The Democratic Campaign’s Unheard Religious Undertones

ach of the three presidential candidates hasthat statement as an endorsement for her
long-standing ties with well-known religious leaders,presidential campaign – a rumor his son
some of whom serve as spiritual advisors to thewas quick to quell. Franklin Graham explained the
candidates. In reviewing who serves as a sourcecomment was meant as a joke and nothing
of inspiration to the candidates, perhaps one canmore.
also finally put to rest the big question as toIf push comes to shove, though, there are some
whether or not Barack Obama is Christian orwho could question Hillary Clinton’s
Muslim, a source of much speculation during hisassociation with Reverend Graham. Statements
attempt to get to the White House.were released in 2002 that date back to the
Questions About Obama’s ReligionRichard Nixon presidency, when Reverend
Undoubtedly there could be negative fallout if, inGraham was recorded speaking of the
fact Obama was Muslim. Given the tense situation“Jewish domination of the
in the Middle East and America’smedia.” The tapes further went on to
unfavorable view of extremists and terrorists,reveal Reverend Grahams negative views of the
much has been made about Obama’sJewish media and its implications for America.
name and inferences regarding his religiousSome speculate that Hillary Clinton has not made
preferences. Hillary Clinton even jumped on themuch of Reverend Wright’s comments
bandwagon by releasing photos of Obama in aabout her largely because she does not want to
turban during his visit to Africa.stir up a hornet’s nest regarding
The fact is, for many years Obama has been aReverend Graham and his remarks. Still others
member of the Trinity United Church of Christ inbelieve that in light of Geraldine Ferraro’s
Chicago. His former minister, Reverend Jeremiahracist comments that Hillary could be seen as
Wright, has come under heavy fire for makingstarting a race issue if she pressed the point right
some harsh anti-American comments andnow. Either way, neither is likely to come out of
disparaging remarks about Bill and Hillary Clinton.such a dispute completely unscathed.
Obama has denounced the Reverend for makingFor the most part, the country needs a candidate
those remarks and has vehemently stated hethat will bring our budget back into balance, reduce
does not share those feelings. Meanwhile,our rapidly expanding national debt, and provide
Reverend Wright has retired and the church issolid solutions to help families, independent
now under the leadership of a new minister.business owners, and self-employed individuals
Hillary Clinton’s Spiritual Advisorprosper once again. While the religious aspect of
The Clinton family has long been associated withthe campaigns sheds a different light on the
the Reverend Billy Graham, whose counsel hascandidates, the bottom line is that we need the
been sought by many presidential administrations.most qualified individual in the White House,
Known for his business empire built aroundregardless of who their spiritual advisor may be.
evangelical crusades, Hillary first heard ReverendCesar is dedicated to helping small business
Graham preach at the Northern California crusadeowners and entrepreneurs enjoy revenue
when she attended with her then-boyfriend Billsuccess, and to learn more on how the political
Clinton in 1971. In the time since, Reverendrace impacts your business, read our case studies
Graham has served her both as friend andand political coverage.
advisor, including helping her through the MonicaReport this article
Lewinsky scandal.This article is free for republishing
Although the Reverend Graham publicly refers toSource:
the Clinton clan as close friends, he says he doesRepublish this article
not endorse anyone for political office. He made aAsk a Question About this Article
comment in 2005 stating Bill Clinton would make>> Keith Olbermann
an excellent evangelist, and that he could leave>> Where do we go from here?
and let Hillary run the country. Many people took