How George Bush really found Jesus

[kskiska]

The story Bush tells about how Billy Graham converted him is a fable, concocted during the 2000 presidential campaign. Here's the truth.

By Craig Unger

Nov. 08, 2007 | Conventional wisdom has it that George W. Bush became a "born-again" Christian in the summer of 1985, after extended private talks with Reverend Billy Graham. As recounted by Bush himself in "A Charge to Keep: My Journey to the White House," a ghostwritten autobiography prepared for the 2000 presidential campaign, one evening at Walker's Point, the Bush compound in Kennebunkport, Maine, Graham, spiritual confidant to Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan and a close friend of the Bush family, sat down by the fireplace and gave a talk. "I don't remember the exact words," Bush wrote. "It was more the power of his example. The Lord was so clearly reflected in his gentle and loving demeanor."

(snip)

There's just one problem with Bush's account of his conversion experience: it's not true. For one thing, when Billy Graham was asked about the episode by NBC's Brian Williams, he declined to corroborate Bush's account. "I've heard others say that , and people have written it, but I cannot say that," Graham said. "I was with him and I used to teach the Bible at Kennebunkport to the Bush family when he was a younger man, but I never feel that I in any way turned his life around."

Even if one doesn't accept Graham's candid response, there's another good reason to believe that the account in Bush's book is fiction. Mickey Herskowitz, a sportswriter for the Houston Chronicle who became close friends with the Bush family and was originally contracted to ghostwrite "A Charge to Keep," recalled interviewing Bush about it when he was doing research for the book. "I remember asking him about the famous meeting at Kennebunkport with the Reverend Billy Graham...." Herskowitz said. "And you know what? He couldn't remember a single word that passed between them."

Herskowitz was so stunned by Bush's memory lapse that he began prompting him. "It was so unlikely he wouldn't remember anything Billy Graham said, especially because that was a defining moment in his life. So I asked, 'Well, Governor, would he have said something like, "Have you gotten right with God?'"

According to Herskowitz, Bush was visibly taken aback and bristled at the suggestion. "No," Bush replied. "Billy Graham isn't going to ask you a question like that."

more…
http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2007/11/08/house_of_bush/

[Amerigo Vespucci]

1. Bush was "saved" in the coffee shop of a Holiday Inn by a guy with a giant Jesus statue.

The second account of Bush's conversion is contained in two new books about his faith. Both say that more than a year before the seaside chat with Graham, Bush requested a meeting with Arthur Blessitt, an eccentric evangelist known for dragging a 12-foot cross around the world.

David Aikman, author of "A Man of Faith," who confirmed his account with presidential adviser Karl Rove, said Bush and Blessitt sat at a table in the empty Holidome restaurant of a West Texas Holiday Inn. Blessitt's Web site says the following exchange took place:

"If you died this moment, do you have the assurance you would go to heaven?" Blessitt asked.

"No," Bush replied.

"Then let me explain to you how you can have that assurance and know for sure that you are saved," Blessitt said.

"I'd like that," Bush said.

That conversation, which Blessitt's Web site says ended with the two men holding hands and praying for Bush's salvation, sounds much more like a born-again experience than Bush's celebrated talk with Graham. But Bush made no mention of it in his autobiography, and has not discussed it since.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A24634-2004Sep15?language=printer

[napi21]

3. Good God! Is there ANY proof that Shrub has EVER told the truth

about ANYTHING? After reading this, I've been trying to think of SOMETHING he's said since I've known him as Gov. of Tx. I can't think of a damn thing! He really IS a pathological liar!

[Rick Myers]

2. I thought you were going to say he met his lawn guy...

:sarcasm:

[rAVES]

4. He's not just an affront to christianity.. but an affront to all religion

[melody]

5. When his dad was running for office, he made an odd comment for a supposed born-again

The WP asked him what he talked about with his father other than politics. Little George replied "pussy".

Yup, a true born again, he.

[kimmylavin]

6. He was "born again"

when they decided it'd be good for his poll numbers...

[Baby Snooks]

8. You got it...

And the fundamentalists ate it all up. As for Billy Graham's statement about the matter, well, it was merely an indication of his failing memory. We all know only Billy Graham could have saved the spawn from Hell. The problem is, he didn't.

[JDPriestly]

7. I'm expecting Giuliani to suddenly see Jesus any day now.

[Baby Snooks]

9. He doesn't need to...

Pat Robertson has endorsed him. Better than the Pope endorsing him.

[no_hypocrisy]

10. * couldn't teach a first grade Sunday School class with all his supposed

knowledge of the teachings of Jesus.