I do think that the imam is a very well-respected man, and the fact that the State Department supported him; he was carefully checked out before they sent him abroad to represent the United States.
David Gergen acknowledges the respect for Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf and the State Department's support for him.
Share
More from David Gergen
I think a lot of Americans do see it as disqualifying. And they're worried about it.
I think the evidence is still coming in that this country is deeply divided.
You can stand up and say we shouldn't be doing this because it's unconstitutional. Therefore, I never have to come to say whether I agree or disagree whether he incited the riot.
Other voices in this conversation
