatever the terrorists meet up in?

    Report Post » BehindTheMouth  
  • welovetheUSA
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:34pm

    Worst first lady ever…………ugh

    Report Post » welovetheUSA  
    • CatB
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:48pm

      Uglyist .. inside and out … and some before have not been attractive (on the outside) but at least were not inside. Moochie has it won .. inside and out.

      Report Post »  
    • subic
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:41pm

      My god, that is one fugly woman, I’ve seen better looking apes in the zoo.

      The obama’s are trying to strip everything that our nation has built in the last 236 years in just 4 years.

      Romney should hold a meeting with white churches and see if they don’t cry foul…haha, some of these blacks crack me up. They just love being kept down on the dem plantation. Pitiful, just pitiful.

      Report Post » subic  
    • Zipit
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 12:44pm

      The pic of her shaking he finger kinda reminds me of Bill Clinton! “I did not have sexual relations with that bag of organic carrots”!!!

      Report Post »  
  • whatthecrazy
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:34pm

    Of course you think its ok moochie seeing as that is all you and odumdum have heard about in church for the last 20 yrs because it sure wasn’t the Almighty God and i do not mean allllalalalalalalalall…………

    Report Post »  
  • SlyFox123
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:33pm

    Hummmmmmmmmmmmm, all of the time I thought church, was about praying to your God, Gezz, the Obama’s seem to be in the middle of EVERY THING. What a shame, lady go to church but don’t try to direct what goes on in and from the pulpit, you have screwed up what we want to eat, leave or religion alone……Thank you,
    You need to get back to the WH, and start packing……getting ready leave that PUBLIC HOUSING, you’ve lived on the public dime long enough!

    Report Post »  
  • Steve28
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:32pm

    I hear fundrising is so tough that Obama and hiring out Michele and the kids as domestics for a day to the highest bidder!

    Report Post »  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:32pm

    1 Corinthians 3:17 – If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:14pm

      If political issues are moral issues, Michelle, why don’t you & your husband show more political
      power by not allowing late term abortions? I consider this very definitely a Moral issue. I’m sure God cries about this, and you’re talking about moral issues in a Christian Church? Get real. If you want morality, you show it from your own life first.

      Report Post »  
    • quarando
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 10:17pm

      Certainly abortion is a moral issue, but so isn’t universal access to healthcare. God would not approve of a system where for-profit corporations are legally allowed to hold a child’s life hostage while the parents bankrupt themselves trying to save their son or daughter. And then these corporations pay the executives big bonuses for denying life saving care. Anybody defending the for-profit healthcare system is not pro-life and has no business calling themselves Christian.

      Report Post »  
  • justangry
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:30pm

    “…unless you’re Catholic”

    Report Post » justangry  
  • perry1980
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:30pm

    I agree. All Christians make sure that everyone in your church is registered to vote and make sure that all your friends are registered to vote in November.

    Report Post »  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:00pm

      I agree also. Christians should be the most informed and wise in their choices. However, our worship services should be just that … worship. Men should have no place then!

      Report Post »  
  • youshuthehellup
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:28pm

    if politics is a moral thing and belongs in church then why doesn’t obama want his girls to be PUNISHED WITH A BABY if they make a “MISTAKE”…?!

    Report Post »  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:39pm

      What a WICKED woman!! THEY (Barrack and Michelle) are trying their best to take away OUR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM and one way they want to break the backs of Churches is TAKE AWAY THEIR TAX FREE status. THIS witch thinks we are so stupid that we’ll begin talking POLITICS in our CHURCHES so THEY can shut us down as NON-PROFITS. DO NOT FALL FOR IT.

      CHURCH IS the place we go to HONOR JESUS CHRIST, understand the life-lessons HE taught us, talk to Him. PEOPLE who go to Church for real understand the moral issues…they are not sheeple to be “told what to do” by some faux preacher like WRIGHT.

      DAMNIT! EVERYTHING these people tout is polar opposite from the truth!!! They are the most unqualified, stupid (CORPSE MAN) , Arrogant, wasteful, uninspiring people ever to occupy the WHITE HOUSE. They obviously think they are above the law. What happened to your Law License Michelle? Yours and Obamas??? LEAVE OUR CHURCHES ALONE. YOU ARE FOOLING NO ONE.

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
  • Dug2Dark
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:28pm

    This is mind blowing from someone who attended rev wright. If I went to a church & the Rev (black or white) was talking this crap, would walk out & never attend again.

    Report Post » Dug2Dark  
    • brother_ed
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:09pm

      @DUG2DARK

      I agree wholeheartedly.

      A person’s politics do not belong in church, but a person’s religion belongs in politics.

      Religion is where you learn your morals; politics is where you use your morals to lead and guide the nation.

      Report Post » brother_ed  
  • USACommoner
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:28pm

    Wait…what…?? Whatever happened to that separation-of-church-and-state thing all you libs are always screaming about? Oh, I see. You guys get to make up the rules as you go along…don’t worry. It isn’t obvious to the American People at all…

    NOVEMBER 6, 2012.

    Report Post » USACommoner  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:24pm

    Yeah, it is okay to discuss politics while at church….unless you’re conservative, then the IRS gets involved.

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • SREGN
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:24pm

    If you don’t believe that God really exists, this makes perfect sense. If you do believe, you go there to worship him.

    Report Post »  
    • CrawfishFestival2
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 1:08am

      she wants everyone to worship obama.
      no wonder the international media exposes what michelle obama is all about = “disgusting”.

      Report Post »  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:17pm

    Of course that is the best place to discuss politics, anything to detract from God. Also, long walks on the beach is a great place to discuss feminine hygiene products, and the park is where you discuss foodstamps.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:15pm

    A very large percentage of black churches are not really churches. They are political cauldrons where black liberation theology is taught and the people are told to vote the demo party line. They are taught hate for white people and the church is a place for political plans and civil rights marches to originate. I have no reverence for black churches nor their pastors.

    Report Post »  
  • elosogrande
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:15pm

    They’re not political issues – they’re moral issues????

    What give any politician or their spouses the right to discuss moral issues? What do they know about morals?

    Report Post »  
  • AvengerK
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:14pm

    This is kind if like “it’s a penalty, not a tax..doesnt’ matter what the court said”.
    See..in Zira’..sorry..Moochele’s world, it’s “what better place to talk about politics..doesn’t matter what the bible said”.

    Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:12pm

    There’s no place better than church to talk about and listen TO GOD. Hellloooo!

    Politics has ruined this country, you big, ugly, gosh awful —————-!

    Report Post »  
  • randy
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:09pm

    Where’s your separation of church and state now libs…. Typical! whatever fits your AGENDA!

    Report Post » randy  
    • CatB
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:46pm

      Why Moochie .. if that is true .. no separation of Church and State (which there isn’t) then their is NO BETTER PLACE FOR GOD than our SCHOOLS!

      OMG 2012 LIBERTY

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:09pm

    I thought your pastor said that you and your husband were NOT church people Michelle. So how would you know?

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Just in time
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:32pm

      Rev. Wright said that Obama was steeped in Islam but knew very little about Christianity. So he explained it too him. He was not converted though. Obama used the church to gather his base of supporters.

      Report Post »  
  • 65Mustang
    Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:08pm

    What would that bitch know about attending church or anything else pertaining to God’s Word?

    Report Post »  
    • Kelly Henderson
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 1:28pm

      She is just like her husband. If folks really knew the person that has been hidden from the American public,she wouldn1t be speaking in a church.Prepare for what is coming around election time.Things arent as they seem.

      Report Post »  
    • jackbauer
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:16pm

      @Kelly
      I believe you are correct in your assessment. The real Obama’s will come out. I still maintain that they will try to keep power regardless of the election results. The election will be won, stolen, or by a forced power grab he will maintain in control. It could be done by a marital law clamp down which would suspend the election all together. Either way he will keep his power. He’s too close to flipping the USA into his Marxist dream state.

      Report Post » jackbauer  
    • GeorgieJo
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 2:37pm

      @KELLY
      I agree. LOOK at Charlie Ethical Rangel in New York.
      They are in court today filing papers for VOTER FRAUD.
      Signatures were duplicated in Indiana in 2008 for BHO
      Didn’t Valerie Jarrett speak in a church in Atlanta talking politics???
      These people have no shame.
      OMG 2012

      Report Post »  
    • Salamander
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 7:54pm

      Frankly, I‘m not so sure that many ’churchgoers‘ would know God’s Word if it bit them on the A$$! I‘m Presbyterian and I’m in a total funk over ‘same sex marriage’! I am NOT homophobic–it just doesn’t make sense to redefine a term that has meant one thing since Adam and Eve! Maybe those that call out ‘homophobe’ are a little ‘heterophobic’? Satan is among us and it is going to take clear heads and steady hands to guide us through these treacherous waters!

      Report Post »  
    • quarando
      Posted on July 2, 2012 at 11:04pm

      Wow? With language and hate like that we are suppose to believe you are a Christian?

      Report Post »  
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