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On Tuesday, MSNBC’s Chris Matthews suggested that Christians, specifically conservative evangelical Christians, have no place in the American political system. Newsbusters’ Mark Finkelstein said Matthews attacked Jeb Bush for a planned appearance at Liberty University. His criticism, however, wasn’t limited to Bush.
“It seems to me watching this thing, somewhat dispassionately, I’ve noticed for example that Jeb Bush is now going to give a commencement speech at Liberty University,” he said. “You know he’s a Roman Catholic convert. His family was Episcopalian. And somehow he finds himself comfortable in that evangelical crowd.”
“His father had to do some of that stooping last time he ran. He had to go out and say things he was born again and all that,” he added. “He had to say things he was never taught religiously in his growing-up years.” Matthews then included all Republicans in his rant.
“They have to do all this–Ted Cruz was at Regent or Liberty,” he said. “They’re all — does the Republican candidate in 2016 have to be focused on the religious right? Do you have to tag that base before you can be the nominee?” he asked as though conservative Christians have no right to be involved in the American political system. Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union, informed Matthews that Christians are an important part of GOP politics.
“Well, there’s two things there,” he said. “First of all, evangelical voters, this is a totally legitimate group of people to go after.”
Matthews responded by asking if Republicans “have to tag up with” Christians. Schlapp explained that for many, faith is extremely important, especially in politics.
“Look, the question of faith in our politics is important,” he told Matthews. “And evangelical Christians, born-again voters are an important constituency. And it’s a very important consistency for the Republicans.
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SOURCE: Examiner
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