White evangelicals were in fine form Thursday in Alabama during a colorful fire-and-brimstone rally in support of Republican Roy Moore that drew dead-enders from across the country and was partially televised on MSNBC.
"Alabama will not bow," declared Texas-based Pastor Rusty Thomas of Operation Save America, donning a cowboy hat and bolo tie. "Alabama will not kiss the ring of political hacks who have sold their soul to the devil to maintain their political power!" he continued, upping the decimal for maximum effect.
After a string of speakers served up judgment on "homosexual sodomy" and "evil men" (as in, those opposing Moore) and how Doug Jones supported the “destruction of the natural family," Roy Moore's turn at the podium was almost lackluster, even as he doubled down on his war against Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
"Many of you have recognized that this is an effort by Mitch McConnell and his cronies to steal this election from the people of Alabama, and they will not stand for it," he charged. “I want to tell you who needs to step down—that's Mitch McConnell."
And although four more women have stepped forward, totaling nine allegations altogether, Moore portrayed the media reports as a witch hunt.
As you know, the Washington Post has brought some scurrilous, false charges—not charges, allegations—which I have emphatically denied time and time again. They're not only untrue, but they have no evidence to support them. Two of the speakers up here said words that I caught, one said I'm "unsubstantiated" and another said "unproven." Another said they're "fake." All that is true.
But that was the most Moore gave in the way of denials and defense of himself. Frankly, it was a good deal less than emphatic. Instead, Moore said he wanted to "get back to the issues" and lamented that nearly all the media inquiries he's been getting have been about "these allegations."
And what exactly is his issue platform?
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