Blogometer PM Extra III
BLOGGERS VS. GOP: Exit Interview?
Ex-Pres. Bush speechwriter Michael Gerson's interview for the August edition of Christianity Today is making a slow burn through the blogosphere. Under the header "Evangelicals for Big Government" Jonah Goldberg at The Corner highlights the following exchange:
Until recently, the Republican Party and Christian conservatives have complained that government is the problem. Is that a view they will likely return to?
I think it's a temptation, but I don't think it's going to happen. One reason is because of what's changed in evangelical political involvement. I think there are lots and lots of young people, in their 20s to 40s, who are very impatient with older models of social engagement like those used by the Religious Right. They understand the importance of the life issues and the family issues, but they know the concern for justice has to be broader and global. At least a good portion of the evangelical movement is looking for leaders who have a broader conception of social justice. President Bush has provided that in many ways. He ran his initial campaign on education and on faith-based answers to poverty and addiction. And then he's led the international efforts we've undertaken, both on the development and disease side, but also on the spread of human liberty.
Andrew Sullivan also picked up on the interview and comments: "If you want to understand what the Bush administration has done to conservatism, listen to the well-meant and sincere agenda of Mike Gerson, former liberal Democrat."
Finally, Kevin Drum at Washington Monthly highlights Gerson's warning that "It's probably a long-term mistake for evangelicals to be too closely associated with any ideology or political party," and comments: "Now, it's not as if Gerson has suddenly become a social liberal or anything, but it's still slightly stunning to see a major player in the Bush administration advise evangelicals not to become "too closely associated" with any political party. Karl Rove must be spinning in his casket."
