Daniel K. Williams

In this insightful discussion, Daniel K. Williams, an associate professor of history and expert on American religion and politics, explores the evolution of abortion as a pivotal issue for evangelicals. He explains how abortion was traditionally viewed through a Catholic lens and highlights the significant shift that occurred in the 1970s, marked by New York's groundbreaking law. Williams also details how abortion became intertwined with Republican politics, transforming into a litmus test for evangelical voters and shaping broader cultural battles.

Rick Perlstein, a historian known for his work on the New Right, and Daniel K. Williams, an expert on evangelical politics, delve into the 1980s political landscape. They discuss how the New Right aimed to unite evangelicals, with Jerry Falwell as a key figure due to his media reach. The conversation highlights Falwell's role in the Moral Majority and its strategies, including voter registration drives. They also explore shifts in evangelical voting patterns, the impact of religious messaging, and how these movements shaped the Republican platform.

Daniel K. Williams, a historian and author, joins to delve into the life of Jerry Falwell, a pivotal figure in American evangelicalism. They explore Falwell's transformation from a regional pastor to a media mogul and political powerhouse, highlighting his founding of the Moral Majority in 1979. The discussion touches on Falwell's controversial views on race, his separationist past, and the anxieties that fueled the rise of Christian conservatism. Williams also examines the strategic recruitment of evangelicals by political operatives, connecting faith with patriotism.