Bush to Address Christian Coalition

September 30, 2000

Source: The New York Times

On September 30, 2000, The New York Times reported that "after some prominent Christian conservatives grumbled about Gov. George W. Bush's decision to skip the Christian Coalition's annual conference this weekend, the Bush campaign reversed itself today and announced that the governor would address the convention by videotape on Saturday. The announcement of Mr. Bush's change of heart came after Pat Robertson, the Christian Coalition chairman and founder, had complained earlier this week, and again today, that Mr. Bush was "taking a risk" by not speaking before the group. 'I think it's up to him to encourage this base to come out and work,' Mr. Robertson told reporters this morning. 'We'll do what we can. But if he doesn't, then he's taking a risk.' Responding to questions about whether Mr. Bush, who has tried to avoid being labeled as too conservative, was trying to distance himself from the evangelical organization, Mr. Robertson replied, 'He's not distancing himself, but he's taking a risk. He thinks that he has the Christian base all locked up.' Asked if he thought that Mr. Bush indeed had the Christian conservative vote in hand, Mr. Robertson smiled and said, 'We'll find out the first week of November.'"