Pat Robertson: An American Life

This is the first professional, independent biography in twenty years of Pat Robertson: founder of both the Christian Coalition and the Christian Broadcasting Network, host of the daily TV show The 700 Club, and former presidential candidate. Robertson's Christian Coalition led the Republican take over of Congress in 1994 and his leadership of the Christian Right helped elect George W. Bush. After the 2004 presidential election, pollsters and scholars claimed that the Republican party had become America's first religious party. A big part of the reason that the GOP became identified with evangelical Christianity is Pat Robertson. Marley attempts to present a balanced view of his subject in which Robertson's detractors will find reasons to appreciate some of his contributions while his fans will confront tough questions about some of his past actions. More than just a political biography, the book also explains his theology, business dealings, and personal life in a readable narrative style.