Fox 31 reported Robertson's endorsement of Giuliani, but failed to mention Christian leader's numerous controversial remarks

Written by Media Matters Staff

Published

Reporting on the November 7 broadcast of KDVR Fox 31's News at Nine O'Clock that Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson had endorsed former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) for president, anchor Ron Zappolo described Giuliani as “probably the most liberal of the Republican presidential candidates” and called the endorsement a “surprise.” Zappolo added: “The former New York mayor has been courting social conservatives for months. And even with Giuliani's track record of supporting abortion and gay marriage, Robertson didn't hesitate in pledging his support.” But Fox 31 did not mention Robertson's history of making controversial remarks.

As Media Matters for America has extensively documented, Robertson -- founder of the Christian Coalition, host of the Christian Broadcasting Network's 700 Club, and former Republican presidential candidate -- repeatedly has made controversial and inflammatory comments. He has called for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and endorsed the late Rev. Jerry Falwell's remark that “the abortionists,” “the feminists,” and the American Civil Liberties Union “helped this [the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks] happen.”

From the November 7 broadcast of KDVR Fox 31's News at Nine O'Clock:

ZAPPOLO: A surprise endorsement for Rudy Giuliani, probably the most liberal of the Republican presidential candidates. Pat Robertson, leader of the Christian Coalition, announced he will back Giuliani. The former New York mayor has been courting social conservatives for months. And even with Giuliani's track record of supporting abortion and gay marriage, Robertson didn't hesitate in pledging his support.

ROBERTSON [video clip]: He understands the need for a conservative judiciary. And with the help of the distinguished [former U.S. Solicitor General] Ted Olson -- who's here today -- and other members of his team, has assured the American people that his choices for judicial appointments will be men and women who share the judicial philosophy of John Roberts and Antonin Scalia.

ZAPPOLO: Another influential Christian, Focus on the Family founder James Dobson, has vowed not to support Giuliani.