Phil Robertson criticized for praying for 'Jesus man in the White House'; Franklin Graham defends 'Duck Dynasty' patriarch

"Duck Dynasty" star Phil Robertson has received backlash for the wording of his prayer during the recent NASCAR race, and evangelist Franklin Graham has come to his defense.

Graham wrote in Facebook: "Phil Robertson 'The Duck Commander' prayed in Jesus' Name at last week's NASCAR race, and liberals immediately jumped to say the sport needed to ban the opening prayer altogether! Are you kidding me?"

The prayer, which Robertson said prior to the Texas Motor Speedway's Duck Commander 500 on April 9, is deemed to have been a way for the "Duck Dynasty" patriarch to push his political agenda.

"I pray Father that we put a Jesus man in the White House," the 69-year-old reality star said.

The Charlotte Observer reports that the prayer ruled out presidential candidates Bernie Sanders, a man but Jewish, and Hilary Clinton, a Methodist but not a man. Robertson is a supporter of Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz.

The prayer received criticism, including one from Associate Press sports writer Jenna Fryer, who said that there are Democrats, Jews, and women who also enjoy NASCAR. A column on Fansided's Beyond the Flag also asked if the tradition of praying prior to the event ought to continue. An article on Orlando Sentinel questioned NASCAR for letting someone "who embodies every stereotype the sport is trying to escape" speak during the event.

Graham said in his post that the name of Jesus has been controversial for 2,000 years and even now, the mention of it shakes the world to its very core. He also expressed his agreement with Robertson, saying that the reality star was right in praying for America to go back to God.

Part of the prayer went: "Father, thank you for founding our nation. I pray, Father, that we don't forget who brought us. You. Our faith in the blood of Jesus and his resurrection. Help us, Father, to get back to that."