This is disappointing. Not because of the endorsement of Rudy… but because it’s just too soon. It also sets up a divide along Christian lines which could have been united in the primary for a strong pro-life and second amendment candidate.
Dobson threatens a third candidate. Robertson supports Giuliani. It would have been more interesting if both united behind Huckabee who has always appeared to me as the Dark Horse. Should Huckabee not make the top spot it makes a great shot at 2nd pick. If there was a Giuliani/Huckabee ticket then the conservative forces of Christians would have been more united. Now it appears only to be fractured.
[VOA.com] Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani picked up a potentially important endorsement in his bid to win the Republican Party’s presidential nomination next year. VOA National Correspondent Jim Malone reports from Washington.
Pat Robertson endorses Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani during a news conference in Washington, 07 Nov 2007 Giuliani is getting a boost from the Reverend Pat Robertson, a prominent Christian leader and social conservative activist who founded the Christian Coalition and the Christian Broadcasting Network.
Robertson announced his endorsement in a joint appearance with Giuliani in Washington.
“A proven leader who is not afraid of what lies ahead and will cast a hopeful vision for all Americans,” said Robertson. ”Rudy Giuliani stood tall as his city was rocked by the worst terrorist act in America’s history.”
Robertson is respected by many conservative Evangelical Christians but is also known for making controversial statements. For example, following the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Robertson said Americans had left themselves vulnerable because they had insulted God by allowing abortion and pornography.
The Robertson endorsement could be significant as Giuliani tries to build bridges with social conservatives who disagree with the former mayor’s support for abortion and gay rights.
Giuliani leads the Republican presidential field, but his rivals continue to try to chip away at his advantage in the polls by highlighting his disagreements with conservatives over social policy.
Giuliani welcomed the Robertson endorsement as part of an effort to unify the Republican Party behind his candidacy.
