By Associated Press
NORFOLK, Va. — Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson took a tiny television station in southeast Virginia and turned it into a global network that helped him launch a presidential bid and become one of the nation’s most influential conservative Christians. But as the televangelist’s network turns 50 on Saturday, he says he’s getting out of the political endorsement game.
Robertson’s decision marks a significant departure for the founder of the Christian Coalition, who was once a central figure in Republican politics. Robertson, 81, was frequently sought out by GOP candidates hoping to curry favor with religious conservatives. His news-and-talk show on the Christian Broadcasting Network, the “700 Club,” is viewed by about 1 million people in the U.S. each day.
“I’ve personally backed off from direct political involvement,” Robertson said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press this week. “I’ve been there, done that. The truth of the matter is politics is not going to change our world. It’s really not going to make that much of a difference.”
Robertson’s influence has waned in recent years as he gave up control of the Christian Coalition and made a series of comments that many people considered bizarre or offensive. Click here to continue reading.
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