Earlier this morning, AP reported that Pat Robertson, “broadcaster who helped make religion central to GOP politics, dies at 93.” Robertson, of course, had close ties to many Virginia Republican politicians (e.g., he was very tight with Bob McDonnell), as well as to Virginia Beach, where he founded evangelical Christian school Regent University. And, the AP report adds:
“For more than a half-century, Robertson was a familiar presence in American living rooms, known for his ‘700 Club’ television show, and in later years, his televised pronouncements of God’s judgment, blaming natural disasters on everything from homosexuality to the teaching of evolution.
[…]
Robertson started the Christian Coalition in Chesapeake in 1989, saying it would further his campaign’s ideals. The coalition became a major political force in the 1990s, mobilizing conservative voters through grass-roots activities.”
This morning, Gov. Glenn Youngkin (a right-wing Republican and evangelical Christian himself) weighed in as follows on Robertson’s death:
“Pat Robertson was an inspiring Virginian and a passionate servant of the Lord whose lifelong example leaves a legacy matched by very few. I was grateful for the time we shared together just last year at Regent University’s commencement. While Suzanne and I are praying for the Robertson family, CBN family, and Regent family during this difficult time we also know heaven is rejoicing this morning.”
AG Jason Miyares also weighed in:
“Pat Robertson, a trailblazer in media, charitable work, politics and evangelizing the Gospel, but more importantly a father and friend to many. Prayers for peace and healing for the Roberston family. May he rest in peace.”
For the most part, it appears that Virginia Democrats have remained quiet so far, as have many Virginia Republicans. We’ll see who else has something to say about this news.
Meanwhile, here at Blue Virginia, we’ve followed Robertson closely over the years, given that he was a major force in Virginia politics. For a small sampling of Robertson’s remarks over the years, see the following stories:
- Video: At Regent U, Pat Robertson Welcomes “Dear Friend” Glenn Youngkin, Who Speaks Against “Hyphens,” “Pronouns,” “Cancel Culture,” “Groupthink” (Robertson, who is viciously homophobic among other things, recently said Putin was “compelled by God” to invade Ukraine to fulfill Armageddon prophecy)
- Video: Pat Robertson of All People Declares Biden Will Be President, Trump “lives in an alternate reality,” is “very erratic” and “it’s time [for Trump] to move on”
- Video: Top Virginia GOP Donor Blames Woman for Repeatedly Attracting “Loser” Men
- Video: Top VA GOP Donor Pat Robertson Not Sure Why God Didn’t Kill SCOTUS Justices Over Roe v Wade
- Unhinged Religious Fanatic, Bigot Pours $50k Into Virginia House GOP Coffers
- Video: Pat Robertson Rants About “One Little Jewish Radical”
- Video: “Bobby” McDonnell’s “Dear Friend” Pat Robertson Blasts Gay Weddings at West Point
- Video: McDonnell’s “Dear Friend” Pat Robertson Says Gay Rights Advocates Should “Shut Their Mouth”
- Video: Bob McDonnell’s “Dear Friend” Pat Robertson Blames “Satanic” Atheists for Wisconsin Shooting
- “Casual bigot” Pat Robertson is Bob McDonnell’s “albatross”
- Video: Romney, McDonnell Ally on Husband Moving to Saudi Arabia So He Can Beat “Rebellious” Wife
- Top Virginia GOP Donor: Having African-American President Fomenting “Black-on-White Violence”
- Top Virginia GOP Donor: Gays Use Rings to Cut, Infect Others with AIDS
- Video: Guy Who’s Given $723k to Virginia GOP Compares Public Schools to Soviet “Gulags”
- Bob McDonnell’s BFF Pat Robertson: Planned Parenthood Backs Genocide, Inspired Hitler
- Pat Robertson: Treat Muslims Like Communists or Fascists
- Release: Connolly Calls on Pat Robertson to Apologize for Hateful Rhetoric
- Bob McDonnell’s Mentor: Haiti Earthquake Due to “pact to the devil!”
What would you add to this list?
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