David Settje:The Sly Political Operative: Billy Graham’s Hidden Campaign for Richard Nixon
Channel: GIRES-Global Research Institute
Date: 2021-08-09

David Settje earned his doctorate from Kent State University in 2001 and was a Professor of History and Honors Program Director at Concordia University Chicago for eighteen years. He has authored Lutherans and the Longest War: Adrift on a Sea of Doubt about the Cold and Vietnam Wars, 1964-1975 (Lexington Books, 2007), Faith and War: How Christians Debated the Cold and Vietnam Wars (New York University Press, 2011), and Evil Deeds in High Places: Christian America\'s Moral Struggle with Watergate (New York University Press, 2020).

ABSTRACT
No religious leader sparked more attention during the twentieth century than William Franklin Graham, and as a result no religious icon produced more controversy. Graham has been labeled “America’s preacher.” His accomplishments included ministering to a number of U.S. presidents, including Richard M. Nixon. Graham claimed he served as their spiritual adviser and remained above the political fray.
However, closer scrutiny reveals a different portrait. In conversations and behind the scenes activities, Graham and Nixon coordinated efforts to earn Nixon’s 1972 reelection. In return, Graham received favors from the president, in a quid-pro-quo between the two men. They shared a friendship but also relished their power and used it to advance their careers. As Nixon once said to Graham, “keep doing that sly thing you are doing.” This despite the fact Graham denied any political efforts to assist Nixon. Such subterfuge shines a light on Graham’s image that reveals less than flattering information. For example, he and Nixon orchestrated for the president to attend a crusade in 1972, in order to attract evangelical voters. But they pretended Graham had nothing to do with the visit. Furthermore, while Graham insisted he acted as nothing more than a pastor to the president, recorded conversations and remaining materials contain almost no hint of spiritual conversations between them. Their public protestations about friendship and religious counsel fail the test of history, which reveals a political operation propped up by deceitful public proclamations.

CONFERENCE INFORMATION
"Religion and Politics in the United States"
Organizer: GIRES-Global Institute for Research Education & Scholarship  
Date: 17-18 July 2021
Place: Amsterdam (Virtual)
More information: https://www.gires.org/activities/conferences/religion-and-politics-in-the-united-states/