Billy Graham’s “the Gospel is for everyone” mentality drew people to him, transcending barriers of all kinds throughout his ministry – economic barriers, racial barriers, geographical barriers, language barriers, and political barriers. This mindset was particularly evident in his relationships with Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Billy Graham and President Bill Clinton

Billy Graham and President Bill Clinton had a special friendship that began long before Clinton became president. In Billy Graham’s autobiography, he remembers an issue of Christianity Today in November 1995 in which Clinton spoke about the history of how they came to know each other and the impact Billy Graham had on him as a young man because of the strength of his character and desire to transcend barriers:

“The first time I saw Billy Graham was in Arkansas when I was about 11. He came right into the middle of our state’s racial trouble to lead a Crusade and to spread a message of God’s love and grace. When the citizen’s council tried to get him to agree to segregate his meetings, he said, ‘If I have to do that, I’m not coming.’

I asked a Sunday school teacher in my church to drive 50 miles to Little Rock so I could hear Dr. Graham preach because he was trying to live by what he said. For a good while thereafter, I tried to send a little bit of my allowance to his Crusades because of the impression he made on me then.

I was elated when Billy came to Little Rock for another Crusade a few years ago when I was Governor. We had the chance to spend a good deal of time together, and I have treasured his friendship as well as his prayers and counsel ever since.

I am grateful for the way his ministry and friendship have touched my life and, even more, for the unparalleled impact his Christian witness has had throughout the world.”

Billy Graham and President George H.W. Bush

Similar to his friendship with Bill Clinton, Billy Graham had a longstanding friendship with President George H.W. Bush long before his days in the White House.

Thus, when war began in the Persian Gulf in 1991, it was natural for President Bush to call his friend Billy Graham to come sit with him in the White House as he dealt with one of the greatest political concerns of his tenure there. In Just As I Am, Billy Graham remembers:

“In the Blue Room, which was made cozy with family pictures and personal mementos, we watched CNN. One or two of the family were there with us, and a bit later Susan Baker, the secretary of state’s wife, came in and sat down. All of a sudden, the commentators in Baghdad, Peter Arnett and Bernard Shaw, exclaimed that anti-aircraft fire was going up; that mean, they said that there must be a raid on…

About fifteen minutes later, the President came into the room and sat down with us to watch television. He confirmed that the war had started.

“I think we should pray for those men and women and for this situation,” I said.

We prayed about what was happening in Kuwait and Iraq, asking that it would be a short war, that few casualties would be suffered, and that the Lord would have His way.”

Following Dr. Graham’s passing in 2018, Bush expressed his gratitude saying, “I think Billy touched the hearts of not only Christians, but people of all faiths, because he was such a good man.”

Bridging the Gap Between Faith and Politics

Billy Graham’s integrity and ability to reach and care for people through times good and bad made him an invaluable friend, especially to those in our nation’s highest office.

Both presidents found a source of spiritual counsel and comfort in Dr. Graham and maintained a relationship with him after their presidencies. Both even attended the Billy Graham Library Dedication in Charlotte, NC in 2007.

In a world that often seems divided, Billy Graham’s relationships with political leaders were an example of extending grace and love to those in power and need no matter what. His ministry was never about choosing a side or debating opposing beliefs but about meeting people where they were, just as they were, and sharing the transformative truth of Jesus Christ with them.

You can learn more about Billy Graham’s relationships with past Presidents when you take The Journey of Faith tour at the Billy Graham Library. Plan your visit today!