Billy Graham letter to Richard Nixon

Posted on by Jason Sandford

In a letter to President Richard Nixon, declassified in 2007, the Rev. Billy Graham predicted the rise of the Christian right as a potent political force.

He enclosed a Los Angeles Times article reporting on a study that indicated “the presidential candidate whose values seem closest to that of the Rev. Billy Graham stands the best chance to win in November.” In the letter, Graham offered up some advice for Nixon’s reelection bid against Democrat George McGovern.

“I would seriously question the wisdom of your becoming personally involved in the campaign before early September,” Graham advised. “If the polls and the mood of the country continue as is you may be wise to do only a minimum of campaigning. I think Senator McGovern is perfectly capable of making further mistakes.”

Click here to read a Mountain Xpress story from July 2007 regarding the release of the Nixon documents.

Click here to download a PDF file of the document.

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