NEW YORK (AP) - Glenn Beck, the man behind Saturday's rally at the site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech, has built an empire around his own voice that grew exponentially with his move to Fox News Channel and President Barack Obama's election to the White House.
Beck has become a soundtrack for conservative activists and members of the tea party movement, angry and frustrated with Obama and other Democrats in a highly charged election year. Beck suggests Obama is a socialist moving the country away from its ideals of limited government. Beck's critics contend that he exploits fear with conspiracy theories and overheated rhetoric.
Organizers say the "Restoring Honor" rally isn't about politics. It's to pay tribute to America's military personnel and others "who embody our nation's founding principles of integrity, truth and honor." It also is to promote the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides scholarships and services to family members of military members.
The event at the Lincoln Memorial - where 47 years ago King delivered his speech - is expected to feature 2008 vice presidential nominee and potential 2012 White House candidate Sarah Palin. Organizers have a permit for up to 300,000 people at the rally, although Beck has said he expects 100,000. Counter-rallies with the Rev. Al Sharpton and others also are planned.
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