How any female in America could support Donald Trump, the American version of former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, is beyond me.
Call me old school, but I have a real problem electing a man to public office who the Washington Post reported has a “Twitter feed and history of public comments” describing women as a “dog,” “fat” and “disgusting.” Even still, some conservatives give him a pass.
I know. We’re electing a president, not a pastor. Or at least that’s what we hear from certain evangelical leaders who think it’s okay to endorse a “Biblically-illiterate strip club owner” who trades his wives in for newer models, as Freedom Outpost described in their January 27 column.
How about electing a president with principles, that is, assuming principles still matter?
Sure, presidents are just people who put their pants on one leg at a time like we do, but am I asking too much to have a president who has a history of keeping his pants on? Conservatives had a lot to say about Bill Clinton’s improprieties when he was in office and they still do. In 1994, the LA Times reported the late evangelist Jerry Falwell, Sr. marketed a video “featuring an assortment of allegations involving President Clinton ranging from sexual misconduct to murder…” My, how far from the tree some have fallen.
Boasting about his sexual exploits with married women in his book “The Art of the Comeback,” Trump bragged, “If I told the real stories of my experiences with women, often seemingly very happily married and important women, this book would be a guaranteed best-seller…” Trump’s appeared on the Howard Stern show multiple times discussing his female conquests in a way that might even make Bill Clinton blush. Maybe.
It’s odd that prominent evangelicals like Dr. Jerry Falwell, Jr. endorsed a man who once said he couldn’t recall ever seeking God’s forgiveness, saying he just tries “to make it right…I don’t bring God into that picture…” It’s amazing these leaders actually believe an unprincipled man who seems to have no problem breaking marital vows and brags about helping married women break theirs would keep his promise to be a defender of Christianity.
Trump’s decision to not participate in the Fox News-Google debate simply because he believes he was treated unfairly by a female is troubling in that it displays how terribly self-involved he is and vindictive toward whomever he perceives as his “enemy.” Narcissism is a huge character flaw conservatives notice in President Obama, but with Trump, not so much. America needs a leader who loves America more than he loves himself.
Given the recent evangelical Christian endorsements, it’s starting to get lonely out there as a believer, but I cannot in good conscience endorse Trump – even if I am the last Christian standing. Yes, I will vote, because that’s my duty as an American. But I cannot endorse a man who spent his lifetime supporting progressives and espousing just about everything I don’t believe, while simultaneously gaming the political system to pad his wallet. I also have grave concerns about his mean-spirited, uncontrolled speech and relentless flip-flopping.
Of course, no candidate is perfect. But some are less flawed than others. Let us remember that “earthly” kings and presidents will always fall short. The longing we have inside for justice and righteousness will never be satisfied by looking at another human. So look up. Seek truth and don’t allow anger to overcome reason or common sense.
Even as distasteful as a Trump Presidency is for me to consider, I am reminded that Jesus, who was known as a friend of sinners, would seek an audience with Donald Trump to remind him that there is a reason why it is easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than a rich man to find peace with God. If Trump found that peace, he might be unstoppable.