Posted on 02/12/2016 9:45:44 PM PST by SoConPubbie
GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Many of the Republican presidential candidates descended Friday on Greenville ahead of Saturday's CBS debate.
But only one was savvy enough to get himself enlisted as the opening act of a throbbing, trembling Christian rock concert that packed 14,000 evangelicals into a downtown arena on Friday night.
So here came Ted Cruz, striding onto the catwalk of a stage, beaming under the spotlight, leading the crowd in prayer, asking them to unite behind him in next Saturday's primary election, and jumping up like a basketball player high-fiving fans as he walked into the locker rooms in the bowels of the arena.
"Welcome to Winter Jam -- and to God be the glory," the Texas senator said.
Winter Jam is a touring, four-hour show featuring born-again Christian rock and rap artists. It performed at Greenville's Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Friday night.
Ted Cruz about to address 14,000 (!) pumped up evangelicals in Greenville. Opening act of Christian arena concert pic.twitter.com/SYBIPCVdtz
- Philip Rucker (@PhilipRucker) February 12, 2016
For any Republican politician, this was a captive and prized audience. Evangelical Christians are an especially influential voting block in South Carolina, especially in the Greenville area, known as the Upcountry.
Cruz gave about six minutes of remarks and prayer at the start of the concert. He thanked the crowd "for standing unapologetically with Jesus, for confessing your faith with love."
Cruz talked about religious liberty being "under assault," but said that across the country "people are waking up."
"Our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian values," Cruz said. "Those values of life and marriage are under assault, religious liberty is under assault, and yet the American people are rising up."
Cruz did not attack any rivals, nor did he make an overt political pitch. But he cast himself as a champion of social conservative principles,
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Cruz better say his prayers, Trump is ahead by 15 points in South Carolina. ;-)
When he plays the game of donating to all sides after he is elected are you going to be happy with that?
OMG LMAO.
Seriously?
Are you kidding me? The Republicans are folding now. This whole concept of making “deals” is rubbish. The Democrats don’t think that way, so why should we? Conservatism will prevail without the need for “deals” if given an honest and fair hearing. From my perspective, it is Trump supporters who are folding.
Yack about the Lord does not necessarily equate to Christian testimony.
Yes, seriously. Obviously you can’t.
What direct link do you have to Trump that is more concrete than my link to Cruz?
What link did you post?
“The Republicans are folding now”
Which has what to do with the price of tea in China?
This is about the TRUMP agenda. Are you so clueless about what has been going on for months and months? Ever heard of Jeff Sessions and Trump and the beautiful 2nd Amendment statement? But Jeff can’t coach Trump through everything.
You are so sour, so negative on Trump. Yes you would pout when offered the chance to be another Jeff Sessions doing something constructive in Trump’s picture. To you a door marked Opportunity needs not a place of work beyond it, but to offer up a genie to do your will.
Oh please. Have a good night.
LMAO ok. I always like when posters can’t support their opinions.
Have a nice night or not.
The Trump agenda? What a load of horse #*$&. The man speaks in platitudes with no substance. That’s exactly what got Obama elected.
Apparently reading comprehension isn’t your forte.
If that is what enough soi-disant “conservatives” want to believe, a self fulfilling prophecy is coming right up.
Fault Obamacare for much, but not for laziness of its scribes.
Your personal attack speaks volumes.
My FRiend, I hear you and I know whatever the outcome of this election, you and our fellow true FReepers will come out the other side standing strong together for Christian values and Conservative principles.
Would it were they were strong enough to focus on CHRIST as savior and not on CAESAR!
She’s from Houston and was on the local news. She says she is fiscally conservative and, in her words, “Obviously” socially liberal. She said she thought he pulled the ad too soon and she seemed to be hurt by it all.
Trump should have her on stage and tell her he doesn’t hold anything against her and would be happy to have her in one of his ads.
If Trump is elected, I certainly hope you are vindicated. This “self-styled” conservative isn’t convinced.
Just like a Trump, start the attacks and then point fingers when turnabout ensues.
Haha. Keep going. This is fun.
You’re a moron and entertaining.
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