Posted on 05/22/2007 5:56:56 PM PDT by Ultra Sonic 007
Dr. Bob Jones III pulled a small silver camera from his jacket pocket and asked someone to take a picture of him, presidential candidate Duncan Hunter and retired Air Force hero Chuck Yeager together.
For Hunter, it was a visual endorsement from one of South Carolina's most influential religious and political leaders. For Jones, it was one step closer to making a decision on which he way he may lean in the 2008 presidential campaign.
He likes what Hunter, a California congressman, as well as former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee stand for. He doesn't like U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona or former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. He said he appreciates the American values of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, but admits there is a "vast chasm" in their religious beliefs.
Romney is a Mormon. Jones is the former president of the Bible-based university that shares his name, but said he respects Romney's beliefs as long he doesn't try to confuse Christianity with Mormonism.
However, he says doesn't think any of the top candidates in either party are viable.
"Like a lot of people, I am waiting to see who peeks to the surface," he said.
He went to a Hunter rally in Greenville Tuesday morning because he likes what the candidate has to say about national security and jobs. Jones said many Americans are ignoring problems with the border and loss of immigration. He likes that Hunter keeps tackling those issues.
"Sometimes, people try to ignore the truth. We've become complacent," Jones said. "If nothing else comes from his campaign, maybe people will hear what is going on and become aware."
Jones, his family and graduates of his school possess a large amount of clout in the Upstate of South Carolina. The school is often credited for better or for worse of being the region's moral compass.
The school has not been without political controversy. In 2000, McCain blasted several of the school's teachings after George W. Bush spoke there during the two's bitter battle for the South Carolina primary.
McCain later said he would speak at the school if invited.
This is why it was important Jones showed up somewhat unassumingly at the Hunter rally. As he was leaving, Hunter made sure to call out to Jones to thank him for arriving.
Contact John Boyanoski at jboyanoski@scpols.com.
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S.C. ping.
Boy. Between Hunter and Fred(not Tommy) Thompson, I’m going to have a hard time deciding this fall. What a blessed relief! :)
I am not all that sure a Bob Jones endorsement means much.
But at least now Whites can date Blacks at Bob Jones University.
Bump for Hunter in S.C.
Well, I know where I stand.
Obviously, LOL!
Make it so, Number One. ;)
Not a tough one for me...
This is a good sign for the S.C. campaign...
Bill
The night I saw that guy interviewed on TV I had nightmares.
McCain not gonna be happy to hear about this.
Go Hunter!
I wonder if Hunter is planning on having his photo taken with David Duke and other famous bigots.
WTF, is he doing appearing with Bob Jones?
What a ticket those two would make. I could vote with a clear conscience and enthusiasm.
He didn’t. Bob Jones just turned up at his event.
I had the honor of meeting Dr. Jones in 1987. I was young, but he left an impression on me. So did the university. Wonderful place. It was Bob Jones University that brought me to Greenville SC and left enough of an impression that I came back and decided to move to Greenville for good.
What an ass this man is. Since when did he become the Jesus Police, fit to decide who is a Christian and who isn't? In terms of living the Christian life and following Christ's example, LDSers are friggin role models.
BJU produces some quality graduates and is a good environment for those who seek what it offers. Statements like the above only serve to embarass the school.
“I wonder if Hunter is planning on having his photo taken with David Duke and other famous bigots.
WTF, is he doing appearing with Bob Jones?”
Probably the same thing he would be doing with famous “homophobic bigots” (sarc) like the Pope, who controls thousands of votes and the President of the Mormon church who control thousands of votes in Utah.
P.S.: Is calling yourself a “Straight Vermonter” homophobic or a contradiction in terms? No one has to wonder if BJU grads are straight - the ones that aren’t are expelled and sent to Vermuck or San Fransicko! :)
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