Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump’s campaign released a new ad in Iowa and South Carolina over the weekend that features clips from Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr.’s introduction.
The comments about Trump, which were said to be “glowing” by his campaign staff, preceded Trump’s Convocation speech at Liberty University last Monday. In that introduction, Falwell compared Trump to his father, and praised the businessman’s success, leadership and character.
In the ad Falwell says:
“I see a lot of parallels between my father and Donald Trump. Like Mr. Trump, Dad would speak his mind. He would make statements that were politically incorrect. He speaks the truth publicly, even if it is uncomfortable for people to hear it. Dad explained that when he walked into the voting booth, he wasn’t electing a Sunday school teacher, or a pastor, or even a President who shared his theological beliefs. He was electing a President of the United States to lead a nation.”
Falwell has been criticized by other faith and conservative leaders for not only inviting Trump to speak at Liberty University, but for those very comments. Trump, on the other hand, expressed gratitude for Falwell’s support:
“It was a great honor to be introduced by the legendary Jerry Falwell Jr. He has built a tremendous institution and is a really terrific person with a beautiful family. We have always had a wonderful relationship and I am proud to share his kind words with the people of Iowa and South Carolina.”
