Billy Graham Done Advising Presidents: Son

President contacted ministers just after announcement

(NEWSER) - In one breath, President Obama endorsed gay marriage last week. In the next, he turned directly to a contingent of supporters likely to be offended by that endorsement: Obama called up a number of ministers to explain his views and get feedback, the New York Times reports. On a conference call with African-American religious leaders, several noted that they were troubled by the news and were unsure they could back him in November. "Gay marriage is contrary to their understanding of Scripture,” says one of the ministers. “There are people who are really wrestling with this." More»

Decision could cause problems during election in key states

(NEWSER) - President Obama’s official embrace of gay marriage will certainly energize some of his supporters, but it’s also sure to give him grief in these seven states, as rounded up by Politico :

• North Carolina: As evidenced by the recently-passed constitutional amendment banning it, gay marriage is not very popular with voters here. And North Carolina is not only a swing state—it will also host this year’s Democratic National Convention.
• Florida: To put it bluntly, senior citizens don’t tend to like gay marriage. Plus, a high percentage of them vote, and a large number of them live in Florida. An anti-gay marriage amendment passed by a landslide in 2008.

Only 12% said he was Christian in Public Policy Polling survey

(NEWSER) - Despite years of assertions to the contrary, a chunk of voters continue to believe that Barack Obama is a Muslim. Mediaite noticed this nugget in this morning's Public Policy Polling survey from Alabama and Mississippi: Asked what religion the president is, a whopping 45% of GOP voters in Alabama, and 52% in Mississippi said "Muslim." Only 14% in Alabama and 12% in Mississippi said "Christian," with the rest unsure. More»

Action on curbs didn't make final cut, leaving 'very big loophole'

(NEWSER) - Turns out the big health care reform bill doesn't actually rein in those out-of-control premium rate hikes. The Democrats used outrage over whopping increases to corral support for the overhaul, but the bill doesn't deliver, finds the Los Angeles Times , because it doesn't give the government the regulatory authority. "It is a very big loophole in health reform," says Sen. Dianne Feinstein. More»

Year and many headaches later, prez is still puffing

(NEWSER) - Waaait a minute. Didn't the president say he was going to kick? Obama is in excellent shape, according to his annual physical. But despite his healthy diet and regular workouts, he can't seem to ditch the occasional coffin nail. The First Doctor's report says that he's using "nicotine replacement therapy" in a bid to quit smoking but doesn't go into specifics, the Christian Science Monitor reports. More»