Robertson Endorses Giuliani -- Without Mentioning Abortion

The morning buzz is centering on televangelist Pat Robertson's endorsement of Rudy Giuliani. Finally, Giuliani's campaign hopes to communicate, the thrice-married, traditionally socially liberal Catholic is making headway within the Christian conservative base of his party.

But wait just a minute. Look at Robertson's endorsement sent out by Giuliani's campaign:

"It is my pleasure to announce my support for America's Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, a proven leader who is not afraid of what lies ahead and who will cast a hopeful vision for all Americans," said Pat Robertson. "Rudy Giuliani took a city that was in decline and considered ungovernable and reduced its violent crime, revitalized its core, dramatically lowered its taxes, cut through a welter of bureaucratic regulations, and did so in the spirit of bipartisanship which is so urgently needed in Washington today."

What's missing here? No discussion of abortion, Giuliani's ability to protect the sanctity of marriage, or even vague references to the "values" issues so important to social conservatives. Although Robertson seems to be endorsing Giuliani as an economic conservative, it's not at all clear he really believes Giuliani can connect with Christian voters on the issues of most importance to them.

Update: The Giuliani campaign released a further statement from Robertson in a press conference this morning. It focuses on national security issues and GIuliani's crime fighting work in the Reagan administration's Justice Department, but it also includes one fleck of red meat for "values voters" to mull over:

He understands the need for a conservative judiciary and with the help of the distinguished Ted Olson, who's here today, and other members of his team has assured the American people that his choices for judicial appointments will be men and women who share the judicial philosophy of John Roberts and Antonin Scalia.