Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the
news that Timothy Cardinal Dolan will give benediction at the Democratic
National Convention (DNC):
Over the past week, Cardinal Dolan has been hammered by liberals for accepting
an invitation to give benediction at the Republican National Convention (RNC).
Now that he will close both conventions, they look even more foolish. Here’s a
sample of what Dolan’s critics have said.
Andrew Sullivan called Dolan “The Republican Party Cardinal.” The Boston Herald’sMargery
Eagan called him an “opportunist.” Mike D’Antonio at the Huffington Post
accused Dolan of “leading the bishops in a partisan direction.” John Gehring of
Faith & Public Life said he was “baptizing the Republican nominee.” Mike
O’Loughlin atAmerica accused him of “being a shill for the GOP.” The National
Catholic Reportersaid Dolan was “playing a dangerous game.” Sarah Posner at
Salon said Dolan’s acceptance “solidifies a partisan partnership between the
GOP and the Bishops.” Niall O’Dowd at the Irish Voice said his
presence “is a dog whistle to all Catholics out there to support the GOP
candidates.” And the Los Angeles Times editorialized that Dolan has
“placed his imprimatur” on the Republican strategy.
The fundamental difference between Cardinal Dolan and these critics comes down
to one thing: he is a man of principle and they don’t know how to spell the
word. He invited President Obama to the Al Smith Dinner, knowing he would
receive flak from some on the right. Then he agreed to speak at the RNC,
knowing he would be blasted by some on the left. Now he has accepted an
invitation to speak at the DNC and none of his critics—on both the left and the
right—can figure him out.
What this shows is that Cardinal Dolan is able to rise above the politics of
the moment. But to those who view the world exclusively through the lens of
power, this is completely unintelligible.