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when they were the evangelicals to cozy up to.

I suspect the politicians cozy up to them, because the media hasn't realized evangelicals have moved on, and they keep calling on Robertson and Falwell, so the politicians see who the media is talking to.

Basically the politicans follow the media lead, because most of them aren't evangelicals, they just want the votes (and that doesn't neccessarily mean they are disingenuous-there are some social conservative politicians looking to appeal to evangelicals, but they aren't evangelical themselves).

Robertson has long bothered me more than Falwell-partly because Robertson has always come across as so arrogant to me. Falwell just suffers from chronic foot in mouth syndrome more than anything else.

I feel Falwell and Robertson did much of the trench work and were willing to take the hits in the 80's but it has long since been time for them to step aside and allow the Dobsons and Colsons to have more voice. I am a real fan of Dobson. He was a main stay at USC for many years in the pediactrics dept. and is not an ordained minister. That gives him credibility to the less religious and take the edge off those who may be skepticle about "preachers". These two men also are not looking to convert the nation. They are good well thought out men. One note the only candidate he has endorsed for POTUS was G.W.Bush

"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way."
John Paul Jones (letter to M. Le Ray de Chaumont,16 Nov.1778)

A true conservative would not need to cozy up to anyone, as his views would be both obvious and trusted.

Your friend with the great point is wrong one two counts:

1. Robertson is no longer a player. As in, no longer a player at all. No Republican that I am aware of is still seeking his endorsment. Tying any candidate to Robertson is stupid. As in, very stupid. Not on viable Republican candidate will be associated with Robertson. What's wrong with you people, anyhow? Does anyone read the news? Ralph Reed is also out of the picture, in case your friend is unaware. Haggard was never in the picture.

2. Falwell no longer tries to speak for all evangelicals. That being said, Falwell is still a voice for morality and is willing to take the public attacks. Is abortion still wrong? Is homosexuality still a moral issue? Is the family still important? Is support for Israel still important? Falwell has never failed in his stand on these issues. For that reason, us evangelicals consider his opinion important.

His contribution to organizing the evangelical vote is historic. Not one Republican candidate who has gained office without the active, vocal support of evangelicals. If you're posting here, I'm surprised you don't acknowledge it.

And it's very gratifying to me that Netanyahu still stops in to visit Falwell, and speaks at his church. Netanyahu knows where he can find support for Israel in this country, and it is with the evangelicals.

Maybe some who post here at Redstate have forgotten the contribution made by Falwell.

Robertson, the son of a powerful political family and Falwell, a man who made his word his bond.

All humans have probably wished to take back words and deeds just as these two wish. They believe in God and never confuse the thought with being God.

I have winced more than once, but I remember where they stood accepting the hate and the ridicule. They still stood.

Not planning to run for the presidency soon, I guess I won't have to plan my appointments for the voters and the press, but I don't throw out them that took the heat to make our movement alive today.

I believe that is what the liberals in England did at the end of WWII. Churchill bested them by going on being "Churchill" as will Falwell and Robertson.

I will not trash old warriors for becoming older and less fine tuned to the modern media and changing tides of political "realities".

If I want "reality", I know the community to call on. In the mean time, I will add to my list the fine gentlemen Colson and Dobson. I say add because I do not forget old and valued friends who risked it all to fight for what they, and I, believe is right.

I am not a born-again, but I have tremendous respect for Robertson and Falwell. They were, are and will continue to be fine human beings.

Rock on politicians who touch base with two of those who formed the base. I am lifting my scotch on the rocks to Reverand Falwell and Mr. Robertson. They will chastise me, I have no doubt.

Political aspirants always run risks when they associate with legendary or powerful people. They do this because they judge the rewards to be greater than the risks. Being nice to Falwell and Robertson has little risk and may bring significant benefit.

But the game plays both ways. Falwell and Robertson run risks associating with political aspirants -- Romney in particular. They have to make the same sort of calculation.

In any case, whatever perils you might imagine there are making nice to Falwell and Robertson pale in comparison to the damage that would have been done by befriending Ted Haggard.

Meanwhile, Benedict XVI is risking his life in Turkey breaking bread with the muftis. Now there's a high stakes gamble.

Falwell hasn't said anything obnoxious in years ( albeit a said standard to be held to). The "Hillary/Satan" comment was nothing, as anyone who read it in context understands. He's well respected with his University and ministries in central VA.
Robertson on the other hand, between selling his protein shake that helps him leg press 3000 pounds and declaring Sharon's affliction a punishment from God, has embarassed himself on numerous occasions.
They don't even work together anymore. Why the coupling? Liberals who have met Falwell and gotten to know him (Ted Kennedy, Phil Donahue, Larry Flint, Bill Clinton) respect him.

Why does it seem that alot of folks seem to be so affraid of church leaders like Robertson and Falwell? I mean, this idea that faith and politics should never be put together is just absurd. I mean, look at the Civil Rights movement, it's leader was a pastor.

Personally I just don't understand it.

We can write off Falwell and Robertson as identifying "mainstream evangelicals" but the truth of the matter is that they still have a great deal of influence over a wide section of Evangelicals. They have a national pulpit and, like it or not, people listen to them.

Romney recognizes that one of his biggest problems as a candidate is that he is Mormon and if he is to win, he will need solid support from Evangelicals. The last thing he wants is to have one of these two in the background screaming that Evangelicals shouldn't vote for him. It is very prudent of Romney to seek their support.

And a side note, my understanding is that he is doing the same with Colson and Dobson.

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I'm not sure what all the Dobson love in this thread is about. I'm a fairly devout christian and I find that guy creepier than Roberstson and Falwell put together - and you can even add in Oral Roberts as well.
I don't actually dislike Falwell that much - he has his limits and he did screw over Jim Bakker in a major way - but Robertson is a loon. Having said that, Dobson just makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I don't want him anywhere near my presidential candidate.