Graham calls for 'truce' as Carson signals end to campaign
NEW YORK (Christian Examiner) – As Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson announced today he will not participate in the next presidential debate in Detroit, Rev. Franklin Graham called on candidates to suspend the nasty rhetoric and name calling that has become a mainstay of the primary season.
Graham wrote on his Facebook page March 2 that he hoped the remaining candidates could achieve "a truce."
I call on the candidates to drop the childish bickering and get back to the issues that can change America for the good, for the sake of our children and grandchildren. Otherwise America is ultimately the loser. It's obvious that this country is in trouble—spiritually, morally, and politically.
"I'm calling for a truce! A time out. A halt to the insults, the back-stabbing, the dirty tricks, and the name-calling that has been spewing from most of the presidential candidates," Graham wrote.
The evangelist and head of Samaritan's Purse said Super Tuesday is over, but the long road to the White House will continue for months. He said he hopes the candidate's campaigns, which have "stooped to a new low," will change their tactics.
"I call on the candidates to drop the childish bickering and get back to the issues that can change America for the good, for the sake of our children and grandchildren. Otherwise America is ultimately the loser. It's obvious that this country is in trouble—spiritually, morally, and politically."
Carson had hoped to correct those problems by building a grass roots campaign. That campaign, well-funded until recently, left him among the final six candidates. On Wednesday, however, Carson issued a carefully worded statement indicating that he would not come to Detroit for the debate.
"Even though I will not be in my hometown of Detroit on Thursday, I remain deeply committed to my home nation, America," Carson said.
"I do not see a political path forward in light of last evening's Super Tuesday primary results. However, this grassroots movement on behalf of 'We the People' will continue. Along with millions of patriots who have supported my campaign for President, I remain committed to Saving America for Future Generations. We must not depart from our goals to restore what God and our Founders intended for this exceptional nation," Carson said in the statement.