Posted on 11/07/2007 5:00:41 PM PST by Daniel T. Zanoza
On Wednesday, Christian Broadcasting Network founder, Pat Robertson (photo), gave Rudy Giuliani his endorsement in the race for the Republican Party's presidential nomination. Robertson's announcement came as a surprise to many political observers who believe the TV evangelist's position on social issues were not compatible with those of the former New York Mayor.
Giuliani graciously accepted Robertson's endorsement. Robertson said the most important issues facing America were terrorism and the defeat of Democrats. Robertson's backing of Giuliani also came as a shock to the other men seeking the GOP's presidential nomination. However, under further scrutiny, Robertson's announcement made perfect sense--for reasons other than politics.
In 1998, Pat Robertson stunned the nation when he won the Michigan primary in his own bid to gain the Republican Party's presidential nomination. Robertson ultimately lost out to the eventual nominee and future president, George H. W. Bush. But, it is safe to say, Robertson was at the pinnacle of his political influence in America at that time. In recent years, Robertson's influence with the so-called religious right has waned. Indeed the only time the dominant media pays attention to the evangelical leader is after Robertson makes a controversial statement.
The Republican Party itself has deferred less and less to Robertson during the presidency of George H. Bush and he was quickly fading from political relevance in America. I believe Robertson's endorsement of Giuliani is nothing more than a sad attempt to regain the public spotlight. After Robertson's press conference on Wednesday, his name was mentioned on every major news network and political talk show. The press saw Robertson's backing of Giuliani as a major development within conservative politics. But nothing could be further from the truth. Robertson's decision to endorse Giuliani merely proved the views of the former Christian leader are practically irrelevant among social conservatives.
Robertson has sacrificed many of the issues he claimed to fight for in his attempt to, once again, bask in the public limelight. Giuliani supports abortion rights, supports homosexual "marriage" and is a strong opponent of Second Amendment rights. Robertson seems willing to overlook all of these "flaws" within the former New York Mayor's political character, in order to do what? To get his name on the lips of the media just one more time. It is a sad statement about what motivates some men.
However, there may be another reason behind the obvious madness regarding Robertson's endorsement. If Giuliani were to garner the nomination and went on to win the White House, the founder of "The 700 Club" would obviously find himself in a great position with the new President. Indeed Robertson, in such a scenario, might be the only leader of the so-called religious right to be on Giuliani's short list of political favorites. But I believe this is a reach of the most serious folly by Robertson. In the first place, Giuliani will never win the presidency without the full-fledged support of the conservative base within the GOP and he will never get that support. If Giuliani does not win the presidency, Robertson's position among religious conservatives will fall greatly, to say the least.
It is sad when an athlete stays on past their prime. The same can be said about public figures who, in the attempt to stay relevant, essentially turn on their life's work and tarnish their legacy.
As an ordained minister, perhaps Pat Robertson should think more about being true to himself and the God he serves than worry about his ego and public persona. Robertson's decision will not help Rudy Giuliani's bid to gain the Republican Party's presidential nomination. Indeed Robertson may have energized those who believe Giuliani would be the worst thing to happen to the social conservative movement in America. I think they are right.
On that note I agree with Robertson. But the endorsement surprised me.
It’s not a plea for attention. Don’t get me wrong I’m shocked at this endorsement. But I am equally shocked at how people get trashed for merely endorsing someone they think is the right candidate. I couldn’t disagree with Robertson more, but so what? This is what the process of representative government looks like.
I think we would give Pat more of a break if he did this during the nomination. But endorsing Rudy so early in the race is a like a slap in the face on everyone else.
Gag me with a spoon.
The 700 Club was something the Lord used in my life long ago to help me learn about the love of God and His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
I am extremely disappointed in Pat Robertson for this.
I don't like any of the top tier candidates that much, so I am not all the insulted by this one. I'm not voting for Rudy or Romney.
If that includes Robertson... then: Oh, Well.
No, because Pat endorsing Romney right now would not have been as shocking as Pat endorsing Giuliani right now.
What if one of them becomes the nominee? Are you going to help Hillary become President?
The only people who are helping Hillary become President are her own supporters. I do not buy into the pressure tactic that unless I support any idiot the Republicans offer, then somehow I am the one helping Hillary. Blame the Republicans who voted for the loser candidate in the primary.
I don’t believe you truly understand what a Hillary presidency will do to this country.
I would never vote for Hillary. If she wins it will be because millions of Americans voted for her. Hard as it is to believe, there are millions of our fellow Americans who like her. Blame them if she wins. But don’t give me some doofus alternative and tell me I must vote for him or I will be helping Hillary. That’s a false dilemma, asigning to me way more power than I have. If Hillary wins perhaps it will be your fault because you spent all your energies pressuring people to compromise their principles. In the end you just won’t pull in as many compromise votes as you will principled votes, especially when the elections are as close as they have been lately.
“Giuliani will never win the presidency without the full-fledged support of the conservative base within the GOP and he will never get that support.”
“Sad Plea for Attention from Politically Irrelevant Man”
I agree completely. He’s no different from the “prayer seed” and “miracle water” hustlers on TBS and other stations. And their private jets and huge mansions tell the rest.
I can’t believe anyone sends him a dime when he has his 700 Club marathons.
Sure beats working, though.
I’m all for pursuing your principles during the primaries. But when it comes down to the general election, one must do what is right for the country.
He’s trying to find a way to recover all the money he lost on his gold mine investments.
ROFLOL, there is no difference between Mitt and judy. They both are liberals.
That is an easy answer, I'll stay at home.
ditto
I agree. The mere fact that he was willing to compromise conservative values and principles by throwing the conservative social agenda 'under the bus'--makes him the perfect running mate for a LIBERAL like Giuliani....lol
That’s easy—I don’t vote for LIBERALS (regardless of their Party)...PERIOD.
That is to say,
Gag me with a spoon. I am extremely disappointed in Pat Robertson for this.
= = =
{The 700 Club was something the Lord used in my life long ago to help me learn about the love of God and His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.)
I don't think that you truly understand what a hillary presidency will do for this country.
It hasn't happened yet.
However, it's always fun talking with the intellectually and morally superior. I'm always willing to bow when one who is obviously superior to the rest of us walks into the room.
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