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The embattled G.O.P. candidate reportedly paid for an ex-girlfriend’s abortion, but conservatives have learned to tolerate the behavior of those who advance their cause.
By Elizabeth Dias
The time had come for the Christian supporters of Herschel Walker to make a way where there seemed to be no way.
It was the morning after the Republican senate candidate’s ex-girlfriend came forward to say he had paid for her to have an abortion, though he supports banning the procedure without exception. Dozens of people gathered in a fluorescent hall of First Baptist Atlanta, a prominent Southern Baptist church. Pastor Anthony George sat on a platform, with Mr. Walker at his right hand.
The pastor recalled God’s protection of King David, the ancient Israelite king, and claimed similar promise for Mr. Walker. The candidate shared a testimony of how Jesus changed his life. The pastor invited people to the front to pray for him.
They surrounded him and extended their hands toward the former football star.
“This is the fight of his life, holy God,” the pastor prayed. “And we call forth your ministering angels to be his defenders.” The people clapped and gave shouts of amen.
The scene, a private event revealed in videos shared on social media, reflected the evangelical language of sin and salvation, persecution and deliverance. It was a ritual of sanctification, the washing away of sin and declaration of a higher call.
5 Takeaways From the Campaign Trail
5 Takeaways From the Campaign Trail
The elections are less than 35 days away, and our reporters are across the country following candidates and analyzing the campaigns.
Turmoil struck Herschel Walker’s campaign in Georgia, Senate candidates faced off in Arizona and Ohio has a new focus on election security.
Here’s a look at the week in political news →
5 Takeaways From the Campaign Trail
A woman who said Herschel Walker paid for her abortion in 2009 told The New York Times that he urged her to end a second pregnancy two years later. Walker, a staunch abortion opponent vying for a Senate seat in Georgia, has denied her previous claims. Interviews and documents obtained by The Times corroborated her account.
5 Takeaways From the Campaign Trail
Things are looking up for Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, a Democrat. She has gone from being considered one of the most vulnerable governors this midterm cycle to leading in polls. Her Republican opponent, Tudor Dixon, has struggled to gain traction, but former President Donald J. Trump recently visited the state to give her a boost.
5 Takeaways From the Campaign Trail
Trump has another rally on Sunday in Arizona, where his pick, Kari Lake, is locked in a dead heat with her Democratic opponent, Katie Hobbs, in the governor’s race. Lake, a former news anchor, stumped recently with Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota and Senator Ted Cruz of Texas.
5 Takeaways From the Campaign Trail
Ohio’s election department will now have a public integrity division, which will investigate attempts to obstruct or interfere with voting. Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, cited a “crisis of confidence among Americans in our nation’s electoral system” but said that voter fraud was rare.
5 Takeaways From the Campaign Trail
Debates have been rare in an era when candidates prefer to speak directly to their base. But contenders have faced off in several states, including Arizona. Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat, pitched himself as a centrist. His Republican opponent, Blake Masters, sought to turn the race into a referendum on President Biden.
Catch up on more political news:
- With Control of the Senate in Play, These Are the Races to Watch
- After Mar-a-Lago Search, Talk of ‘Civil War’ Is Flaring Online
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