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Billy Graham Done Advising Presidents: Son

But influential pastor supports and would like to pray with Obama

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 7, 2008 2:30 PM CST
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(Newser) – Billy Graham, the pastor who has advised every president since Eisenhower, won’t be counseling Barack Obama, the AP reports. Graham, who turns 90 today and is in failing health, “feels like his time and day for that is over," said Graham’s son Franklin. "He would certainly like to meet Obama and pray with him."

Family and friends celebrated Graham’s birthday at his home in North Carolina. Though his father’s mind remains sharp, his health is fragile, Franklin said. The elder Graham was hospitalized after a fall last month and had elective brain surgery earlier this year. He has been working on a book about aging, hoping to help others cope. "He's ready to die," Franklin said. "But nobody's prepared him for getting old."

Billy Graham, right, arrives with his son, Franklin Graham, left, for a memorial service for Ruth Graham in Montreat, N.C., Saturday, June 16, 2007.
Billy Graham, right, arrives with his son, Franklin Graham, left, for a memorial service for Ruth Graham in Montreat, N.C., Saturday, June 16, 2007.   (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
In this 2007 file photo, Billy Graham listens during a dedication ceremony for the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C.
In this 2007 file photo, Billy Graham listens during a dedication ceremony for the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C.   (AP Photo)
Evangelist Billy Graham addresses the audience from the stage during the Billy Graham Library Dedication Service on May 31, 2007, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Evangelist Billy Graham addresses the audience from the stage during the Billy Graham Library Dedication Service on May 31, 2007, in Charlotte, North Carolina.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Mr.C
Nov 7, 2008 9:52 PM CST
impressive guy what a life
Guest
Nov 7, 2008 8:47 PM CST
Great guy. I only wish his son was like him.

Graham has spent his life globalizing Christian envangelism
AFP

 
Barack Obama • health • Christianity • North Carolina • Billy Graham • pastor • President Obama

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