Michelle Obama: Best Place to Talk Politics? Church

First lady raises eyebrows with speech promoting political engagement
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 2, 2012 2:32 PM CDT

The Obamas might have a checkered history with religion and politics, what with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and the president's "clinging" gaffe. But in a speech last week spotted by CNS News, Michelle Obama told the crowd that there was "no place better" than church to discuss politics. "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 parishioners at the African Methodist Episcopal Church's general conference in Nashville.

"Because ultimately, these are not just political issues—they are moral issues," Obama continued. "They’re issues that have to do with human dignity and human potential." Obama's speech generally focused on civic engagement, urging the crowd to vote and participate in local politics. The Blaze notes that churches are legally barred from venturing too deeply into politics, and that Democrats have oft lamented the religious right's political might. (More Michelle Obama stories.)

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