The political movement of Pat Robertson

Abstract

This thesis examines the political undertakings of Pat Robertson, concentrating on his presidential campaign in the 1980s and the work of the Christian Coalition in the 1990s. It explores Robertson's actions in developing his presidential campaign, the strategy employed to market him as a viable candidate, the roadblocks the campaign encountered, and the final outcome. It also investigates how Robertson rebounded politically from his unsuccessful presidential bid to create, with the assistance of Ralph Reed, a grassroots organizing juggernaut known as the Christian Coalition. The methodology used in this thesis includes both primary and secondary sources, including personal interviews and archival material. Analysis of these sources indicates that Robertson's efforts helped launch conservative Christian witness to the forefront of the political constellation, particularly within the Republican Party, and highlights the lasting impact of Robertson's most politically active years on the trajectory of modem American politics.