Robertson Says Giuliani Will Resist Islamic Terrorism, Appoint Conservative Judges
Televangelist Pat Robertson appeared on "Hannity & Colmes" last week to explain his endorsement of presidential contender Rudy Giuliani, saying he believes the former New York mayor is a "true conservative" – a description that has yet to warm up to conservatives and liberals alike.
When Robertson announced earlier this month that he was supporting Giuliani for president, many who had been following the careers of both figures were perplexed at why an anti-abortion evangelical leader would align himself with an outspoken pro-choice candidate.
In the interview on the FOX show last Wednesday, Robertson explained his endorsement of the former New York mayor, providing some reasons similar to those given at the press conference announcement.
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The televangelist, in response to a question posted by Colmes, affirmed his belief in the beginning of life at conception and the duty among Christians to the innocent. But he noted that "there are various ways to protect life" with the appointment of appropriate judges to the Supreme Court, circuit courts, and the district courts as the most important avenue.
"I think Rudy Giuliani has assured the American people that he's going to appoint justices in the likeness of Scalia and John Roberts," said Robertson.
Asked whether ensuring judiciary appointments were more important to him than backing a candidate who shares his pro-life views, Robertson said it doesn't matter if a candidate is pro-abortion
"It really doesn't matter what your belief is if the courts nullify what you do," explained Robertson.
"I'm interested in judges. I think in the last election, in my opinion, the three most important issues were judges, judges, and judges. And I think it's still that way in terms of abortion."
Nevertheless, electing an anti-abortion candidate is not the pressing concern for this election, according to Robertson, who had cited Giuliani's strong stance against terrorism as a reason behind his support.
"The priority of this election in my opinion is defense against Islamic terrorism," stated Robertson. "I think it's going to overshadow everything else, and I'm concerned about protecting the American people."
Asked what persuaded him to believe Giuliani could handle such issues, Robertson pointed to the Giuliani's stewardship of New York City as mayor.
"Giuliani with a Democrat majority sort of tamed that great big city and brought crime down, brought taxes down, brought regulations down. And I think it's that kind of experience which would make him a good president," said Robertson.
On same-sex "marriage," Robertson also defended Giuliani's position, faulting a "predominantly Democrat, liberal constituency." He said the republican candidate "does not favor homosexual marriage," and "feels a marriage is the union between a man and a woman."
"I think this man is a true conservative, and I think he's going to lead this country as a conservative," Robertson later added.
While Robertson cast Giuliani in a positive light during the interview, many critics say they don't find such depictions of Giuliani convincing.
News Hound, a blog site which monitors Fox news reports, said the Fox interview failed to probe other areas of Giuliani's career and personal life that challenges his tout as a conservative.
"There was no discussion of the not-so-Christian-conservative aspects of Giuliani's personal life nor of Robertson's controversial history – either of which might have cast doubt on the value of his endorsement," wrote Ellen of News Hound.
The blogger also called into question the casting of Robertson as a mainstream evangelical leader.
Citing Media Matters, a conservative media watchdog, Ellen noted that Robertson has called for the assassination of Venezuela president Hugo Chavez, suggested that Hurricane Katrina was the result of legalized abortion, and agreed with Jerry Falwell that pagans, abortionists, feminists, gays, the A.C.L.U., and People for the American Way, "helped" make 9/11 happen.
Details of Giuliani's personal life have also been neglected in many media reports. He has been married three times and divorced twice, the first time to his second cousin. During his second marriage, Giuliani was reportedly involved in adulterous relationships with at least two women, one of whom is his current wife.
Known for supporting abortion and gay rights, Giuliani's recent statements have alienated his past supporters.
Kelli Conlon of Naral Pro-Choice New York told the New York Times that was troubled to hear him say that he would appoint conservative justices, noting that he issued proclamations to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade when he was elected New York mayor.
"Obviously, judges in the mold of Thomas and Scalia are going to overturn Roe v. Wade, no doubt," said Conlon in a telephone interview. "We really feel like, out of the glare of the cameras, we have to sit down with him and his colleagues and ask, which is the real Rudy Giuliani?"
As mayor, Giuliani also annually marched in the city's gay pride parades and has dressed in drag while participating.
More notably, he supported gay rights by signing a 1997 bill creating domestic-partnership benefits in New York City.
Theodore B. Olson, chairman of Giuliani's justice advisory committee, also told the Times that Giuliani said he would require his judicial selections ahead of time to disclose their views on specific cases.
