Even though Graham did not pass legislation or lobby for social reform, how was he an effective leader during this time?

Provide a one-paragraph response that explains your reasoning.

Graham seemed to be able to balance the fine line between freedom of religion and the politics of the state. He partnered with Martin Luther King as a show of solidarity for civil rights, and he was sought after by Muhammad Ali and all the presidents from Eisenhower to Bush. Prior to Nixon's election in 1968, it has been found, Nixon instructed a close adviser to call Graham twice a week, because Nixon knew that his Christian constituents would look fondly upon a relationship between himself and Graham.

Even as Graham's popularity grew, he was not without critics. Some said he should have been bolder in his stance for civil rights, and others condemned him for not arguing more loudly for the anti-abortion cause. These critics did not agree with his stance to not play to partisan politics. So, while Graham had the ear of great leaders, he chose not to shift his focus solely into the political realm. All the while, Graham had made it clear that his role was not political, but spiritual. Even beyond politics, fundamentalist Christians viewed his ministry as too liberal and detracting from the Christian gospel. Despite this criticism, Graham still held firm to his vision that he was to preach. As such, in 1978, he was invited to Soviet-controlled countries to preach; this was a privilege that had not been extended to any other churchman. Graham used these opportunities to preach and share with communist leaders that, because of their restriction on religious freedom, they were obstructing diplomatic relations with America.