Jake Tapper in 2016. Image by Getty

By Ari Feldman December 13, 2017

Jake Tapper left a Roy Moore spokesman speechless after a tense exchange about the role of the bible in swearing in a public official, the Washington Post reported. Tapper, host of CNN’s “State Of The Union” program, interviewed Ted Crockett as polls in Alabama were about to close Tuesday evening.

Tapper noted Moore had said that a Muslim cannot hold public office in the U.S.

“Why?” Tapper asked Crockett. “Under what provision of the Constitution?”

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

“Because you have to swear on the Bible,” Crockett replied. “You have to swear on a Bible to be an elected official in the United States of America. He alleges that a Muslim cannot do that, ethically, swearing on the Bible.”

Christian bibles are not a requirement in swearing in a public official. The Constitution prohibits any religious test for public office.

“You don’t actually have to swear on a Christian Bible. You can swear on anything, really,” Tapper said.

The spokesman was left dumbfounded, and seemed unable to speak for several seconds.

Roy Moore campaign spokesman says Muslims shouldn’t be in US Congress because they have to swear on the Bible. @jaketapper lets him know that’s not the case https://t.co/2lQPwuRXrC

— CNN (@CNN) December 12, 2017

Crockett tried to respond by noting that Trump was sworn in on a bible before Tapper quickly ended the live interview.

Contact Ari Feldman at [email protected] or on Twitter @aefeldman

A message from our Publisher & CEO Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $325,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount