Senator Reid Defends His Faith and Politics in BYU Speech

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is the highest-ranking elected official who is also a member of the LDS Church. At a BYU campus forum today, Reid gave a speech infused with scripture and statements of personal faith. And he answered a question he says many ask:

"It's not uncommon for members of the Church to ask 'How can I be a Mormon and a democrat?'" says Reid. "My faith and political beliefs are deeply interwined. I'm a Democrat because I am a Mormon, not inspite of it."

Reid praised social security and labor unions during his speech. He warned of the need to stop global warming and reduce U.S. dependence on coal and oil. His position on the Iraq War drew enthusiastic cheers from the crowd:

"I say the invasion in Iraq was the worst foreign-policy blunder in our country's history," says Reid to a burst of applause.

Reid also defended is pro-life stance on abortion issues - an unusual position for a Democrat. Senator Reid is the second high-profile political figure to speak at BYU this year. In April, Vice President Dick Cheney gave the university's commencement speech.

On October 23rd, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts is also scheduled to speak at a campus-wide forum.

To listen to Senator Harry Reid's speech, visit www.byubroadcasting.org/devotionals/ 

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