The true stars of the 2016 American presidential election are not really the candidates but the people, according to Reverend Franklin Graham.

"After the first Republican debate of 2016 was held this week, all the media are still talking about who the winner was — and there are a lot of different opinions," he writes on his Facebook page. "Do you know who I want to be the winner? The American people."

A lot of candidates showed great potential, while others left a lasting impression because of their witty repartee. But Graham strongly urges American voters to look beyond the debates and vote based on the candidates' track records, spiritual background, and capabilities.

"This isn't about an entertaining performance. It's about the future of our country. The moral walls of our nation are crumbling and we're in crisis — morally, spiritually, and politically," he says.

Graham recently left the GOP party and declared himself an independent after Congress voted to continue funding Planned Parenthood. But the evangelist reasoned that his decision was made not just because of the funding given to the abortion service provider. Graham said he left the GOP so that he can conduct his Decision America Tour with a clean slate.

"The answer isn't in any political party — Republican or Democrat or any other. The answer is in turning to God, as individuals and as a nation. This year I'm going to all 50 states to hold a prayer rally in every capital — calling people to prayer for our country," he says.

"I hope people young and old will come out and stand with me and bring their families, their friends, their church groups," he continues. "It's time we got serious about praying for this country and take a stand for God's truth and righteousness."