A Beck supporter waves from the Lincoln Memorial, Aug. 27. Beck calls rally 'end of darkness'

Glenn Beck sees his weekend rally at the Lincoln Memorial as a revival — and even a revolution.

“This is the beginning of the end of darkness. We have been in darkness for a long time,” Beck told followers in a preview of his “Restoring Honor” rally, on the 47th anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” speech.


“Here's what's amazing: They keep saying this is a political event, and it is not. It is not a political event at all. … We have lost our way. We have been standing in spiritual darkness for decades. … Our churches, quite frankly, have grown soft. … It is to give you backbone and spine, and to know that you are not alone — but people are begging for right and wrong,” said beck to an audience of more than 2,500 at the Kennedy Center Friday night. His comments were live-streamed to subscribers to the “Insider Extreme” pay service on his website.

“I'm convinced that — not just this event, but this time period — is going to be remembered as the beginning of the great awakening in America,” he said. “This is going to change everything, and increase the love. As hate increases, so will love. And that will be the turning point … absolute turning point. ... It's going to be a defibrillator to the spiritual heart of America.”

During an intermission interview with "Insider Extreme," Beck described the weekend's origins: “We were on our knees and we were all begging God: 'We — we need some help we need — help us here.' And I remember, and I came back and I said, All He keeps saying — all I keep hearing — is, 'Ya have all the pieces. Just put 'em together.' … I mean, we were crying out in the wilderness, going, 'Lord we don't know what that means.’”

Audience members murmured “Amen!” Later, arms shot heavenward in praise as a Gospel choir sang, “Behold He comes / Riding on a cloud / Shining like the sun / At the trumpet's call / Lift your voice / It's the year of jubilee.”

Beck eventually choked back tears. But he began in a jovial mood, smirking at his one-night dominion over the Kennedy Center, and feigning a Boston accent as he took the stage.

“There are thousands and thousands of people that are [web] streaming this right now, and it makes me so happy to know that Keith Olbermann is one of them,” he said, to laughter and applause. “Because while you-all got in here for free, Keith had to pay $6.95 a month.”

Then Beck blew a kiss to the camera.