Rudy Giuliani, whose two divorces and proabortion-rights views have alienated many Christian conservatives, yesterday captured the endorsement of the Rev. Pat Robertson, a prominent televangelist who said the former New York mayor would be the best candidate to counter the "blood lust of Islamic terrorists."
Robertson's support helps Giuliani deflect criticism from the Republican Party's right wing, which sees him as too liberal on social issues.
But it also underscored the splintering in the Christian conservative community and raises questions about whether evangelicals - who played a key role in electing President Bush in 2000 and 2004 - will be an important force in the presidential election.
Interesting that Robertson would back Giuliani. I would guess that Robertson's political friends leaned on him to get Giuliani the religious right credits he lacks, but Robertson is erratic (read crazy) enough these days that you can't be sure.
On the other hand, it seems to be having little real impact. Which indicates just how little power Robertson has now. The religious right is split and Robertson doesn't have the personal influence he once had.
Jay