Franklin Graham: Trump Might be Candidate of Choice

WASHINGTON, April 22, 2011— -- The Rev. Franklin Graham, whose family has served as spiritual advisers to numerous prominent political figures, told "This Week" anchor Christiane Amanpour that businessman Donald Trump might be his candidate of choice in 2012 and that he does not think former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will run for president.

"Donald Trump, when I first saw that he was getting in, I thought, well, this has got to be a joke," said Graham. "But the more you listen to him, the more you say to yourself, you know, maybe this guy's right."

"So, he might be your candidate of choice?" Amanpour asked.

"Sure, yes," Graham responded.

Trump has received growing support from conservatives since his name entered the arena as a 2012 Republican contender and currently ranks at the top of polls along with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Amanpour also inquired about Graham's feelings toward Romney. Graham replied, "No question he is a very capable person, he's proven himself." Despite the indications of approval, Graham did not outright back Romney.

Palin Presidential Bid?

In December 2010, Graham and Sarah Palin travelled together to Haiti to assist with relief efforts after the country's devastating earthquake. Amanpour asked Graham about his thoughts on a possible Palin presidential campaign.

"I think she likes speaking on the issues, and I agree with many of the issues that she brings up," Graham told Amanpour, "but I believe – I don't see her as running for president."

Graham gave the opening prayer at George W. Bush's first inauguration ceremony in 2001 and praised the Republican presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain, in the 2008 election.

Amanpour's interview with the Rev. Franklin Graham will air Sunday on ABC's "This Week."