In a surprising move, the Rev. Pat Robertson, a top leader among American evangelical Christians, has endorsed former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani for the presidency.
The move was surprising because Giuliani has frequently stated his opinion that abortion should be legal, a position with which Robertson staunchly disagrees.
Robertson said that he can support Giuliani despite the candidate’s opinion on abortion because the former NYC mayor has pledged to appoint strict constructionist judges, a judicial position which is typically taken to suggest opposition to Roe v. Wade, the controversial and extremely divisive 1972 U.S. Supreme Court decision that effectively invalidated all state laws restricting abortion.
Robertson said that the war against terrorists was a central factor in his decision to support Giuliani: "to me, the overriding issue before the American people is the defense of our population from the bloodlust of Islamic terrorists. . . . We need a leader with a bold vision who is not afraid to tackle the challenges ahead.
Robertson also cited Giuliani’s fiscal conservatism as a factor in his decision, noting that it will be important for the next president to fight to "control the massive government waste and crushing federal deficits."
Given the strong division among evangelical leaders regarding which candidate to support in a Republican crowd that inspires little enthusiasm among religious conservatives, Robertson’s move seems likely to increase that division and possibly undermine his standing among the faithful, as his embrace of Giuliani may strike many as simply an unnecessary and ill-advised deal with the devil.
Although Giuliani clearly would make a strong candidate, the great majority of evangelicals absolutely cannot abide his positions on abortion, homosexual marriage, and other such issues, along with his chaotic and unsavory personal life.
Hence, although Robertson’s endorsement is surely a coup for Giuliani, it will probably do little to increase his appeal among evangelicals.