Conservative Think Tank Blasts Most Anti-Faith Leader In History
In a press call on Friday, Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts cautioned Americans about the potential risks he perceives if Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, wins the upcoming election. Roberts, leading the conservative organization since 2021, characterized Harris as “the most anti-faith, anti-religion presidential candidate in history.” He warned that a Harris administration could lead to significant restrictions on religious freedom, including Christians potentially losing their freedom to worship. This event was part of a Virtual Faith Media Roundtable aimed at engaging Christian voters, urging them to consider the stakes for religious liberties in the 2024 election.
With just days left until the election, the Republican ticket of former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance faces Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, in what appears to be a close race. Roberts emphasized the importance of the election for people of faith, suggesting that a Harris-Walz administration might expand abortion policies and limit religious freedoms and free speech rights, especially for those of faith. He highlighted Harris’s response to “Christ is King” chants at one of her rallies as indicative of what he views as a dismissive attitude toward religious expression.
Roberts expressed concerns over potential policies under a Harris administration, particularly regarding abortion and religious freedom, should Democrats gain control over both Congress and the presidency. He suggested that freedom of expression, particularly for faith-based voices, could be curtailed. He stated, “The entire First Amendment is endangered” if the Democrats win, predicting limits on both religious liberty and media freedoms.
While addressing reservations some Christians have about supporting Trump, Roberts reminded voters that they are choosing a president, not a pastor. He acknowledged the discomfort some faith-based voters feel regarding Trump, urging them to look beyond personal imperfections to consider the broader policy implications. Roberts cited recent findings from Arizona Christian University’s Cultural Research Center, which estimate that millions of self-identified Christians may not vote, and stressed the importance of their participation.
Roberts also defended Trump’s stance on pro-life issues, despite the former president’s decision to leave abortion legislation to individual states following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision. He expressed optimism that a Trump-Vance administration would be largely pro-life, emphasizing the critical role of pro-life advocates within Trump’s coalition. National polling ahead of the election indicates a tight race, with a RealClearPolitics average showing Trump holding a slight edge over Harris, suggesting that every vote could make a crucial difference in swing states.