Pat Robertson’s Remarks at GOP Assembly

“It’s Never Too Early for GOP Hopefuls” (April 7) distorted my comments made before the California Republican Assembly and wrongly reduced my analysis of the political landscape during the 1995-96 budget battle to an attack against my friend and colleague, former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole.

In my remarks before the CRA, I compared the well-polished, media-savvy efforts of President Bill Clinton to the unfocused and lackluster performance put forth by the Republican congressional leadership--Dole, Speaker Newt Gingrich and Rep. John Kasich--during the budget debate.

As a broadcaster with nearly four decades of experience, I know the value and importance of crafting a media message that is easily understood by the American people. My remarks pointed out how the Democrats did a superb job in this area, including the co-opting of Republican issues like Medicare reform. My analysis of the Republican leadership never “dismissed” or “mimicked” Dole’s performance or war injury.

I hold Dole in high regard. He showed tremendous courage and perseverance in the 1996 presidential race. I personally supported him in both the Republican primaries and the general election. My analysis was not an attack aimed at hurting a dear friend. It was a wake-up call for the Republican Party to do a better job in presenting its philosophy to the American people.

PAT ROBERTSON

President, Christian Coalition

Chesapeake, Va.

* * The Times quoted remarks of Robertson describing Dole as “a laconic Kansan with a bad arm” and saying he mimicked Dole’s debilitating World War II injury.

For a Christian minister to use such words and actions about a man who nearly died from his war wounds, spent months in a hospital with numerous surgeries, is handicapped for life but still managed to rise through Republican ranks to become its standard-bearer is beneath contempt.

I have been a dues-paying member of the California Republican Assembly for 61 years but, at 87, I don’t travel much anymore. Had I been there I would have introduced a resolution of censure.

Not being able to do this, I hope some CRA member who was in attendance demands that no Republican organization ever invite Robertson to address that group until he makes an abject apology for his disgraceful words and actions.

CHARLES J. CONRAD

Thousand Oaks