US evangelicals warn Republicans

BBC ^ | 3/17/6 | Jamie Coomarasamy

[Crackingham]

Prominent leaders from the Christian right have warned Republicans they must do more to advance conservative values ahead of the US mid-term elections. Their message to Congress, controlled by Republicans, is "must do better". Support from about a quarter of Americans who describe themselves as evangelicals was a factor in President George W Bush's two election victories. The Republicans will need to keep them onboard if they are to retain control of Congress in November.

At a news conference in Washington, some of America's most influential conservative leaders said the current perception among evangelical Christians was that the Republican majority was not doing enough for them. Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said that apart from confirming two conservative judges to the Supreme Court, "core values voters" did not feel that Congress was advancing their interests.

The leaders appear to be reflecting a growing sense of frustration among the Christian right, over what they see as a lack of legislative progress on issues such as banning same-sex marriages.

[SmoothTalker]

I'd like them to advance conservative values too, like fiscal discipline.

[Sam Gamgee]

The only problem is who else will they vote for? I find it strange in fact that 25% of evangelicals vote Democrat. That's like saying you are disappointed with the Apostle Peter, so you will give your moral support to Judas.

[cripplecreek]

I'm more of a South Park republican but I have to agree with the evangelicals.

[Tabi Katz]

Support from about a quarter of Americans who describe themselves as evangelicals was a factor in President George W Bush's two election victories. The Republicans will need to keep them onboard if they are to retain control of Congress in November.

Those who are shilling forGiuliani or McCain as our next presidential candidate would be wise to remember this. I am not an evangelical, but I do share their political views and realize that Republicans cannot afford to amputate them from their "big tent."

[Dark Skies]

Prominent leaders from the Christian right have warned Republicans they must do more to advance conservative values ahead of the US mid-term elections.

I say this as a right-wing Christian..."or what, these prominent leaders are going to encourage their flocks to vote "democrat."

I too would like to see more done to advance conservative values. But I also would like to see "prominent leaders from the Christian right" take a vocal stand in the war agaisnt islamofacsism...like Robertson and Graham.

[jmaroneps37]

These "Prominent leaders from the Christian right" may be a bit behind the curve. The Evangelicals KNOW they almost caused Bush 2000. That is why they turned out strongly in 2004. They are not mind numbed robots. They are sophisticated people who realize the country would be light years away from their liking if they let the rat regain control.

[California Patriot]

Stupidity explains a lot, in politics as everywhere else.
The evangelicals who vote for the Rats are either hung up on helping the poor, or don't understand (even now!) how far-left the Rats are. Yes, some probably vote for the Rats out of spite against Republicans who diss them, and such people are contemptible. But I think the real problem lies elsewhere. Many of these people are quite naive. And I think 25 percent may unfortunately be a low number.

[Dark Skies]

I'm shilling for Giuliani...not because he's a conservative, but because he's the closest thing to a Churchill around today.

If you recall, Churchill was voted out of office only three months after the end of WWII.

I might be wrong, but I think Giuliani is a "war president."

Oh...and remember, we are at war.

[Tabi Katz]

There is not one abortion he won't allow or one gun he will. If he gets the evangelical vote, or if Republicans win without them, I'll be feasting on crow for a month, but I both hope and believe that won't happen.

[AmericaUnited]

I find it strange in fact that 25% of evangelicals vote Democrat

That to me is a most certain sign of severe brain damage. Utterly illogical and incomprehensible.

[grandpa jones]

I think the high level of support that Rudy would receive from the Nascar Republicans would truly surprise the experts.

[Dolphy]

An idle threat at best. Where else would they throw their support.

If I understand correctly, they simply stay home. I was raised to value my vote, missing a national election was like missing a birthday or holiday so I don't understand staying home...even now as I find myself feeling a sense of anxiety over the possible candidates :)

[Blackirish]

They have had the Whitehouse for 8 years and the budget and the borders are a disaster. They had there chance now there just gonna have to hand over the wheel. They may not know it yet........but they will.

[COEXERJ145]

The only Christians who won't vote are the same ones who don't vote year after year because in their mind there is not a "perfect" candidate.

Reminds me of 2004 there were some who wouldn't vote because "Bush won't outlaw abortion" or the ones who hate Bush for not sending the Army to "save Terri Schiavo".

People who don't vote because they can't find their "perfect" candidate that obsesses over the same single issue love to make a lot of noise about their refusing to vote but candidates never count on their votes to begin with.

[pepperdog]

I agree with you, staying at home is not an option.

[durasell]

I think the high level of support that Rudy would receive from the Nascar Republicans would truly surprise the experts.



Until he came out for gun control and pro-choice...

[COEXERJ145]

If I understand correctly, they simply stay home.

Which these kinds of people do in every election. They don't vote, they probably have never voted, but they always like to claim they're going to stay home in order to "show" someone.