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“I had scores of conversations with Mr. Nixon in which we discussed every conceivable subject. However, I cannot imagine what caused me to make those comments, which I totally repudiate. Whatever the reason, I was wrong for not disagreeing with the President, and I sincerely apologize to anyone I have offended…I don’t ever recall having those feelings about any group, especially the Jews, and I certainly do not have them now. My remarks did not reflect my love for the Jewish people. I humbly ask the Jewish community to reflect on my actions on behalf of Jews over the years that contradict my words in the Oval Office that day.”
Reverend Billy Graham
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I can’t believe you and Sam Francis and Billy Graham at the same time. I’ll go with Billy Graham.
JUNE 26, 2002 12:59 ET
Billy Graham Apologizes for Remarks
CINCINNATI (AP) — Evangelist Billy Graham made his first face-to-face apology for anti-Jewish comments he made at the White House that were recorded 30 years ago, an aide said Wednesday.
The apology came Sunday at Graham's first meeting with Jewish leaders since tapes were released in March revealing a 1972 conversation with President Nixon in which the Southern Baptist evangelist expressed disdain for what he saw as Jewish domination of the media, aide Melany Ethridge said.
``This stranglehold has got to be broken or this country's going down the drain,'' Graham said to Nixon.
Rabbi George Barnard, president of the Cincinnati Board of Rabbis, said Graham told the small private group that his remarks were unforgivable. The group also included Michael Rapp, director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Federation of Cincinnati, and Neil Bortz, president of the Jewish Federation.
``He doesn't remember them, and we accept that as fact,'' Rapp said. ``He apologized, he repudiated the anti-Jewish sentiments that were attributed to him, and he hoped his actions on behalf of the Jewish people over the years contradicts the words he spoke.''
In a statement in March, the frail, 83-year-old evangelist had said he had no memory of the meeting with Nixon, but deeply regretted the comments.
``They do not reflect my views and I sincerely apologize for any offense caused by the remarks,'' Graham said in the statement.