The Old Time Hypocrisy Hour

The Nation: GOP Candidates Quick To Praise Falwell, Despite His Disagreeable Views

(The Nation)  This column was written by John Nichols.

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The various and sundry Republican presidential contenders will be stumbling over one another in the days ahead to curry favor with the religious right by expressing their sorrow at the passing of the Rev. Jerry Falwell.

It's not that most of the Republican candidates really cared much for Falwell. Aside from Kansas Senator Sam Brownback, the most seriously evangelical of the bunch, none of the GOP runners really qualifies as a Falwell follower in the classic sense.

But the Republicans who would be president care for those whom Falwell claimed to speak for, the millions of fire-and-brimstone Christians in states such as Iowa and South Carolina who are expected to participate in next year's caucuses and primaries. It may be true that Falwell had ceased to be a definitional figure on the Republican right some years ago — perhaps even before he blamed the 9/11 attacks on pagans and feminists.

But few of the Republican candidates will chance it when it comes to praising the preacher.

So get ready for the "Old Time Hypocrisy Hour."

Arizona Senator John McCain got things rolling with a statement released just minutes after the announcement that the man who for many years was the face of evangelical politics in America had died from an apparent heart attack at age 73.

"I join the students, faculty, and staff of Liberty University and Americans of all faiths in mourning the loss of Reverend Jerry Falwell," said McCain. "Dr. Falwell was a man of distinguished accomplishment who devoted his life to serving his faith and country."

Distinguished accomplishment? Would that be when Falwell regularly featured segregationists Lester Maddox and George Wallace on his Old Time Gospel Hour television program in the 1960s? When he condemned the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and referred to the civil rights movement as "the civil wrongs movement"? When he opposed sanctions against South Africa's apartheid regime in the 1980s? When he produced an infomercial in the 1990s accusing President Clinton of orchestrating murders of journalists and political critics, even though he would eventually admit that "I do not know the accuracy of the claims"? When he attacked Teletubbies character Tinky Winky as a gay recruitment tool? When he asserted that the Antichrist "must be, of necessity, a Jewish male"?

Falwell is a fascinating and significant figure in American political life, a man worthy of study and serious consideration. But McCain did not always see the preacher as a servant of his country.

Indeed, McCain's praise of the preacher today is a far cry from what the Senator said in 2000, when, in a much-heralded speech in Virginia, he described the fiery Falwell as "an agent of intolerance."

"Neither party should be defined by pandering to the outer reaches of American politics and the agents of intolerance, whether they be Louis Farrakhan or Al Sharpton on the left, or Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell on the right," McCain declared, as he accused Falwell and others like him of narrow-minded ideologues who would "padlock the Republican Party and surrender the future of our nation."

As he was battling George Bush for the Republican presidential nomination that year, McCain told Tim Russert on MSNBC's Meet the Press that "Governor Bush swung far to the right and sought out the base support of Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell. Those aren't the ideas that I think are good for the Republican Party."

McCain has gone through some changes since the days when he was preaching "big-tent" Republicanism. He learned an ugly lesson in 2000, and he's playing hard to the right this time around. As such, he has made his peace with Falwell.

Last year, the Arizona Senator made his way to Lynchburg, Virginia, to deliver the commencement address at Falwell's Liberty University. Was it a pander to the people by way of the man he once referred to as an "agent of intolerance"? And he got called on it. "Are you freaking out on us?" Daily Show host Jon Stewart, once a McCain fan, asked the Senator. "Are you going into the crazy-base world?"

The short answer is "yes." And McCain will have plenty of company in the rush to the crazy-base world.

While there are serious debates opening up about just how strong a force the religious right remains within a Republican Party that is struggling to position itself for the post-Bush era — after all, pro-choice gay-rights supporter Rudy Giuliani is the GOP poll leader of the moment — there is no question that McCain and most of the other contenders fear the wrath of the evangelicals Falwell did so much to lead into the Republican fold more than a quarter-century ago.

That fear is uglier than anything Falwell ever did or said.

It is possible to treat Falwell with respect in death, to recognize that he apologized for some of his more divisive and destructive statements and that he grew beyond his segregationist stances and some of his other intolerances. It is certainly possible to regard him as a political figure of consequence and deeply held views.

But for McCain to heap praise on Falwell at this politically convenient moment is an embarrassing example of how the maverick of the 2000 race has become the predictable politician of the 2008 contest.

[jacksteen1]

Falwell is, right now - even as we speak - in front of the Judge Who Never Can Be Bribed. He is answering for his hateful, spiteful speech and actions that divided our nation...and he is about to be sent below - to eternal perdition...to the flames, where Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, and the rest of the Pantheon of Republiscum Party operatives live - and burn - in eternity.

His actions divided this nation and enabled the Republicrap Party to dominate the political spectrum, despite the fact that their promised 'christian revival' never occurred. Christ Jesus had nothing to do with their takeover of America.

It was all about masking their true intentions by muddying the waters with talk about tadpole babies, abortion rights, and keeping the ******* and kweers down where they belong.

Every single cross-eyed Baptist and Lutheran that voted for the Republicrap Party will have to answer for his sins before The Judge.

They saved not one baby. They killed uncounted workers and their families. They allowed *** Cheney and his family to reap profits off the corpses of innocent victims azround the world.

Thew filthy Republiscum shall inherit the wind.

[i-tack]

tell7 continues:

"I know a few of you here today don't like Jews.
And I know why. He can make more money accidentally than you can on purpose" and "When The Antichrist comes, he "must be, of necessity, a Jewish male." *Shades of Hitler.

I would not want every public statement of mine to be measured against me, but the context of this quote is essential to understanding the tone and intention of the content. I cannot tell you how Falwell felt towards Jewish people, but a true Christian cannot hate/blame Jews (God's chosen people) as Hitler did. I've seen more hatred towards Jewish people here from the Liberals on this site than I have from Christians.

tell7 continues:
"The idea that religion and politics don't mix was invented by the Devil to keep Christians from running their own country." and " Our crowd needs to get into the battle, keep their mouths shut and help this man win." *Was willing to stomp on the Constitution to achieve political power, he wanted the US to be a "Neo Fascist like" Christian state."

Fascism is Christianity? Hardly. True Christianity brings freedom, not bondage. A fact not oft appreciated

[i-tack]

tell7 said,

"Here are a few reasons I disliked Falwell...

Falwell marketed himself as God's Right Hand Man, interpreted his own version of the Bible and used it to indoctrinate his followers into a mindset which encouraged hatred towards others."

Perhaps you mistake hatred of actions as opposed to hatred of people?

tell7 continued,
"He sought self profit, power and political standing. His version of God showed love and mercy only for his followers. Are these the teachings of Jesus?"

So seeking profit, power and political standing are amoral? Perhaps we should tell all of our candidates this. Running a organization takes money. BTW, according to Christian tenets, God's mercy is reserved for those who submit themselves to His will and purpose. With that said, His mercy does extend beyond this rule in many instances. What would be the point if mercy was equally parsed out.

tell7 continues:
"Quotes of Falwell: "If you're not a born-again Christian, you're a failure as a human being." *Just being a Christian, wasn't good enough, you had to be a militant Christian."

You assume that a born-again Christian is a militant Christian. Militancy is not a requirement.

[oleander8]

I wonder how Falwell's "meeting" went with his God...

[mike71067]

"This piece of Republiscum ******* is, along with Ronald Reagan , Richard Nixon and the pantheon of that party's elite, roasting in the lowest reaches of Hell. May it not be too long before the elder Bushes and Pat Robertson join them at the eternal weenie roast."
-Posted by JackSteen1 at 05:20 AM : May 18, 2007

Let's hear it for the party of "diversity" and "tolerance"!

[tell7]

Posted by SlipSter01
"How about we not wait til Bill Clinton is gone to call him a whoring, cheating, lying, conniving, arrogant, stealing, SOB of the first order? And, I challenge anyone to prove these accusations false, and not try to lay the same CLAIMS AGAINST SOMEONE
ELSE TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT."

Are you saying that you can change THE SUBJECT, but no one else should?

So, why not address THE SUBJECT of this thread? That is: Opinions on Hypocrisy, the GOP and Falwell? Use your rights.. freedom of speech, press, thought and religion to state whether or not you agree or disagree with THE SUBJECT. You can do this no matter what gender, race or ethnic group you belong to. I am sure that you will have plenty of opportunities to express your opinions regarding the Clintons in upcoming threads, in which they are THE SUBJECT.

Be reminded that Falwell used his words and deeds in attempts to take away the above rights from anyone who did not suit and follow his doctrine. This might include you.

[im4honesty]

Let's get the hits in while he's alive to hear it. Not that he would care, he'll be hiding behind Hillary's pants, waiting for his next shot at another White House Intern in the Oval Office if she gets elected.


Posted by SlipSter01


It is interesting and encouraging to hear that even a thick-headed neo-con such as yourself believes Hillary will be our next president.

[jacksteen1]

This piece of Republiscum ******* is, along with Ronald Reagan , Richard Nixon and the pantheon of that party's elite, roasting in the lowest reaches of Hell.

May it not be too long before the elder Bushes and Pat Robertson join them at the eternal weenie roast.

[im4honesty]

It is not a sin to hate evil. Jerry Falwell was the personification of evil, the ultimate predator. Every person of good moral character should rejoice that this monster is finally in hell, and any misguided follower of this beast should fall to their knees and beg for enlightenment. Thank you God for taking this horrible 'thing' from our midst.

[johnshaft4]

"Ding dong, the wicked witch is dead..."

[sty1]

God will send him back as a nappy headed ho. I am so happy that he is in hell for a while. I absolutly hated that nut that made his living off poor stupid old women. I hope his gang goes with him soon.

[kansas1946]

Jerry Falwell was very weird, and if I were a politician, I would run everytime his name is mentioned. I can not imagine any serious polititian wanting to be in any way associated with Falwell, or Robertson, or any of those money grubbing televangilists.

[jolsonbear]

There will always be people like Jerry Falwell, James Dobson, Pat Robertson and others because there will always be enough feeble minded people to follow them.

To be a Christian means to be Christ-like......I've never met one! And the men mentioned above are about as far from that definition as you can get.

[slipster01]

How about we not wait til Bill Clinton is gone to call him a whoring, cheating, lying, conniving, arrogant, stealing, SOB of the first order? And, I challenge anyone to prove these accusations false, and not try to lay the same claims against someone else to change the subject.

Let's get the hits in while he's alive to hear it. Not that he would care, he'll be hiding behind Hillary's pants, waiting for his next shot at another White House Intern in the Oval Office if she gets elected.

[processor2]

Bite me neocon. I meant everything I said, here I'll say it again.
HA HA HA HA!!
THE FAT FVCK IS DEAD!!
ROFLMAO!!
I HOPE HE SUFFERED!!
Posted by dallison7 at 11:57 AM : May 17, 2007


AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF SO-CALLED "LIBERAL TOLERANCE"

ONLY A LIBERAL WOULD CELEBRATE THE DEATH OF ANOTHER HUMAN BEING

IF A DEMOCRAT, SUCH AS CLINTON DIES, I WILL USE YOUR OWN WORDS AGAINST YOU.

THANK YOU DALLISON7 FOR PROVING THAT LIBERALISM IS INDEED A SERIOUS MENTAL DISORDER.

...

[processor2]

Bite me neocon. I meant everything I said, here I'll say it again.
HA HA HA HA!!
THE FAT FVCK IS DEAD!!
ROFLMAO!!
I HOPE HE SUFFERED!!
Posted by dallison7 at 11:57 AM : May 17, 2007


AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF SO-CALLED "LIBERAL TOLERANCE"

ONLY A LIBERAL WOULD CELEBRATE THE DEATH OF ANOTHER HUMAN BEING

IF A DEMOCRAT, SUCH AS CLINTON DIES, I WILL USE YOUR OWN WORDS AGAINST YOU.

THANK YOU DALLISON7 FOR PROVING THAT LIBERALISM IS INDEED A SERIOUS MENTAL DISORDER.

...

[tell7]

"All men will hate you because of me" - Jesus
Posted by Infidel_US

No, not me. Here are a few reasons I disliked Falwell...

Falwell marketed himself as God's Right Hand Man, interpreted his own version of the Bible and used it to indoctrinate his followers into a mindset which encouraged hatred towards others. He sought self profit, power and political standing. His version of God showed love and mercy only for his followers. Are these the teachings of Jesus?

Quotes of Falwell: "If you're not a born-again Christian, you're a failure as a human being." *Just being a Christian, wasn't good enough, you had to be a militant Christian.

"We need a spiritual brainwashing" *Wanted mind control.

"I know a few of you here today don't like Jews.
And I know why. He can make more money accidentally than you can on purpose" and "When The Antichrist comes, he "must be, of necessity, a Jewish male." *Shades of Hitler.

"The idea that religion and politics don't mix was invented by the Devil to keep Christians from running their own country." and " Our crowd needs to get into the battle, keep their mouths shut and help this man win." *Was willing to stomp on the Constitution to achieve political power, he wanted the US to be a "Neo Fascist like" Christian state.

As we know, there are many more groups who he attacked with his hateful rhetoric. No wonder he incites such rage from those he fought so hard to harm.

[mike71067]

"HA HA HA HA!!
THE FAT FVCK IS DEAD!!
ROFLMAO!!
I HOPE HE SUFFERED!!
Posted by dallison7 at 11:57 AM : May 17, 2007"

Let's have a big round-of-applause for the party of "tolerance" and "diversity"!

And check out this one:

"I'd be curious of what Jesus would have thought of Jerry Falwell. I can't immagine Jesus would have anything to do with him."
Posted by ianlou at 12:36 PM : May 17, 2007

Wow! The Democrats are really out-demming themselves today!

[mbcsmith]

Bite me neocon. I meant everything I said, here I'll say it again.
HA HA HA HA!!
THE FAT FVCK IS DEAD!!
ROFLMAO!!
I HOPE HE SUFFERED!!
Posted by dallison7 at 11:57 AM : May 17, 2007

The LIBS are such a hypocritic bunch. This is the epitome of their uncaring views.

[mike71067]

To the liber Nation magazine, any view that does not line up with the blame-America-first, God-doesn't-exist, white-males-are-evil, homosexuality-is-normal, point of view is deemed "disagreeable."

Any criticism dished-out by this joke of a publication should be taken as a compliment.