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Weyrich, Who Coined 'Moral Majority,' Dead at 66

Conservative thinker gave name to movement key in GOP rise

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 18, 2008 1:00 PM CST
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(Newser) – Paul Weyrich, the influential conservative who co-founded the Heritage Foundation and coined the term “moral majority,” died today at 66, the Washington Post reports, after years of poor health. A reporter, Weyrich got his Washington entree in 1967 as press secretary for a Colorado senator. At a 1979 meeting of the Christian right, Weyrich identified the “moral majority,” which was to become a rallying cry.

In the late 1980s and early ‘90s, Weyrich was on the board of Amtrak, which he would later recommend be dismantled and parceled out to states wanting to fund the railroad. “Paul was one of the giants of the conservative movement,” GOP Rep. John Boehner said, “committed to family, faith, and preserving and expanding freedom both here in America and around the world.”

The Rev. Jerry Falwell, to whom Weyrich suggested the term moral majority.
The Rev. Jerry Falwell, to whom Weyrich suggested the term "moral majority."   (AP Photo)
Vice President Dick Cheney addresses the Heritage Foundation in Chicago.
Vice President Dick Cheney addresses the Heritage Foundation in Chicago.   (AP Photo)
President Bush speaks at the Heritage Foundation in Washington.
President Bush speaks at the Heritage Foundation in Washington.   (AP Photo)
National Surface Transportation Policy Commission members, from left, Patrick Quinn, Tom Skancke, and Paul Weyrich, testify on Capitol Hill.
National Surface Transportation Policy Commission members, from left, Patrick Quinn, Tom Skancke, and Paul Weyrich, testify on Capitol Hill.   (AP Photo)
Paul Weyrich.
Paul Weyrich.   (Heritage Foundation)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
bewilderbeast
Aug 20, 2009 5:36 AM CDT
Every now and then I wish there actually WAS a hell. There'd be two more citizens of that interesting place now: Falwell and Weyrich. Keeping the seat warm for Cheney's arrival.
Guest
Feb 27, 2009 4:18 AM CST
I always noticed how the number of churches in an area is directly proportional to the amount of crime in that area. Or not.
John
Dec 22, 2008 12:50 AM CST
They are neither moral, or a majority.

Another look at Weyrich's legacy
Washington Times

A colleague remembers Weyrich
National Review

Weyrich was an architect of the conservative machine
AOL

 
religious right • conservative • obituary • Moral Majority • Amtrak • John Boehner • Paul Weyrich • Heritage Foundation • conservative movement

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