Liberals frequently accused Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz of pandering to the religious faithful during their campaigns because of how commonly they profess the importance of their faith. But at least they practiced the religions they preached.
When Democrats pander to the religious, things are much less genuine. Remember when Bill Clinton thought the Book of Job was part of the New Testament? At least Republicans have read the book they’re talking about.
Bernie Sanders has remained relatively quiet on the subject of his religion. While he’s Jewish, he’s maintained a secular public identity… and the pandering has been a bit more stealthy.
Via the New York Times
On Friday, April 15, Bernie Sanders will travel to the Vatican to discuss the global economy and environmental sustainability at a conference on social, environmental, and economic issues, hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. Sanders will speak on his vision of a “moral economy.”
“Pope Francis has made clear that we must overcome ‘the globalization of indifference’ in order to reduce economic inequalities, stop financial corruption and protect the natural environment. That is our challenge in the United States and in the world,” Sanders said in a public statement.
It was initially rumored that Sanders had lobbied for the invitation for political purposes (such as garnering Catholic voters), but senior papal official Monsignor Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo quickly dispelled such accusations, saying it was his idea to invite Sanders.
Whether he lobbied for the invitation or not, it’s not hard to imagine that Jewish Bernie Sanders, running for president, would do something like head off to the Vatican for political reasons.
How could it not be political? They guy hasn’t created a single job in his life and he was invited to an economic summit.
