by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
September 24, 2004
New York, NY (LifeNews.com) -- The "real life" campaign
for president features a contest between a pro-life president and a
pro-abortion challenger. Meanwhile, a new reality television series
on the Showtime cable network, "American Candidate," features
a pro-life presidential hopeful as well.
The show originally began with 10 candidates vying for the title of Commander in Chief. Now, only three remain and one of their number is Park Gillespie, a Christian school teacher who opposes abortion.
In a letter sent to LifeNews.com, Joslyn Renae, Gillespie's cousin, encourages pro-life advocates to vote for him on Sunday after the latest installment of the program.
"Park is the only conservative Christian left. He is fervently opposed to abortion," Renae writes. "If Park wins, he will have an opportunity to address the nation and speak on these issues."
On Sunday, September 26, "American Candidate" viewers will have an opportunity to call a 1-800 number provided on the show's web site (www.AmericanCandidate.com) and vote for their favorite presidential contestant. The candidate with the lowest vote total will be eliminated.
Gillespie is a 38 year-old science and social studies teacher from North Carolina.
On his campaign web site, Gillespie says he is "absolutely pro-life" and that "government's first job is to protect life."
"The arguments used to justify Roe have been disproved by science and reason. Therefore we must right the wrong done to millions," Gillespie explains.
Gillespie's "candidacy" and ability to bring the pro-life message to people through the television show, has prompted Focus on the Family to encourage pro-life advocates to rally behind the candidate.
"Do you think it's important to have a pro-family voice standing boldly for ... the sanctity of human life on national television," the group asks in a recent profile of the show. "Gillespie is representing the pro-life, pro-family positions we fight for every day passionately and winsomely."
In the final round, Gillespie faces two political activists, Malia Lazu and Lisa Witter, both of whom back abortion.
The 1-800 phone number will be available at approximately 10 PM EST Sunday night.
Related web sites:
American Candidate - http://www.AmericanCandidate.com
Park Gillespie campaign HQ -
http://www.sho.com/site/americancandidate/hq.do?content=park
Park Gillespie - http://www.parkforamericancandidate.com
