Biden Exits Race (But It's Weird), Dallas Church Fire, ERLC Blasted
1 - Biden Out Of Race, But It’s All A Bit Strange
President Joe Biden announced on X yesterday that he would be stepping out of the race for the Presidency, and endorsed VP Kamala Harris. You’ve probably followed the story, and the announcement has not come as a huge surprise, but here are a few noteworthy details:
- Biden made the announcement via a post on X, without a press-conference or proper press release of any sort.
- His own staff were apparently blindsided by the decision, finding out at the same time as the wider world through the internet, according to Politico
- Though Biden endorsed Kamala Harris for the nomination, it is not a certainty that she becomes the nominee. That said, she has received further endorsements from the likes of California Governor Gavin Newsom, Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and importantly Hilary Clinton, whom some predicted would enter the race at this point. Former President Barrak Obama, however, declined to endorse Harris, and neither Nancy Pelosi nor Chuck Schumer have done so.
- Biden dropped out despite receiving 87% of the primary vote.
I've been going back and watching the Kamala Harris speeches and debates.
— DoctorDueDiligence (@DueDoctor) July 21, 2024
I agree with President @BarackObama, there's no substance there. It's all platitudes.
Will she be the nominee?
Depends on if Democratic Party is more aligned with President Biden or President Obama. https://t.co/ibRDI0Y6OI pic.twitter.com/91FdkkMo0j
2 - First Baptist Dallas Fire
The historic sanctuary of First Baptist Church Dallas, pastored by high-profile conservative pastor Dr Robert Jeffress, was engulfed in flames on Friday evening, being destroyed in the process. Whilst the actions of fire fighters managed to spare the church’s modern worship center next door, the loss of such a historic building, opened in 1890, is a significant moment for the church.
It is unknown as to what caused the fire at this point. Some locals reported hearing an explosion, but Dallas Fire Dept have told media such reports are “inaccurate.”
“This historic sanctuary was the site of many personal events, including my own, I was baptized there when I was 6, I was ordained in ministry when I was 21. It holds a lot of memories," Jeffress told Fox 4.
"But we thank God that nobody has been hurt. We had just concluded vacation bible school with over 2,000 kids. They were all gone, so God has protected us through all this."
"I'm grateful that the church is not bricks and mortar or wood; it's people. And the people of God will endure, First Baptist Dallas will endure, and we thank so many of our friends around the country who are praying for us right now."
This fire comes after a week in which several US churches were attacked with arson and bricks, according to Premier Christian News, though the incidents do not appear to be linked.
First Baptist Dallas Pastor @robertjeffress after fire at historic sanctuary: "I'm grateful that the church is not bricks or mortar or wood, it's people." pic.twitter.com/KM7Pnzkzko
— FOX 4 NEWS (@FOX4) July 20, 2024
3 - ERLC Receives Pushback For Biden Response
The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission received significant pushback for it’s response to Biden stepping out of the Presidential race. In the wake of the President’s decision, the organization posted the following on X:
“Not only is this a historic decision, it is the right decision for our nation … Despite what some partisans will say, to walk away from power is a selfless act – the kind that has become all too rare in our culture.”
“Not only is this a historic decision, it is the right decision for our nation … Despite what some partisans will say, to walk away from power is a selfless act – the kind that has become all too rare in our culture.” — @LeatherwoodERLC https://t.co/SqAGZLb64N
— ERLC (@ERLC) July 21, 2024
However many prominent conservative Christian figures condemned them for repeating Democrat party talking points, with reporter Megan Basham saying,
“Not only is this a historic decision, it is the right decision for our nation … Despite what some partisans will say, to walk away from power is a selfless act – the kind that has become all too rare in our culture.” — @LeatherwoodERLC https://t.co/SqAGZLb64N
— ERLC (@ERLC) July 21, 2024
Many pointed out that the President was likely forced out, as opposed to selflessly resigning, and that his political positions on things like abortion make such an endorsement of his character unfitting. Even SBC President Clint Pressley seemed to publicly disagree with the ERLC’s stance, something quite remarkable given that the Southern Baptist Convention provides their funding.
Sounds right. https://t.co/O3O8apHh6h
— Clint Pressley (@pastorclint) July 21, 2024