I want to share a correspondence that has taken place between myself and Senator Obama. Since I closed the DNC with a benediction, people have asked whether I know the Senator and whether we’ve met. Barack Obama and I have had an ongoing e-mail correspondence for several months, the bulk of which I have posted for you.
It all started when I attended a rally here in Portland at which more than 75,000 people showed to support the Senator. Somehow, I managed to get a spot close to the stage and during his speech the Senator pointed at me and told me “Yes, I could,” something I think he stole from the Black Eyed Pea’s, but oh well. Anyway, I was moved by the speech, but I had questions. I can do what? At the time, I was trying to pick paint colors for the living room, but was frozen between Icelandic Blue and Mossy-Rock Green.
To my amazement, Barack e-mailed me shortly thereafter. I don’t know if it is appropriate to share our personal correspondence, but I offer it to you anyway. I’ve posted Barack’s e-mails followed by my responses.
FIRST E-MAIL FROM BARACK:
Dear Donald,
You did it!
Not just yesterday, but every day for more than a year, you did what the cynics said we couldn’t do.
You said the time has come to get beyond the same old tactics that divide and distract us, and you gave people a reason to believe again.
We’re within reach of the nomination, and we are ready to take this country in a new direction.
Thank you for your continued support, and for everything you’ve done to make this possible.
Barack
MY RESPONSE:
Mr. Obama,
Wow. I’m shocked. How did you get my e-mail address? I gave my e-mail address to a cute hippie with a clip board. Did you get my address from her? Do you know her? Can you ask her to call me? Anyway, no biggie, just cool that you wrote.
I wanted to talk to you after the rally but the guy with the curly earphones said you were busy. As for your e-mail, I don’t remember saying “the time has come to get beyond the same old tactics that divide and distract us,” but that’s exactly how I feel. I say a lot of things I don’t remember. My roommate Jordan said I said he could eat my leftover calzone from Pizzicatta but I don’t remember saying that and I know I was planning on having it for breakfast the next day.
Anyway, I hear you are going to Europe. I was thinking about trying to get over there myself but the exchange rate is nuts. My friend Karl said he paid nine bucks for a pint. That’s out of my league. Are you backpacking? Staying in hostels? Watch out in Amsterdam, that place is crazy. Write back about that hippie girl.
I gotta go.
Don
SECOND E-MAIL FROM BARACK:
Donald –
Right now you have a unique opportunity to go head-to-head with George W. Bush.
This week, John McCain and George Bush gathered behind closed doors, away from the cameras, to raise money for McCain’s campaign.
McCain used Bush to raise a reported $3.5 million from a group of about 500 Republican contributors.
That’s a lot of money that will undoubtedly be used to attack us and make the case to continue George Bush’s policies.
John McCain can run from the cameras, but he can’t hide from the fact he’s aiming to continue George Bush’s policies for a disastrous third term.
Let’s show that we’re ready to take him on. Donate to the campaign today.
Thank you,
Barack
MY RESPONSE:
Barack, dude, that first line freaked me out. For a second I was like, no way, he’s surrounded by secret service. And then I was picturing some kind of fight club in the basement of the White House where Dick Cheney and Karl Rove pummel each other in order to “feel.” Did you see that movie? Chuck Palhniuk is from Portland, you know. He’s a bit strange.
To be honest, man, I’m strapped for cash right now. I bought a couple t-shirts at the rally and a bumper-sticker but that’s all the money I had. I should have some money coming in next week and I’ll float you something. Do you need to pick up a flag pin? I’ve got one if you need it. It was my uncles.
Later,
Don
P.S. My friends call me Don, so it’s cool.
THIRD E-MAIL FROM BARACK:
Donald –
I’m about to take the stage in St. Paul and announce that we have won the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.
It’s been a long journey, and we should all pause to thank Hillary Clinton, who made history in this campaign. Our party and our country are better off because of her.
It’s going to take hard work, but thanks to you and millions of other donors and volunteers, no one has ever been more prepared for such a challenge.
Thank you for everything you’ve done to get us here. Let’s keep making history.
Barack
MY RESPONSE:
Barack,
Sorry I missed your e-mail. Did you already give your speech? Do you get this on an I-Phone? My friend Wade and me (he was standing next to me at the Portland rally) ran down to the river because somebody said Starbucks was giving away Frappacino’s. Half true, though. It was just free samples. But Wade and I kept walking around this pole to get back in line and I filled up half a Nalgene before they told me to stop.
Very cool about Hillary. Sometimes you just have to talk it through, you know. I just think it’s cool you guys can be friends. I’m not married but I know my married friends are always looking for other couples to hang out with.
Let me know how that speech went.
Don
P.S. Also, did you give Al Gore my e-mail address? It’s cool, I just hadn’t heard from him before. We’re friends on facebook, but what does that mean anymore. And please, everybody calls me Don.
An E-Mail from Michelle Obama, came shortly after I was asked to give the closing prayer at the DNC.
FIRST E-MAIL FROM MICHELE OBAMA:
Donald –
Barack likes to tell a story about the two of us standing backstage before his speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention.
The way he tells it, he was too busy in the days before the convention to feel any pressure — but about an hour before the speech, I could tell he was getting a little nervous.
To break the tension, right before he went out on stage I leaned in close and said, “Just don’t screw it up, buddy.”
We laughed. And then Barack brought the house down.
Barack’s speech at this year’s convention will be a culmination of the unlikely journey that has brought all of us so far over the past 17 months.
Seeing it in person will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m excited about being there, and if you make a donation of $5 or more before the deadline, you could join Barack backstage. Donate today and you will be registered to join us!
Thanks for everything you’ve done to get us here.
Michelle
MY RESPONSE:
Mrs. Obama,
It’s a pleasure to hear from you. You look lovely all the time. Are we all going to hang out in Denver? I think it’s awesome they asked me to pray.
I just want you to know, I’m not one of those cigar-smoking guys that is going to have your husband out on the back deck shooting b.b. guns till midnight. I don’t know if you made contact to try to feel me out or not, but I’m not like that. I like a cigar every once in a while, but it’s not that big of a deal.
That is awesome what you said to Barack before the 2004 speech, about not screwing it up. That was the first time I saw him speak and I was blown away. But could you not say that to me before my prayer? Please. I just get really, really nervous. I nearly wet my pants before that talk at Harvard. I know it’s just a three-minute prayer, but could you just kind of nod at me when it’s my turn to walk out there? I am just going to listen to my headphones beforehand, like Michael Phelps.
Also, I don’t have to follow him, do I? He’s not going to do the yes you can one, is he? Think he’d be willing to tone it down a bit, so I don’t look bad?
I look forward to meeting you. I don’t hardly watch football anymore. Just on Sundays, and never when I am at somebody else’s house. No biggie, just saying.
Sincerely,
Donald
P.S. So do I have to register to get a pass. A lady named Kitty called and said there would be a packet at the hotel. What room are you guys in?
FINAL E-MAIL FROM BARACK:
Donald –
As you may have heard, 10 supporters will be joining me backstage before I accept the nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
The people who make up our movement are of all different ages, races, and backgrounds — and these folks are no different.
They each bring their own unique perspectives and experience, and they are united by their hunger for change.
If you cannot make it to Denver, you can get together with your friends and family and watch my acceptance speech at a Convention Watch Party.
Thank you for your belief in our ability to bring real change to this country. You continue to grow and strengthen our movement in ways no one thought possible.
Barack
MY RESPONSE:
Barack,
Cool about the other guys. Are they fraternity guys? It’s just not my crowd, that’s all. But no big deal.
I can make it to Denver. I told Michelle but she hasn’t e-mailed back. Kitty said my rehearsal would be on Sunday and I could use the teleprompter. Do they control the text from the sound-booth or can you scroll up and down with a button of your own? Have you ever looked through the teleprompter and got eye-locked with somebody and messed up?
Are the other guys giving a prayer, too?
It’s really cool you guys invited me to come. It’s an honor, to be honest. I think it’s great that you pray. I pray too. Tell Michelle I say hello. See you soon.
Sincerely,
Donald
P.S. Can you get Hannah Montana tickets? They aren’t for me, they’re for my niece. I told her I would ask.
•••••
So that’s it. I’m not saying we’re best friends, but I think he’s a pretty good guy for making contact and keeping in touch.
The convention was great. I actually did meet Michelle Obama and she was striking and friendly. She, her brother Craig, and the Obama children came into a room where I was sitting backstage, and for a few minutes it was just us. It was so strange to see this woman who was about to go out and address the nation and I’m telling you, she wasn’t nervous at all. She was just another mother hanging out with her kids. I don’t know how she remained so composed. It was really an honor to be back there.
So this is the new blog. I’ll try to keep it light and funny, because I’m not big on controversy. I think most of it is hype, to be honest. But if you want to chime in, I’ve finally got a way for you to leave comments.
Best,
Don
Tags: don miller blog, don miller national democratic convention barack obama president portland oregon
[...] Donald and Barack Exchange E-mails [...]
[...] August 29, 2008 at 6:58 am (Uncategorized) (dnc, donald miller, obama, prayer) Classic [...]
That was fantastic dude. I know how it goes schmoozing with politicians, some of my family members correspond via email with McCain in the same way!
Don,
i totally respect you as an artist and this email conversation is no different. i thank you for letting us see clearly between the lines.
there have been many prophets who sat with kings and their names are not recorded. Do you know why?
in HIM
bryan
Your prayer was excellent. It has gotten lots of praise. Can I use it?
Hilarious! Thanks for keeping the tone of this whole mess light and right. God loves us all!!!
I didn’t watch the speech so don’t know if you really did a benediction or not. But I did read your letters to Barack and was delighted to learn that you’re still not married. Someone threw me into a depression a while back saying that you were. I teach English ‘literature’ in a highschool in Lebanon. You need to get out of America and discover the world. Come to Beirut and, if you play your cards right, I could get you a book-reading at my school.
Hey- its so cool that you’re chillin’ with the Obamas, trading emails and all.
I just wanted you to know that I’ve loved your writing since the original Prayer and the Art of VW Maintenance, long before Blue Like Jazz made you all famous. Sure, I picked it up in the discount rack, next to a can of beans, but that’s often where one finds the best stuff.
I’m thrilled that more people have discovered your work.
Don, I don’t know what to say. Barack seems like an okay bloke, just, look into it all. Don’t be taken back by his “charm” and “whit”.
I’m sure you already realize this, but just to state the obvious…the letters from the Obamas were chain letters. I doubt they even wrote them.
In light of that, your responses were particularly hilarious.
I didn’t really like your prayer…I generally don’t like televised prayers. They don’t come off to me as real. And we disagree on some important issues. But I do appreciate your kindness, compassion, and your humor.
May God continue to bless you as you seek to glorify his Son in all that you do.
HILARIOUS!!
Wow – exchanging emails with Obama! You’ve inspired me – I’m gonna email Sarah Palin right now and I know we’ll be BFF’s soon! Thanks!
Dear Don,
Very clever post, although I would not expect any less from your writing as I have read all of your books and they continue to provide a consistent dose of enlightenment, wit and thought provoking opportunities. I enjoyed your prayer which you delivered at the DNC and praise you for taking the “high road” through the assorted controversy and hype. Had you mentioned to your buddy Paul during one of your road ramblings in your VW van that some day you would be giving the benediction at the DNC I am sure he would have accused you of getting a bad batch of rice and beans!
My company will be establishing their headquarters in Portland within the next year. We will be developing renewable energy projects among other assorted ventures which we hope will make a difference in peoples lives. One of my objectives is to establish relationships with local and regional non profits in an effort to assist them with their goals through our financial and professional support. That being said, I contacted Wade at the Belmont Foundation a few weeks back and will be meeting with him next week to discuss how we can be of assistance to their efforts.
I have a special connection with the fatherless as both my son and myself come from fatherless homes. To own a Dragon hit home for us.
I look forward to meeting with Wade next week. I hope to be able to meet with you in person at some point in our journey.
I also attend Imago Dei when I am in Portland and consider this my home church. When in California, I listen to Ricks weekly sermons via podcasts.
Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do.
Best,
Paula
Wow… its a bit of a rough crowd here isn’t it… but perhaps that is a GOOD thing? This isn’t really about Don is it? It’s about us?
I personally think its cool that Don can throw up a blog and get 300 comments in a day. Isn’t that the beauty of his writing? That God has used him to really reach across a lot of barriers… so some call him hero and others heretic? And I don’t “know” Don… but I have met him, and I would bet he just wants to mostly get out of the way for the sake of Jesus.
I am a recovering ex-Religious Right guy… I don’t really know how I would “label” myself now… but I think in the end, Republicans and Dobson and I myself have done more to hurt the Kingdom than Obama could do. Not sure who I will vote for.
The truth is aren’t we Christians to blame for all of this mess? Each and every one of us. We haven’t loved people enough. We had a chance to impact people at the level of the heart in the last few decades especially, but we blew it. We got more interested in cars and trips and nice houses and big churches, and home schooling and “protecting” something. We got so hung up on issues like abortion and homosexuality, and those sorts of things that we really forgot to love people enough? I know I did. And so now we have reached this sad point where quite a few people will hear the name “Jesus” and think something horrible. I think if I was a non-Christian, I would think most Christians are very selfish.
I guess I believe that Jesus is neither Republican nor Democrat… and I think he would find plenty to absolutely love and rip apart in BOTH platforms.
Don writes books. He writes books. Books that help people to get into a deeper relationship with Jesus. You have views, Don has views. Aren’t we all just jealous that Don has a larger forum for his views than we do? And isn’t it possible that Don is exactly where he needs to be and that God has put him there? That Don “gets it” and we don’t. That the tide has turned and we are a post-Christian nation, and that this has become a MORE liberal and “Democratic” nation and Don being in the midst of this as a voice of sincere faith in Jesus is a great thing?
Don praying at the DNC, supporting Obama (he does… google his interview with Christianity Today regarding his praying at the DNC/or read the early entries in his bike blog), wanting to elicit change in our country… none of those are anti-Christian. Are we all so self-absorbed in our own fragile ideologies and interpretation of what is most important that if one of our favorite authors differs from us on some points that the world falls apart? God is bigger than this.
And isn’t it a little easy to pick apart and criticize certain things about someone elses prayer. I mean… gosh… what would you say when the entire nation is your audience and you feel like you have got one good shot…? I think I would pee my pants. I’m just glad he mentioned Jesus. There was a lot to balance… I think he did it well.
I think Don is a really good guy. And having heard him speak I know he is a sincere follower of Jesus Christ. He has some different ways of viewing the world. He is imperfect, and so am I, and so are you. He is just a man. And I am confident Don knows that.
Just my thoughts… sorry for the long post.
Hey Don,
Were you on a flight from Dallas to San Diego on Aug 28? Strange question I know, I was on that flight reading blue like jazz and a guy who may or may not have been you told me it was a good book. He had a big gotee, so I dont know.
Don, just wanted to thank you for your words in the benediction.
You did a great job and loved your emails to Mr. Obama. Keep making the most impact for the Kingdom. Blessings!
Donald – those emails from Barack seemed very canned to me. Like a blast-out email he would send with a mailer program – using a list of names.
Your responses seemed so, how can I put this…really dumb. I don’t intend to sound mean, but either you edited out a bunch of stuff or your replies were off-topic and didn’t seem to make much sense to me…mostly I guess because he never answered any of your questions. That cute hippy chick was getting everyone’s name and email address so Barack could hit you with an email blast…
Maybe I just don’t get it…
By the way, have you heard the song “Cult of Personality” by Living Color? That sums up Barack for me. He is all personality and no substance. He is a charmer – and you know what Proverbs says about charm – it is deceitful.
Barack has accomplished nothing of substance…has very little experience and is running on his personality. I feel sorry for so many who are being deceived by him.
OBAMA’S “NOT EXACTLY’S”
1.) Selma Got Me Born – NOT EXACTLY, your parents felt safe enough to have you in 1961 – Selma had no effect on your birth, as Selma was in 1965. (Google’ Obama Selma ‘ for his full March 4, 2007 speech and articles aboutits various untruths.)
2.) Father Was A Goat Herder – NOT EXACTLY, he was a privileged, well educated youth, who went on to work with the Kenyan Government.
3.) Father Was A Proud Freedom Fighter – NOT EXACTLY, he was part of one of the most corrupt and violent governments Kenya has ever had.
4.) My Family Has Strong Ties To African Freedom – NOT EXACTLY, your cousin Raila Odinga has created mass violence in attempting to overturn a legitimate election in 2007, in Kenya It is the first widespread v iolence in decades. The current government is pro-American but Odinga wants to overthrow it and establish Muslim Sharia law. Your half-brother, Abongo Obama, is Odinga’s follower. You interrupted your New Hampshire campaigning to speak to Odinga on the phone. Obama’s cousin Odinga in Kenya ran for president and tried to get Sharia muslim law in place there. When Odinga lost the elections, his followers have burned Christians’ homes and then burned men, women and children alive in a Christian church where they took shelter.. Obama SUPPORTED his cousin before the election process here started. Google Obama and Odinga and see what you get. No one wants to know the truth.
5.) My Grandmother Has Always Been A Christian – NOT EXACTLY, she does her daily Salat prayers at 5am according to her own interviews. Not to mention,Christianity wouldn’t allow her to have been one of 14 wives to 1 man.
6.) My Name is African Swahili – NOT EXACTLY, your name is Arabic and ‘Baraka’ (from which Barack came) means ‘blessed’ in that language. Hussein is also Arabic and so is Obama.
Barack Hussein Obama is not half black. If elected, he would be the first Arab-American President, not the first black President. Barack Hussein Obama is 50% Caucasian from his mother’s side and 43.75% Arabic and 6.25% African Negro from his father’s side. While Barack Hussein Obama’s father was from Kenya , his father’s family was mainly Arabs.. Barack Hussein Obama’s father was only 12.5% African Negro and 87.5% Arab (his father’s birth certificate &n bsp;even states he’s Arab, not African Negro). From….and for more….go to…..
http://www.arcadeathome.com/newsboy.phtml?Barack_Hussein_Obama_-_Arab-American,_only_6.25%25_African
7.) I Never Practiced Islam – NOT EXACTLY, you practiced it daily at school, where you were registered as a Muslim and kept that faith for 31 years, until your wife made you change, so you could run for office. 4-3-08 Article “Obama was ‘quite religious in islam’ http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=60559
8 .) My School In Indonesia was Christian – NOT EXACTLY, you were registered as Muslim there and got in trouble in Koranic Studies for making faces (check your own book). February 28, 2008. Kristoff from the New York Times a year ago: Mr.Obama recalled the opening lines of the Arabic call to prayer, reciting them with a first-rate accent. In a remark that seemed delightfully uncalculated (it’ll give Alabama voters heart attacks), Mr. Obama described the call toprayer as “one of the prettiest sounds on Earth at sunset.” This is just one example of what Pamela is talking about when she says “Obama’s narrative is being altered, enhanced and manipulated to whitewash troubling facts.”
9.) I Was Fluent In Indonesian – NOT EXACTLY, not one teacher says you could speak the language.
10. ) Because I Lived In Indonesia , I Have More Foreign Experience – NOT EXACTLY, you were there from the ages of 6 to 10, and couldn’t even speak the language. What did you learn, how to study the Koran and watch cartoons.
11.) I Am Stronger On Foreign Affairs – NOT EXACTLY, except for Africa (surprise) and the Middle East (bigger surprise), you have never beenanywhere else on the planet and thus have NO experience with our closest allies.
12.) I Blame My Early Drug Use On Ethnic Confusion- NOT EXACTLY, you were quite content in high school to be Barry Obama, no mention of Kenya and no mention of struggle to identify – your classmates said you were just fine.
13.) An Ebony Article Moved Me To Run For Office – NOT EXACTLY, Ebony has yet to find the article you mention in your book. It doesn’t, and never did, exist.
14.) A Life Magazine Article Changed My outlook on Life – NOT EXACTLY, Life has yet to find the article you men tion in your book. It doesn’t, and never did, exist.
15.) I Won’t Run On A National Ticket In ‘08 – NOT EXACTLY, here you are, despite saying, live on TV, that you would not have enough experience by then, and you are all about having experience first.
16.) Voting “Present” is Common In Illinois Senate – NOT EXACTLY, they are common for YOU, but not many others have 130 NO VOTES.
17.) Oops, I Misvoted – NOT EXACTLY, only when caught by church groups and Democrats, did you beg to change your misvote.
18.) I Was A Professor Of Law – NOT EXACTLY, you were a senior lecturer ON LEAVE.
19.) I Was A C onstitutional Lawyer – NOT EXACTLY, you were a senior lecturer ON LEAVE.
20.) Without Me, There Would Be No Ethics Bill – NOT EXACTLY, you didn’t write it, introduce it, change it, or create it.
21.) The Ethics Bill Was Hard To Pass – NOT EXACTLY, it took just 14 days from start to finish.
22.) I Wrote A Tough Nuclear Bill – NOT EXACTLY, your bill was rejected by your own party for its pandering and lack of all regulation – mainlybecause of your Nuclear donor, Exelon, from which David Axelrod came.
23.) I Have Released My State Records – NOT EXACTLY, as of March, 2008, state bills you sponsored or voted for have yet to be released, exposing all the special interests pork hidden within.
24.) I Took On The Asbestos Altgeld Gardens Mess – NOT EXACTLY, you were part of a large group of people who remedied Altgeld Gardens . You failed to mention anyone else but yourself, in your books.
25.) My Eco nomics Bill Will Help America – NOT EXACTLY, your 111 economic policies were just combined into a proposal which lost 99-0, and even YOU voted against your own bill.
26.) I Have Been A Bold Leader In Illinois – NOT EXACTLY, even your own supporters claim to have not seen BOLD action on your part.
27.) I Passed 26 Of My Own Bills In One Year – NOT EXACTLY, they were not YOUR bills, but rather handed to you, after their creation by a fellowSenator, to assist you in a future bid for higher office.
28.) No One on my campaign contacted Canada about NAFTA – NOT EXACTLY, the Candian Government issued the names and a memo of the conversation your campaign had with them.
29.) I Am Tough On Terrorism – NOT EXACTLY, you missed the Iran Resolution vote on terrorism and your good friend Ali Abunimah supports the destruction of Israel
30.) I Want All Votes To Count – NOT EXACTLY, you said let the delegates decide.
31.) I Want Americans To Decide – NOT EXACTLY, you prefer caucuses that limit the vote, confuse the voters, force a public vote, and only operate during small windows of time.
32.) I passed 900 Bills in the State Senate – NOT EXACTLY, you passed 26, most of which you didn’t write yourself.
33.) I Believe In Fairness, Not Tactics – NOT EXACTLY, you used tactics to eliminate Alice Palmer from running against you.
34.) I Don’t Take PAC Money – NOT EXACTLY, you take loads of it.
35.) I don’t Have Lobbysists – NOT EXACTLY, you have over 47 lobbyists, and counting.
36.) My Campaign Had Nothing To Do With The 1984 Ad – NOT EXACTLY, your own campaign worker made the ad on his Apple in one afternoon.
37.) I Have Always Been Against Iraq – NOT EXACTLY, you weren’t in office to vote against it AND you have voted to fund it every single time.
38.) I Have Always Supported Universal Health Care – NOT EXACTLY, your plan leaves us all to pay for the 15,000,000 who don’t have to buy it.
GOD HELP US IF WE JUST SIT IDLY BY AND LET THIS PERSON BECOME OUR NEXTPRESIDENT. IT WOULD BE SUICIDAL FOR US TO DO NOTHING TO PREVENT THIS
FROM HAPPENING. PASS THIS ON TO ALL THE ONES YOU VALUE, JUST AS I AM DOING. IT’S TIME THE “SILENT MAJORITY” TAKE A STAND! GET OUT AND VOTE! PLEASE!
Best To You – Slim
duuuuuuuuude! you are IN!
Donald,
Since you live in Portland, and it’s sort of near Alaska, and I grew up in Alaska, and my cousins live in Vancouver, WA, and that’s REALLY near Portland, what do you think of Sarah Palin?
An automated response will do. I know you are a famous writer and all that, but just writing on your blog makes me feel important.
You prayed at the DNC? I was watching Prison Break. sorry I missed it.
God bless you. Loved your books (seriously),
stevievan
Don,
That was frickin’ funny! Thanks for the laugh. Also, seriously, thanks for bringing this whole conversation about politics and evangelicals to the forefront. I loved your interview with CT (posted it on my blog, hope that’s OK). Regardless of where you stand politically, it’s high time we got ourselves out of the parties’ pockets and begin framing the debate in our own context.
Joe
This is too dang funny. I love that you have this new blog, I look forward to laughing at your wit and all else that your writing provides.
JD
Don
Interesting to follow the trail of your ‘correspondence’ with senator Obama. The whole American presidential system is so fascinating and even bizarre….things happening very differently in Australia. Having said that I’m aware that who wins this election will impact greatly on our nation too and for that reason I hope Obama wins.
Anyway….Keep writing! You’re brilliant.
Marcia
donald… Props to you on blue like jazz! Um but respect for you definitely stops at your politics. You have no sense of principle in my opinion. I would think you a ron Paul kinda guy but barack? Seriously man. And is it really difficult for you to figure out that he obviously was not writing those emails???? Those were definitely mass emails. He never addressed any of your dumb comments. Seriously! You have the opportunity to talk with a man who is EXTREMELY influential and you seem to go out of your way to talk about stupid crap. It seems like you try really hard to sound simple. You should take yourself more serious. And try looking into Thomas Sowell, Shelby Steele, and Milton Friedman to get some of your misperceptions of this world and inequality and injustice straightened out. You should really get a clue. Who writes a great book, has a great revelation on love, and then strikes into the world acting like he’s in junior high? Think before you speak or write… Actually, think before you think!!
Slim – you must see the movie Spinal Tap right away – I think you will find it so realistic.
Loved the emails!! I’m jealous of people who can believe in this guy – I am winsome for their optimism.
That was very, very funny. Thanks for that.
P.S. You wouldn’t sell my email address, would you? Because I gave you my good one.
Don, I really appreciate the satire and light-hearted nature of your blog. Very creative I must say. I mean, really it’s brilliant how you call out the foolishness of the political institution, as well as bring to light the absolute necessity of the individual to be heard and cared for in a personal way. Remember to keep praying, striving for justice and maintaining peace, which are all good things to continue to do. Peace and blessings to you, my friend.
Holy crap, Don. This cracked me up.
Let’s have coffee. Next time you’re in Tennessee – hit me up.
[...] This is probably one of the most insightful and funny things I’ve read in a long time. [...]
Wow…brilliant! When do we get to see your thread with McCain? The prayer was fantastic! I love your heart, man…
You’ve probably seen this already, but just in case, (or it’s totally worth another watch).
http://superforestnyc.blogspot.com/2008/08/barack-obama-sistable.html
If you came to my house on a Sunday, you could watch really good football – we have that here in Fort Worth (because of our friends and soon-to-be-Super-Bowl-champs the Dallas Cowboys). We have it on Friday nights too. But then, you probably remember that. Do they even play football in the Northwest? I am concerned about your Texanness devolving to where you don’t watch football at friends’ houses anymore. Maybe it’s time to come home and re-up your membership.
Don,
I have been reading your books. Blue Like jazz first and now I’m on to Searching For God Knows What. Blue Like Jazz was my favorite. It was recommended to me by my pastor Brandon Dickerson from Ecclesia church in Hollywood. I have never met him just e-mailed once and he mentioned your book. I haven’t been to church in a while though cus I signed up for “clean team” (cleaning the bathrooms and such every random Sunday morning) and I have had to cancel so many times. I guess I’m a little embarrassed I couldn’t keep my commitment. I’m sure God dosen’t mind so much and would rather me in the seats Sunday then sleeping in. I do love Ecclesia. Anyway, I am glad to be able to write you here, hope you read it and shoot me an e-mail (skeewat@aol.com). When I heard you were making a movie of Blue Like Jazz I searched the internet for info on it. Had it been made yet, who’s casting, ect.. didn’t really find much info. I could play anyone of the female characters. Maybe it’s already in the can but if not… can I audition for you? Ha!
It would be nice to believe we’re not in a certain party’s “pocket” but when we cast our vote, there we are- pocket dust and power lust.
No, it’s not a laughing matter, not even slightly humorous. We vote our conscience and pray for the winners. On the other hand, if we stick our neck out too far, we’re in hot water before we know it!
Where do we draw the line between the walk of faith and the walk of hype? I don’t know. I’m just asking.
Blue Like Jazz…one of my all-time favs. Thought your emails to Barack were hilarious. Myself? I’ve received tons from Huckabee, but sadly very little time to respond. He doesn’t seem like his feelings were hurt though.
BTW, Slim, I appreciate the info on Obama… he’s TOO polished and makes my skin crawl.
big deal…chuck schumer, nancy pellosi AND hillary clinton have all emailed me personally…i’m sure its just a matter of time before barak (notice how i call him by his first name) contacts me as well.
Hilarious? YES? Helpful? Not so much. When your email promised to share the emails between you and Barak I was thrilled… I was very much wanting to read how you bridge the gap between so much of what Barak stands for socially and what Jesus stands for on those same social issues…you are too smart not to understand the concerns of other Bible believing Christians and if there is more substance than just idealistic words than I’d love to hear someone like you address them. You have an insider’s understanding of how the other half of us Christians feel on social issues and if we could isolate specific issues, let’s just go with abortion— if you are going to vote for and openly endorse someone with the most aggressive pro choice record it would be nice for me to have an understanding of how you got past that. For obvious reasons I cannot address each issue that concerns me. You, however, can and you know the hot button issues and where you see redeeming value to overcome these, it would sure be nice to have you share it.
with love from your sister in Christ,
DEB, I’m curious: Have you read much Liberatiohn Theology? It’s pretty incredible actually, learning to read Scripture and practice spirituality ‘from below,’ with the poor. It’s not the only place where I hang my hat, but it’s been quite the education. It’s like I’ve been given my Bible back, not to mention my faith.
Um…editor’s note: While LiberatioHn theology is all the rage these days (the cutting edge really), Liberation Theology is worth looking into too.
Don Miller, I’ve read each of your books twice. Searching is my favorite. Some nights I sit back with a highlighter and pen in hand and it really feels like you’ve written every word for me while I annotate in reply all over the margins.
You speak to my heart in such an incredible way.
“Liberation Theology” huh? Seems to me our lack is in the area of spiritual poverty. Seems to me “liberaton theology” would first and foremost bring to mind that “it is for liberty Christ has set us free.” If we could only get that, myself included, I believe the “good works” would follow in increasing progression.
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Well…I THOUGHT the post was incredibly funny, but the comments you received are just as amusing! Especially the ones trying to clarify the impersonal responses from your buddy, Barack. Wonderful!!
This was a refreshing bit of satire amidst all of the self-aggrandizing of the political season. As far as I’m concerned, your politics are your own and don’t need any justification. Just don’t ever lose that wit.
blessings!
I love how many people miss simple satire. Have we lost our sense of humor. Or does political talk just make us wayyyyyy too serious. A little levity goes a long way in politics. Especially since we have like 65 for serious, consuming days of all of this.
I would never have read any of your books if I’d known you were dumb enough to think these were personal emails. You are truly dense.
To me those emails back and forth sound a lot like prayers between God and us,…He calls out to us and we without any intimacy call back in a religous sort of way. What a metaphor! I really needed the laugh too, yesterday we rode out hurricane Gustav, please pray for us down here along the Gulf Coast as our daily struggles continue on and the spiritual war wages on.
Take Care
Rob
freakin’ hilarious…
I have long been a Donald Miller fan. I first started reading your books when you spoke at Belmont University. I have read each one several times and consider them important pieces of my spirtual development. When I saw that you were giving the closing pray at the DNC, I was not really surprised. But now reading your blog and finding out that you are a Obama supporter is a bit surprising. I agree with you on some of the points you made in your interview, but I do not feel that Obama is going to be the answer to those issues. I am just surprised that you would take such an open interest in supporting him. I am sure you knew before blogging about this that there would be a clear division between people who love your writing and have come to consider you a friend through your writing. There are those who completely agree and of course those who completely disagree. And maybe a few like myself who sit somewhere in the middle. It seems that you know the issues and know where you stand on them, but your support of Obama feels sort of like a hollywood socialite with an “Obama is my Homeboy” t-shirt. Just someone else using whatever influence they have to try to get easily influneced Americans (or even younger voters) to vote for someone. I do not think you supporting Obama is wrong, and I do not necessarily think you speaking openly about that support is wrong. I’m just afraid you may have crossed a line with people who hold your writings very close to their hearts.
don, you have got to be crazy if you think it was actually barack or michelle writing and sending you those emails. campaigners for obama? Yes. barack himself? no.
Hi Pam,
With all respect, it is folks like you and me with decent incomes who have the luxury to muse that “our main problem is ’spiritual poverty.’” And spiritual poverty is very real, don’t get me wrong. But material poverty is spiritual too, is what I’m learning I guess. The great news: We each get one of the synoptics! In one Gospel, Jesus says ‘blessed are you poor.’ In the other, he says ‘blessed are the poor in spirit.’
I guess this debate has been going on for awhile.
Don, you are the new Lazlo Toth!