Evangelical leader says GOP race far from clinched
(CNN) - Bob Jones III, an influential evangelical leader and chancellor of the fundamentalist Christian Bob Jones University, said in an interview set to air Sunday that the race for the 2012 GOP nomination is by no means wrapped up.
"I don't think this thing has been anywhere close to being nailed down yet, and probably not until the voter actually goes into the booth and casts his vote. Everything is up for grabs, in my estimation," Jones told CNN Chief Political Correspondent Candy Crowley.
The full interview will air Sunday at 9 a.m. ET.
Jones endorsed Mitt Romney in 2008 – a surprise move given the skeptical stance many conservative Christians bear toward Mormons. Jones said an endorsement this time around hadn't come because Romney hasn't asked.
"Well, in 2008, he was very solicitous of the evangelical vote," Jones said. "If he is that today, I am unaware of it. I certainly have had no contact with him, and so I don't know whether he feels he needs it or wants it, whether he considers it a plus or a minus for him. That was a different dynamic then."
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I'd like the republicans who sloganeer about "failed European socialism" explain why The Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Leichtenstein, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, and Denmark have higher (AAA) credit ratings than the US.
Good lord... I think some people would vote for Beavis and Butthead if they claimed to love Jesus. Deal with it people... we live in a nation full of Christians with a secular government, just as the Founders intended. We need to elect based on competence, intelligence, experience, and numerous other things besides religion.
V'ger says the CNN political unit must be analyzed.
He who spends the most on the attack, has the most to hide.
Jesus liked war. Santorum likes war.
Jesus preached intolerance. Santorum preaches intolerance.
Jesus gained supporters through a fear campaign. Santorum gains supporters through a fear campaign.
He's a perfect match.
It's a shame that all of the Dr. Bobs have been so far right on social issues. It is really a wonderful Univ. in so many ways. I would guess that most of the students are from out of state. We are also very lucky to have Furman Univ. which is also an excellent school. Far more lenient in student freedoms.
Oh yeah - definitely tax exempt. NOT
The GOP establishment is tell the Conservative Evangel Community that their core values won't win an election. So, you have to vote for a librel Governor that change his views to moderate to win an election. Romney will doom them in the end. An it will be the values that let them down.
Oh for God's sake, the only drama left in GOP primary is who Romney will pick for his VP running mate.
Bob Jones University.
Is that Ivy League????
The most effective way to ensure Obama gets four more years to complete his ruin of the American economy is for these religious nuts to screw things up.
Enough of this Religion in Politics, and Cash in Politics...o.k,
"...in my estimation."
Coming from a "University" chancellor whose campus is surrounded by steep walls with barbed wire, students who date allowed to sit no closer than 18" apart and then in chaperoned parlors, and a climate that encourages students to harass and even beat gay students, his opinion means nothing outside his barbed-wire walls.
Of course it's a different dynamic this time around. Romney realizes that an endorsement by Bob Jones may be helpful in winning the nomination, but is the kiss of death in the general election. Most Christians do NOT identify with these ultra right wing bible thumper types that seem to believe God whispers in their and only their ears.
It's getting harder and harder to see dividing line from fascists, and christians.
Seems like the Evangelical Radical Right is sinking to the new of becoming just another Super Pac, or Lobbyist Group.. They need to consider the consequences of losing their tax exempt status should they continue with deep involvement in trying to influence the political process.
He hasn't been solicitous of the Evangelicals this time around because he was burned by them last time around. After building up support among them in 2008, they turned their backs on him in the end. This time he's wised up.
You gotta realize that the far left of the left never puts their eggs in the same basket! that's why they love the liberal Mitts he will have their back!
Sorry, but what the evangelicals think is not inportant. It's what the super PACS think that matters.
..."I don't think this thing has been anywhere close to being nailed down yet, and probably not until the voter actually goes into the booth and casts his vote...."
YA THINK?
Ouch some of these religious organisations want candidates to ask for thier support!! The arrogance of that. They have to do what we do i.e make up our individual minds based on the candidates overall policies.
Religious matters in this election are way down my list of qualities or requirements of the POTUS whoever it is on November 6th.
Regards,
Hodgson.
Sorry to disagree - but if you evangelicals are backing Santorum, the race is over for your candidate -- the holier than thou approach is not what this country needs - and if Santorum's #1 priority is abortion and prayer, then he is out of touch with america - prayer will no tget us jobs, a leader likre Mitt Romeny will do that
How does a Christian conservative reconcile their belief system with general desire for a theocracy with endorsing Romney?
Was the name "Billy Bob's College" taken? I would never hire anybody foolish enough to attend this ridiculous training school for right-wing bigots.
Seriously – who care what a deluded religious extremist thinks or endorses? Bob doesn't deal with reality- he's a christian.