Courting the Evangelical Vote
Reported by Deborah - August 18, 2004 -
The Hannity&Colmes Hour, 8/17/04, was filled with little gifts for the Christian Right. Although this group is a major part of Fox's audience, the Republican's are trying to court the 4 million voters who are part of the evangelical movement.
Hardly breaking news on most news channels, Laurie Dhue reported that Jerry Falwell had announced his creation of a Conservative Law School, to create a new generation of lawyers to fight for conservatives. It was repeated on the ticker throughout the hour.
At 9:20, Allan Keyes' anti abortion comment was awkwardly inserted into the introduction of the protest segment. It was disguised as an example of what the protesters are angry about because the comment was so offensive. I don't have a direct quote but Keyes equated pro choice supporters to terrorists because their evil is the same. Just a reminder to the viewers that Republicans know that abortion is evil and those liberals are all baby killers at heart.
Then the best was saved for last when Paul Kengor plugged his newly released
book, "God and George W. Bush" at 9:50PM ET, giving the audience a chance to bask in the profound spirituality of their President. We got to see a montage of the "spiritual GW" in various church related poses, except for one at the Wailing Wall in Israel. Bush was wearing a yahlmulke. It seemed that that shot was held longer than the others. The Evangicalicals believe, that the "last days" leading to the rapture will come through Bush's connection to Israel.
According to Kengor:
Although Bush does not read the newspapers, he reads the scriptures each morning.
Bush is not arrogant because his faith tames his arrogance.
All this stuff about God calling him is not true. He never said that. However, it is God's will that he be President. If we don't understand that, it's because we don't really understand Christianity.
Bill Clinton mentioned Jesus Christ 41 times compared to Bush's 30 some times
Bill Clinton said that "By the grace of God and your help..." which is somehow worse than anything Bush has said.
Hannity ended the segment nodding solemnly, "But it's only the Conservatives, who get it."
comment: Sometimes while watching Fox, I feel culture shocked.
