Christian Broadcasting Network President Pat Robertson has yet to declare candidacy for the United States presidency. But many, including the Democratic National Committee (DNC), seem certain a Robertson bid is a foregone conclusion.
A recent fund-raising letter signed by DNC Chairman Paul G. Kirk, Jr., said that Robertson could be “the candidate to be reckoned with in the general election” and that he “has the most powerful political organization in America.”
DNC spokesman Terry Michael said the letter was sent to 50,000 people Democrats thought might consider countering a possible Robertson candidacy. According to the letter, Robertson “openly and aggressively advocates political action to achieve his primary goal—making America a place where everyone has the same extremist values and views of morality.”
In the letter, Kirk objects most vigorously to Robertson’s stands on social issues. He warns that Robertson wants to “abolish public education,” defeat the Equal Rights Amendment, outlaw abortion, require a quota of “born-again Christians” in civil service jobs, and launch a massive military buildup.
Robertson accused Kirk of “virulent anti-Christian bigotry” and demanded an apology. “Am I to understand the Democratic Party proposes to disenfranchise all Christians?” Robertson asked in a letter of reply.
DNC spokesman Michael said there is no reason for Kirk to apologize. “The fund-raising letter did not address Pat Robertson’s religious beliefs or the religious beliefs of any American,” he said.
“It addressed what we regard as the radical right-wing political agenda of Robertson.” Michael added, “If Robertson is going to enter the political arena, he’s going to have to develop a little thicker skin and not portray his religious beliefs as political views.”
