Falwell says Hillary would spark base Sun Sep 24, 1:30 PM ET
The Rev. Jerry Falwell says a White House run by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton would energize his base of religious conservatives even more than if the devil were the Democratic nominee.
"I certainly hope that Hillary is the candidate," Falwell told a private prayer breakfast. "Because nothing will energize my (constituency) like Hillary Clinton."
"If Lucifer ran, he wouldn't," Falwell added, drawing a roomful of laughs and cheers.
The remarks came during a 40-minute address Friday morning at the "Values Voter Summit," sponsored by the country's leading conservatives and featuring several Republicans who are considering running for president in 2008.
The Los Angeles Times, which reported Falwell's comments in a story Sunday, said it obtained a tape recording of the talk and confirmed Falwell's remarks with those who heard them.
An aide to Falwell said the remarks were off-the-cuff and not intended to demonize the Democratic senator from New York.
Attendees also were assured during the prayer breakfast that God would preserve a Republican majority in Congress.
There was no immediate reaction Sunday from the senator's office.
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. John McCain (news, bio, voting record) is predicting Republicans will maintain control of Congress but acknowledges it will be a tough battle because of voter concern about the Iraq war.
McCain, a likely GOP presidential contender in 2008, blamed partisanship for Congress' failure to act on important bills such as Social Security. Voters will have a better impression if lawmakers "lower the rhetoric a little bit and work together a little more," the Arizona Republican said.
"It's going to be very, very tough," McCain said, referring to GOP's chances in the November elections. "Iraq is a very controversial issue with Americans. And there's uncertainty about our future because of globalization. But we also think we have a record we can stand on."
McCain, speaking on CBS' "Face the Nation," also said Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton would make a good president in that she would work hard.
"I am sure that she would do a job that is in keeping with her philosophy and her beliefs," he said. "I think we have very different views on the conduct of the presidency. But she works hard as a senator, and I think she knows her issues."
McCain said he will not make a decision on a presidential bid until early next year. But he pledged in a presidential race not to engage in "attack politics" that observers believe undermined McCain's 2000 bid.
"I will not run a campaign or be involved in a campaign that engages in that," McCain said. "I'd rather lose than be involved in it."
He added: "Right now, we're focusing on the 2006 election. We all know that a lot is up for grabs here." |
