Replies

Jones, and whoever else comes out in future days apparently aren't able to use YouTube--they need to do their homework on this man

Jones recognizes a kingmaker role. In some respects, BJU has played this role before in SC, especially in 2000. You did notice that the marginally Episcopalian McCain has suddenly become quite Baptist to add to his military appeal in SC? Let me say clearly: that is no coincidence and it is aimed very very squarely at the vote in South Carolina where McCain lost in 2000. I can't even imagine how much he hates having to do that. He's not evil or anything but he really doesn't like the Religious Right that much, being more of a southwestern libertarian type with a stubborn streak of Goldwater.

Even if we grant entirely your assessment of Romney as having been previously unreliable on the life issue, you should recognize that this is very basic politics. If Romney has made the deal (and he has), then he and his campaign have convinced the BJU people that they will complete the transformation of the Court and overturn Roe. And that would allow South Carolina to outlaw most abortions or to pass mandatory laws on waiting periods following mandatory viewings of infant sonograms, etc.

Before you object, let me say: it is BJU's ability to take a non-starter candidate and help make them the party's nominee that actually enhances their political power. Now, that sounds ugly and cynical. But that is real politics.

You might also consider that corporate America and Wall Street (normally GOP fundraising citadels) is joining with Hollywood and the trial lawyers and the labor unions behind Hitlery. So if we're going to elect a Republican, it's with our own money. A candidate like Romney who can (and probably will) write himself a check for $100 million may be the only one who can raise the kind of money to beat Hitlery. Again, we're talking crude political calculation here, not some purist theology which the BJU people do relish.

And I don't require any Baptist explanation on anything, thanks...

I mention the disclaimer about Baptists (Southern Baptist, General Baptist, etc.) because we differ politically from the Jones group and affiliated groups who are the last of the old independent fundamentalists. While there are a small number of Baptists who are included with the BJU folk like David Cloud who calls himself an independent fundamentalist Baptist and who is very much aligned with the Bob Jones agenda, these are Baptists more conservative than your average SBC Baptist. These independent fundamentalists are much more combative theologically and politically than your average SBC or General Baptist. But in a state like South Carolina, these two strains merge somewhat and a Bob Jones endorsement can be a green light for voters to vote for a candidate.

Like Tip O'Neill said, "All politics is local." And the perennial fuss over GOP candidates and BJU or VMI is a perfect illustration of it.

[flagging a few others, not for some pile-on but just for discussion of the BJU/SC factor, vital for Romney if he can win both IA & NH.]