Pat's Nod Gives License to Pull Rudy Lever

But press overstates endorsement power, Salon scribe says

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 8, 2007 1:30 PM CST

(Newser) – Pat Robertson’s endorsement will undoubtedly help Rudy Giuliani snag conservative votes, but the televangelist's nod can only do so much to help the pro-choice divorcé, writes Salon’s Walter Shapiro—and Rudy may be satisfied with that. The aging evangelical has granted permission for those already attracted to Rudy to set aside abortion or gay-rights doubts and vote Giuliani.

The media has an unhealthy belief in the power of endorsements, most acutely seen when many called the 2004 Democratic race for Howard Dean after Al Gore gave his blessing. But neither does Giuliani want to look too religious: Instead, the endorsement ceremony was stage-managed to appeal to Antonin Scalia fans. And Robertson was lukewarm, calling America’s Mayor “an acceptable candidate.”

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Former New York City mayor and Republican Presidential candidate, Rudy Giuliani, answers a reporter's question after speaking before the Regent University Executive Leadership Series in Virginia Beach,... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani, left, holds a news conference with Pat Robertson on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007 in Washington. Robertson, a prominent Christian leader and social conservative,... (Associated Press)

Pat Robertson endorses Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani during a news conference on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007, in Washington. Robertson, a prominent Christian leader and social conservative,... (Associated Press)

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Pat's Nod Gives License to Pull Rudy Lever