Pat Robertson Tells GOP to Wave White Flag, End Gov't Shutdown
Controversial televangelist and former Republican presidential hopeful Pat Robertson has called upon GOP members of Congress to end the government shutdown.
In statements made on the Tuesday edition of Christian Broadcasting Network program the "700 Club," Robertson told Republicans that they should "wave the white flag."
"The Republicans have got to wave the white flag and say, 'We fought a good fight and now it's over. They cannot shut the government down and then bring about a default. We can't do it," said Robertson.
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"I mean, it would be devastating economically to every human being and the Republicans just can't get tarred with that. So they tried and if they go to the electorate and say, 'We tried, Obamacare was awful, we tried to get it underway and we weren't successful, the Democrats wanted it, they fought for it and they wouldn't let go so it's their bill, their program.'"
This is not the first time Robertson has warned Republicans about being too extreme, as documented by the leftwing website Right Wing Watch.
Back in 2011, Robertson stated that the Republican primaries may force the GOP to field a presidential candidate who may be too far to the right to be electable in a nationwide contest.
"Those people in the Republican primary have got to lay off of this stuff. They're forcing their leaders, the frontrunners, into positions that will mean they lose the general election," said Robertson.
"…you appeal to the narrow base and they'll applaud the daylights out of what you're saying and then you hit the general election and they say 'no way' and then the Democrat, whoever it is, is going to just play these statements to the hilt. They've got to stop this! It's just so counterproductive!"
Robertson's remarks come as a deal is being brokered by Senate leadership over ending the government shutdown and avoid the default Robertson mentioned.
"According to sources, the Senate deal under discussion would reopen the government, funding it until January 15. It would also raise the debt limit until February 7 to avert a possible default on U.S. debt obligations for the first time," reported CNN.
"It also would set up budget negotiations between the House and Senate for a long-term spending plan, and would include a provision to strengthen verification measures for people seeking government subsidies under Obama's signature health care reforms."
