Sen. Bernie Sanders, the far-left leaning presidential candidate from Vermont, payed a visit to Liberty University Monday morning in an attempt to woo students at the traditionally conservative institution.
Sanders, who has been gaining momentum in the polls, acknowledged his views on social issues differed with most of the largely-Christian student body, but tried to find some commonalities on topics like income disparity.
“I believe in women’s rights and the right of a woman to control her own body. I believe in gay rights and gay marriage,” he said. “Those are my views and it is no secret. But I came here today because I believe from the bottom of my heart that it is vitally important for those of us who hold different views to be able to engage in civil discourse.”
While many of the Sanders supporters visiting for the event cheered, CNN reports there was a sense of tension among the school’s attendees when the senator touted his views on abortion and same-sex marriage.
Respectfully, sir: the lives of the unborn & the sanctity of marriage are of highest importance. That is “respect & dignity.” #LibertyConvo
— Hannah Gabrielle (@hgunderhill) September 14, 2015
Most of the people clapping at #LibertyConvo today pic.twitter.com/KCknH3H3Sa
— Sarah Parker (@SarahCParker7) September 14, 2015
So grateful for a school where we can open in worship, respectfully hear from @BernieSanders and then close in prayer. #LibertyConvo
— Mollie Collins (@mollcollins) September 14, 2015
Sanders quoted bible verses throughout his 27-minute speech, and cited Pope Francis while speaking to the 10,000-person crowd about poverty.
“I am not a theologian, I am not an expert on the Bible, nor am I a Catholic,” he said. “But I agree with Pope Francis when he says, and I quote, the current financial crisis originated in a profound human crisis, the denial of the primacy of the human person.”
During the Q&A session, Sanders went on to say the country was founded on “racist principles,” but thinks the nation has come a long way.
“We have got to stand up and say, ‘In America you’re not going to do that. Racism is unacceptable,’” he said.
The 74-year-old legislator is not the first politician to visit the evangelical university this year, Tea Party favorite Sen. Ted Cruz made his presidential announcement on campus in March.
In the 2012 presidential race, 93 percent of Liberty students voted for Mitt Romney over President Barack Obama.
“It is easy to go out and talk to people who agree with you,” Sanders said. “It is harder, but not less important, for us to try to communicate with those who do not agree with us on every issue and it is important to see where, if possible, and I do believe its possible we can find common grounds.”
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