Prestonwood Baptist Church partnered with the Faith & Freedom Coalition to host the 2015 North Texas Presidential Forum Sunday in Plano, Texas.
Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina joined Texas Senator Ted Cruz, former Senator Rick Santorum, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush on stage to pitch evangelical voters and to discuss the importance of faith in public life.
Our [Republican] policies work better to lift others regardless of circumstances," Fiorina told the crowd gathered for the forum at Prestonwood Baptist Church. "This election is about the character of our nation. We need a leader who can unlock and lead the great resurgence of this nation."
Texas Senator Ted Cruz received an overwhelming standing ovation when he took to the stage, later declaring that "constitution rights are under assault everyday." Cruz goes on saying, the "election will be a religious liberty election."
While reiterating comments made on the stump about Obamacare, Planned Parenthood, religious freedom and other topics, candidates speaking at the forum offered no surprises to those in attendance.
Former Senator Rick Santorum spoke of how his faith has motivated him to fight for and lead on issues he cares about most. "What's missing in Washington today is someone who knows how to lead, said Santorum. "We need someone with experience who can lead his country."
Former Governor Mike Huckabee continued the discussion on fighting. "You need someone to fight in Washington for you." Huckabee wrapped his time on stage stating that "Knowledge can be Googled; wisdom comes from above. Wisdom comes from God."
Dr. Ben Carson spoke of it being time "to bring God back to this country." "The President says we are not a Judeo-Christian country," said Carson. "He does not get to decide. We get to decide." Carson also spoke of the United States space program, touting the products produced as a result of it and the need to grow it.
Rounding out the slate of speakers, Former Governor Jeb Bush give a personal account of how reading the bible from cover to cover as an adult, changed his life. "I realized that Jesus Christ is my savior," said Bush. Bush wrapped up his time making the claim that [instead of the federal government addressing] he would empower the states to address and make decisions on healthcare, gay marriage, education and a list of other issues. "I trust the Governors of Texas and Florida to make those decisions," said Bush.
Notably absent, Republican front-runner Donald Trump, was there in spirit, with only a few direct references by name. All other references to Trump came by way of individuals rebutting comments Trump has made recently.
Democratic candidates were invited to speak at the forum, however none accepted the invitation.
Despite being a complete sellout with 8,000 tickets made available to the public, event organizers reported that just over 6,000 actually showed up and that 10,200 watched via live stream on the church website.