Way back in the 2000 campaign, Bob Jones University in South Carolina became a lightening rod for controversy when George W. Bush kicked off his campaign in the state by visiting the campus and delivering a speech to the student body. He probably had no idea what he was about to endure.
BJU, as you probably know, is a rigidly Christian fundamentalist school with a record of virulent racism and anti-Catholic policies. (The school, for example, banned interracial dating among its students and school officials have repeatedly attacked the Roman Catholic Church, referring to the pope as the “Antichrist” and calling the Church a “satanic cult.”)
Critics, including Bush’s primary rivals, assailed the appearance, arguing that Bush’s uncritical speech at BJU was tantamount to an endorsement of the school’s policies. John McCain told reporters, “If I were there, I would condemn openly the policies of Bob Jones, because I would want to make sure that everybody knew that this kind of thing is not American.” Even Bill Kristol said, “You could make the case that ‘compassionate conservatism’ died Feb. 2 when Bush appeared at Bob Jones U.”
Bush weathered the Bob Jones storm because, ultimately, hanging out with bigots isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker for a Republican presidential candidate.
But, as the Center for American Progress noted today, Bob Jones may very well have helped generate some fresh media attention for Bush in light of the university’s letter of congratulations, sent after last week’s election. The letter reads:
“In your re-election, God has graciously granted America — though she doesn’t deserve it — a reprieve from the agenda of paganism. You have been given a mandate. We the people expect your voice to be like the clear and certain sound of a trumpet. Because you seek the Lord daily, we who know the Lord will follow that kind of voice eagerly.
“Don’t equivocate. Put your agenda on the front burner and let it boil. You owe the liberals nothing. They despise you because they despise your Christ. Honor the Lord, and He will honor you.”
This should be broadcast far and wide.
In fact, Bob Jones’ letter dovetails perfectly with the point that Eugene Oregon and I were making the other day: Bush’s buddies are stark raving mad and everyone should be reminded of that as often as possible. There are, unfortunately, a vocal minority who may find Jones’ hate appealing, but the vast majority want nothing to do with this kind madness — and probably don’t want their president to be associated with it either.
Any chance the White House could be asked to comment on Bob Jones’ colorful political analysis? I suspect Bush aides would dismiss the BJU letter as trivial, but it’s a reminder about who Bush’s friends are and his hesitancy to distance himself from their lunacy, no matter what they say.