Josh Duggar released a video with his “Thanksgiving” message, but it quickly turned very political, leaving some believing that he is becoming politically ambitious, and others thinking he’s just weird .
Josh, the eldest of the Duggar brood from the popular TLC show 19 Kids and Counting , does begin the video by extending his Thanksgiving wishes to everyone, but quickly launches into his role as the executive director of the Family Research Council Action in Washington, D.C. The FRC is listed as a certified hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The SPLC justifies their position on their website.
“The Family Research Council (FRC) bills itself as ‘the leading voice for the family in our nation’s halls of power,’ but its real specialty is defaming gays and lesbians. The FRC often makes false claims about the LGBT community based on discredited research and junk science. The intention is to denigrate LGBT people in its battles against same-sex marriage, hate crimes laws, anti-bullying programs and the repeal of the military’s ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy.”
As Josh is joined by his wife and their three children, he says , “When I think about what FRC Action and my family are truly thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday season, there are so many things that come to mind. We are truly blessed.”
As the video continues to film, Josh and his wife bundle their children up and herd them into the car for a drive. Duggar continues to explain what he is thankful for this year, and his list of blessings continue to be politically charged, with references to everything from public prayer to the Hobby Lobby ruling made by the Supreme Court.
“I was really happy that Tennessee passed Amendment 1,” he says from behind the wheel.
Amendment 1 is an abortion measure that, as of yet, hasn’t made an impact on how abortion is handled in the state of Tennessee, but does give state lawmakers more power to restrict and regulate abortions. It passed with 53 percent of the vote. Duggar said the amendment protects women as well as unborn children.
At this point, Anna Duggar inserts how thankful they are for how the midterm elections went, and Josh expounds upon that, expressing satisfaction for the GOP sweep across the nation this November.
“The efforts of American families are making a difference,” he says.
The family finally reaches their destination — the Capitol. Of course, it’s that destination that have many wonder if Josh Duggar is making a bid for political office and may be asking for your vote in some capacity come 2016.
It’s no secret that the Duggars are ultra-Conservative, but the family made some pretty rough waves lately when Michelle Duggar recorded an anti-LGBT robocall warning against a local nondiscrimination ordinance in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Duggar matriarch expressed her belief that the measure would lead to male sexual predators spying on women in public restrooms. You can read more about that Duggar controversy here and Michelle Duggar’s beliefs on homosexuality and transgender individuals here .
What do you think? Was Josh Duggar just expressing his gratitude for the way some rulings and the midterm election results aligned with his own beliefs? Or do you think Josh Duggar may be paving the way to ask for your vote in 2016? Watch the video below and decide.
[Image via People ]