Conservative Religious Leaders, Seeking Unity, Vote to Back Santorum

[alp227]

Reaching what one organizer called an “unexpected supermajority,” a meeting of more than 100 conservative Christian leaders voted on Saturday to support Rick Santorum for the Republican presidential nomination.

The strong vote for Mr. Santorum by many luminaries of the conservative Christian cause was a blow to Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker, and to Gov. Rick Perry of Texas, who have both competed with Mr. Santorum for the conservative Christian vote.

The extent to which those attending the meeting will be able to mobilize their followers behind Mr. Santorum remained unclear. The group’s vote is not binding on participants and the group did not ask Mr. Gingrich or Mr. Perry to drop out of the race.

(...)

The vote in Texas on Saturday came as the candidates were appearing before a forum of undecided voters in Charleston, S. C., hosted by former Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas. The forum was to be broadcast on Mr. Huckabee’s show on the Fox News Channel Saturday night.

full: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/us/politics/conservative-religious-leaders-seeking-unity-vote-to-back-rick-santorum.html

[orpupilofnature57]

1. Their Agenda requires it , Fundamentally.

[Joe Bacon]

23. No way would they endorse Romney!

Fundys don't believe Mormons are christians, and they sure weren't going to endorse Newt D. Adulterer. But I am amazed to see them endorse Catholic Santorum. I still remember what Ol John Hagee said about Catholics worshiping "the great whore"...

[orpupilofnature57]

27. Thats why I said in reference to Santorum

[jwirr]

2. Is that a declaration of war or is it not? Tbaggers vs conservative gop.

[libodem]

3. I'm buying shares of Depends stock

In anticipation of another stinking Santorum surge.

P.U.

[oldhippydude]

4. hiel Jesus

[Ken Burch]

76. The actual Jesus would have a lot more in common with you, as an old hippie dude

than he would with these "Christians".

Don't let people like that get away with claiming that THEY speak for "Christianity". They don't, and they never did.
Back in the day, those "Christian leaders" would all have shouted for Barabbas.

[oldhippydude]

77. screw em.. im tired of the good christians not speaking up..

i look ay ows and see teh beatitudes in action..

[Ken Burch]

78. i'm with you about ows.

[mysuzuki2]

5. I'm tired of these people trying to

force Santorum down our throats. I mean - ewwwww!

[brooklynite]

6. And the result will be...?

Tony Perkins and his gang can certainly convince the rubes to cough up dollars, but do they have any track record of being able to deliver votes?

[Glen Bos]

7. I'll bet half of them are gay

Hypocrites!

[atreides1]

8. Damn

Where are those UAV's when you really need to wipe out terrorists...

[indivisibleman]

9. former conservative

This is an example of why we are no longer "conservatives". Yes, it is true that conservatives can change. Deep down we have some very liberal leanings. But for years we fell for the conservative line about the evil left. Over time we started to not only realize that we were being lied to but also that the right wasn't making any sense.
This endorsement is an example of why we no longer go to church, oppose most if not all conservative Christian positions and vote Democratic. There are only a few churches in town that would accept our Obama 08 sticker on our bumper. Many of our former "friends" want nothing to do with us.
Now they go and endorse a man that is plainly an idiot. Have they not watched the debates? Have they not listened to some of the things he has said such as banning all forms of contraception and wanting to bomb Iran. Come on!
I would at least have some respect for them if they said that they supported some of Santorum's positions but could not endorse him or any other right wing candidate because of many of their nonsensical statements and anti-biblical positions. But no, they endorse this guy with all his stupidity attached. The do so at their own cost as more and more people will discover, like us, that the church in America today does not represent our values nor those of the Bible.

[Critters2]

10. Welcome to DU!

There are some churches that would welcome you. You also might want to stop by the Liberal Christian and Progressive People of Faith Group here on DU.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1222

[oldhippydude]

39. its been my observation

if you are looking for Christian Values.. evey time i see OWS, i think of them as the beatitudes in action

[renate]

47. welcome to DU!

Your idea for them to support some of his positions but not endorsing him because of his others makes so. much. sense. It would be interesting to know whether in supporting him so unconditionally they speak for a minority, a slim majority, or a huge majority of their followers.

[indivisibleman]

48. Thanks

Yes it would be interesting. I really suspect most of their followers are single issue people. Abortion, Gay marriage, God in the public schools, other such social issues. They don't think about the actual application of their ideals nor the consequences. At least that has been my experience when trying to reason with people on the right.
If you read some of the statements from the leaders at this gathering they say some pretty crazy things such as "America may “end up being like the godless socialist countries of Europe,”" -Tim LaHaye or "“America will be unrecognizable if Obama is elected for four more years,” -Mat Staver
Years ago I heard the same statements about Bill Clinton. And everybody said Amen.

[atreides1]

66. Maybe it's the Abraham syndrome

They're all waiting for God to tell them to stop...

[47of74]

11. Oh God

Here in Iowa we're still scraping the fine layer of Santorum that covered everything off. Why can't he just GO AWAY?

[DURHAM D]

12. Great - that is the best possible outcome of that

demented circle jerk. I was afraid they would endorse Mitt, thus ending the primary clown show.

[Wistful Vista]

14. You are exactly right. The only GOP candidate that would worry me is Huntsman who isn't insane

like the others but who also appears to have a snowball's chance. Hell, I hope they DO nominate the santorum!

[Wistful Vista]

13. The most astonishing phrase in American English is "Christian Conservative". They seem to actually

believe that Jesus was some sort of conservative, according to the conventional definition these days...when the opposite is true. Do they even bother to read the actual words attributed to the icon of their religion?...or make any effort to grasp the meaning? It sure seems not. Talk about a truly ironic oxymoron...

[loudsue]

18. Bingo! None of the teachings attributed to Jesus have any resemblance to GOP philosophy

It boggles the mind where these people get off thinking they're somehow "Christian".

[47of74]

19. It's a lot easier to worship the guy...

...than to follow any of his teachings.

[indivisibleman]

20. Bingo!

[annabanana]

22. Classic mistake. .

Confusing the Man for the Message. Happens all the time.

[Auntie Bush]

71. All they have to do is believe in Jesus and they consider themselves Christians...but

they don't have to follow his teachings. In fact they do just the opposite. They do any heinous thing they want...then ask for forgiveness and wallah...they're saved! BS

[AlbertCat]

37. Do they even bother to read the actual words attributed to the icon of their religion?...

Most conservative Christians.... hell most Christians.... don't know anything about their religion. A lot of atheists I know have a deeper understanding of Christianity than believers (probably why they're atheists)

I find it amusing that Fundies always think they are a welcomed majority.... but of course are persecuted and silenced by the overwhelming power of.... whom? the unbelieving minority?

[snagglepuss]

40. When I had a TV I sometimes would listen to late nite xhristian broadcasts

to find out what they were up to. Once a woman called in to a phone in show and said she was Catholic and wondered whether that meant she was Christian. So you are definitely spot on to say most Christians don't know anything about their religion.

[JHB]

69. Actually, she isn't "really" Christian, as far as the fundies are concerned...

Some of the more political televangelists are more circumspect as to how they phrase it, but to them Catholocism is a kind of satanic mockery of Real True Christianity. That's part of their great shell game in politics: they talk about Christian values, but they only count their own kind as Christian.

So the woman was right to ask him that. She wasn't ignorant, she was pointing out how he was.

As soon as they can put down gays and Muslims, and put women back in their place, they'll be back to treating Popery as the greatest threat.

[atreides1]

67. No they don't bother to read the Bible

They let someone standing behind a pulpit tell them the interpretation of their holy book...

[HopeHoops]

15. That's not going to change anything. The right-wing Jesus freaks will vote GOP anyway.

It really doesn't matter which of the GOP clowns comes out of the primaries as the nominee - they'll vote for him (now that there aren't any women in the race, that's the correct pronoun) even if he admits to stomping on puppies and kittens in red spike-heel hip boots. God told him to.

[eyewall]

75. You're right, they vote for the party

It would be great to see a fracturing of the republican base. I always hope for an independent party to emerge but it never does. In the end, republicans vote for whatever clown is on the ticket.

I think it's an intentional, Karl Rovian strategy to have the idiot candidate parade get so extreme. It draws the fringe crazies into the political dialog, but when their nutjob doesn't get the nomination they vote anyway since they're now feeling like part of the process.

[indivisibleman]

16. Who are the 100 religious leaders?

I have been searching the internet to find the names of those who have endorsed Santorum. There are 100. Where the fuck are they?
They are annoyingly absent.
If anyone can find a list please post!

[Scottybeamer70]

17. Probably more like 10

they just added another zero to make themselves look important.

[indivisibleman]

21. That's what I suspect.

[Mopar151]

38. The FBI "Bunco Squad" should have a list

Or the Postal Inspectors..... A major gathering of the worst Charlatans in America - and Shitty Ricky fits right in, with his fake "foundation".

[femmocrat]

44. Are the Koch Brothers involved?

Seems like their handiwork.

[Taverner]

24. All because they hate teh gai....

[classof56]

25. Santorum the Catholic?

A member of the church John Hagee calls the "Great Whore of Babylon?" The church whose icons/statues/etc. Peter C. Wegner wants to tear down and destroy?

Must say I'm relieved to no longer associate myself with the "conservative Christian cause" these so-called "Evangelicals" embrace. Somewhere, hell is starting to freeze over.

[BeaufortPenguin]

26. Considering His Recent Polling Numbers

I would have to say that the number of total embacils (Conservative Religious Idiots) is on the rapid decline.

[tabasco]

28. "Conservative Christian" = fake Christian

These freaks would crucify Jesus all over again.

[Wistful Vista]

30. Thus spake Kris Kristofferson! Are you old enough to know that one?

[47of74]

32. They do not worship Jesus

Rather, they worship Jeeezus.

[fascisthunter]

61. they represent the antithesis of Jesus

and in a cynically deliberate manner co-opted his name for their own sick need to control the world around their shallow existences.

[MarianJack]

29. Oh please, Please, PLEASE...

...let them nominate little ricky!

PEACE!

[onehandle]

31. Go with your hearts. Deny the Mitt. He is a false savior. nt

[bayareaboy]

33. Who farted in Church!

Perry must feel pretty bad since this was done in Texas by the pastor, who a couple of months ago was telling everyone how great a great Christian, Perry was.

[Mopar151]

35. Little Ricky Perry Is still OK with the "pastors"

His major problem is with the voters...

[DesertFlower]

34. makes me think of this quote:

"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross."

[the_chinuk]

36. This 'enemy of my enemy is my friend' strategy always works out so well, too. n/t

[Renew Deal]

41. lol

Good luck with that

[sarcasmo]

42. Religious leaders pushing a Republican and still getting tax exempt status.

[BlueJazz]

46. I was thinking the same thing. Where's the "Render unto Caesar" stuff...like Taxes??

[eyewall]

53. exactly.

What they are doing violates the rules for tax exempt status. The tax exemption should be pulled.

[RoccoR5955]

43. They sure are making Obama's job easier.

They are dividing themselves.
When Romborg gets the nomination they'll stay home, unless Santorum runs as an independent. And then there's the Ron Paulie thing. If the two of them run as independents, it's a cakewalk for the Dems.

[NRaleighLiberal]

45. LMAO! K and R!

[tavalon]

49. Santorum?

Are they wanting sexual union, like Man on Dog?

[Ken Burch]

50. Alternate headline: "SANTORUM SPREADS ACROSS JESUSLAND!"

(...You know you were thinkin' it...)

[47of74]

65. They can have it too

We're still trying to get the Santorum splashed on us here in Iowa scraped off.

[burning rain]

51. They've made the right choice.

When it comes to theocracy, Santorum is a true believer. Perry is rather mercenary about it, and Gingrich is plainly just in it for the votes.

[yurbud]

52. marching into oblivion.

[eyewall]

54. I wonder how the Catholics feel about Santorum?

They're usually very opinionated about stuff like this.

[DCBob]

56. Probably pretty good...

since he's a Roman Catholic.

[eyewall]

73. That's why I mentioned it

I'm wondering if they're okay with his racism and idiotic political beliefs. The Catholic church puts on a face of largess, especially as regards the poor. They also are not prone to exalt ignorance. They loved JFK, they love Biden, how could they be okay with Santorum?

I was thinking maybe they could excommunicate him but then that would only help him with the republican religious base.

[DCBob]

79. Ok, I see your point I think.

You may be right.

[wandy]

58. One ex catholic's opinion.

It was the likes of santorum that turned me into an agnostic.
Three sermons.....
Masterbation is BAD. (You'll go to hell!)
Abortion is BAD. (You'll go to hell!)
Support the Irish catholics. (So they can buy more guns?)

[eyewall]

74. you just reminded me

of the attacks against John Kerry that were brought by the Catholic church. I don't remember if they were real or just another republican campaign falsehood. That flap was over Kerry's position on abortion.

Maybe they actually could stomach Santorum.

[Citizen Worker]

55. Please note that the ultra right christian fundies voted their conscience and stuck with Santorum.

He doesn't stand a chance but does the so called progressive movement get the message?

[DCBob]

57. I dont think this will have any impact at all.

Too little too late. Most voters have made up their minds.

[philly_bob]

59. News release on endorsement -- is that Robert E. Lee in background?

I signed up with a right-wing email list, so I got the news as it goes to their base. Check out the picture that the 1776 Coalition (tea party types) chose to accompany the news. Look at the portrait in the background. Isn't that Robert E. Lee?

http://www.1776coalition.com/rise-up-1/150-social-conservatives-activists-vote-to-back-rick-santorum

(Sorry, I don't know how to directly paste a picture into a reply.)

[fascisthunter]

60. Nutcases Unite!

[sarcasmo]

63. In the shape of a cross.

[sarcasmo]

62. Paul Jimenez pastor of Taylors first batptist church should be the first to loose tax exempt status.

Snip < Evangelicals tend to be better informed and more independent that they were a generation ago, when the endorsement from a leader like Jerry Falwell or Pat Robertson held huge sway, said Rev. Paul Jimenez, pastor of Taylors First Baptist Church in Greenville, S.C.

[olegramps]

64. Christianity, like Communism, are great ideans, neither of which has ever been actually practiced.

[Iliyah]

68. As for me

these psychopath so called Christians give true Christianity a black eye. They hide behind the Bible with their ruthless ideology and care nothing about their fellow man. If Jesus did appear in 2012 they would not know who he was and probably try to destroy his message like the Romans try to do.

[Quantess]

70. What makes it acceptable for religious leaders to endorse a politician?

And still keep their tax exempt status?

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

72. Great news.