David Corn

I can see the ad:

Would you vote for a political candidate who said that Christians not in his church were following 'the spirit of the Antichrist'? Of course not. Now, what would you vote for a candidate who eagerly accepted the endorsement of someone who said that?

Or a press conference in which Rudy Giuliani is asked:

* Do you believe Episcopalians, Presbyterians and Methodists represent the spirit of the Antichrist?

* Do you believe liberal Jews are mounting an ongoing attempt to undermine the public strength of Christianity?

* Do you believe Hinduism is devil worship?

For Pat Robertson has indeed said all of that. (I've placed his actual quotes in italics.)

Robertson's endorsement of Giuliani is a perfect marriage of expedience--and it showed that neither fellow will let principle get in the way of politics. You know the drill. Giuliani supports gay rights and even used to--gasp!--live with a gay couple. Robertson considers homosexuality a deadly sin and once said that God directed a hurricane at Orlando and Disney World to punish both for permitting Gay Days at the theme park. Giuliani favors abortion rights. Robertson believes abortion is mass-murder (and that God, because he was pissed off at abortion in America, allowed 9/11 to happen). And there's more; Giuliani was mayor of a diverse metropolis. Robertson is a bigot and, to be blunt, nuts. As I detailed here, in addition to crudely denigrating religions other than his own, Robertson has peddled absurd, theology-driven conspiracy theories. In 1992, he wrote a book claiming that there was a global plot of elites to create a one-world government that would wipe out Christianity and that Satan, naturally, was behind this secret scheme. One prominent actor in this conspiracy: President George H.W. Bush. I kid you not.

So Giuliani is welcoming the support of a fellow who's view of global politics is about as reality-based as that of Lyndon LaRouche. (And I'm not even bothering with Robertson's shady business dealings. Anyone who was tight with Bernard Kerik cannot be expected to be vigilant about such matters.)

This partnership shows that neither man really cares about the core issues. Robertson equates abortion with murder, but he's willing to help an abortion-enabler become president. Giuliani says he is concerned about the troubles of gay Americans, but he's willing to get in bed with a fellow who believes homosexuals are an abomination (and are coming for your children!). Sure, politics is often about bridging differences. But when a politico abandons a foundational position, it tells you he or she is not to be trusted.

This move could prove to be trouble for both. Robertson looks pretty craven in signing up with Giuliani. And other social conservative leaders are not going to let this pass quietly. My favorite email of Wednesday came from a religious right group called Campaign for Children and Families:

Campaign for Children and Families (CCF), a leading West Coast pro-family organization, condemns the selling out of family values in the U.S. presidential race by national pro-family leaders, such as Pat Robertson, who today endorsed liberal Republican candidate Rudy Giuliani.

It's well known in New York City that former mayor Rudy Giuliani marched in "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender" parades, held "lesbian and gay pride breakfasts" at Gracie Mansion, dressed up several times as a woman, led the hijacking of marriage rights at New York City Hall, and personally demeaned marriage by divorcing his first two wives and committing adultery.

Yes, you should fear lesbian-pride flapjacks.

Certainly, CCF is no major mover in the conservative movement. But if I were James Dobson, the Focus on the Family leader and bigtime social con, I'd be saying, "Now, here's an opportunity...." Robertson's slice of the Christian right--once known as the mighty Christian Coalition--has been withering for years. This desperate attempt to get on board with a winner (who's no Mormon) may end up being the self-inflicted wound that takes Robertson out of the game.

As for Mr. 9/11, good luck now persuading moderate suburban voters in Ohio you're not in league with yahoo conservatives who care more about creationism than education, who would rather round up gays than lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The Robertson endorsement discredits both endorser and endorsee. Liberals, Democrats, and secularists ought to thank God for it.

DREAM ON. Richard Whalen, my fellow CQ blogger, keeps pining for the perfect candidate to enter the 2008 race. First, it was retired John Abizaid. More recently, it's Michael Bloomberg. Yet Bloomberg has said he's not interested in running. And I believe him for one simple reason: this fellow has said virtually nothing about what promises to be the primary issue of the general election--the Iraq war. Currently, the war is not defining the election. The leading Democrats agree that the war should be ended. The leading Republicans back the present course. So there's not been much debate within each of the parties' presidential contests (despite Dennis Kucinich's and Ron Paul's best efforts).

But after the nominees become clear, the war will likely become the number-one fight of the campaign. And what would Bloomberg's position be? Would he take a stand: leave Iraq or stay there? If he choses one stance or the other, he will divide that vote. But could he straddle the two sides? That could be tough task, policy-wise and politically. The fact that Bloomberg so far has no clear policy regarding Iraq signals he's not seriously pondering a run. Whalen should find someone else to dream of.