Falwell’s Follies

The Rev. Jerry Falwell made some eye-popping remarks recently during a 40-minute address at the “Values Voter Summit,” sponsored by the country’s leading conservatives and featuring several Republicans who are considering running for president in 2008.

At a private prayer breakfast, Rev. Falwell declared that the possibility of a White House run by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton would energize his base of religious conservatives even more than if:

A. Michael Moore were the Democratic nominee.
B. Osama bin Laden were the Democratic nominee.
C. Fidel Castro were the Democratic nominee.
D. Lucifer were the Democratic nominee.


ANSWER

D: The Prince of Darkness himself. “I certainly hope that Hillary is the candidate,” Falwell said. “Because nothing will energize my (constituency) like Hillary Clinton.” The man of the cloth went on, “If Lucifer ran, he wouldn’t,” which drew a roomful of laughs and cheers. That’s a nice, Christianly reaction. Jesus was a big fan of derision and cheap shots. An aide to Falwell said the remarks were off-the-cuff and not intended to demonize the Democratic senator from New York. Oh really.

And by the way, attendees also were assured during the prayer breakfast that God would preserve a Republican majority in Congress.