Did The Religious Right Die With Jerry Falwell?
The answer is not simple, because it involves both a yes and a no. In one way, the Religious Right, as currently constituted, died with Jerry Falwell. There is no one at the national level who has the character, gifts, and resources to take the helm of the Religious Right. And, contrary to the opinions of some, great movements are not built on consensus or committees; they are built by men of dynamic leadership and courage. And while there are many notable and courageous leaders among the Religious Right, none has the same prominent stature or political savvy to begin to take Jerry’s place. In fact, Jerry’s passing, and a fading Religious Right, has already had a significant influence upon the upcoming presidential election. Does anyone really believe that Republican presidential contender Rudy Giuliani would openly and boldly campaign as a “pro-choice” candidate if the Religious Right was as politically powerful as it once was? In virtually every Republican primary since the creation
