Candidates' Convictions

   Part 2

     Trump's choice, J.D. Vance, who succeeds in life despite everything against him in his youth, went to Yale looking for social acceptance among the elites. He later realized success alone could neither satisfy his desire for personal character growth nor fix societal problems. He spent several years studying and then joined a Catholic church. 

     Professor Thiel notes that his stance important to Catholics has softened. He now agrees with Trump that "American people should have access" to abortion pills. A Catholic professor sees Vance's shift as part of a GOP move away from Christianity's strong pro-life stance. 

     Donald Trump addressed the Republican convention: I'm not supposed to be here tonight. I stand before you ... only by the grace of almighty God. And ... many people say it was a providential moment. Probably was.

     He maintains ties with evangelical leaders who supported his previous campaigns. For what it's worth, he was Presbyterian as a child.  

     At a June 22 Faith and Freedom Coalition conference, Trump promised to defend religious liberty, but suggested Christians weren't upholding their end of the political bargain. As for those "who don't vote much," he asked, "Do you know how much power you could have?"

     Professor Thiel said, "Social conservatives who see Trump and Vance as the lesser of two evils may choose to stay home. Or vote third party. Professor Smith said candidates' statements may continue to shift. I think for most politicians, their policy preferences are most influenced by the people who vote for them." 

          Humbug!     

PS. It greatly matters for our collective future. For president, there is only one proven leader on the ballot. Like him or not. The other candidate will mainly serve the growing establishment of Marxists, i.e. communists. And if they gain total control, there will be no going back. No honest election in 2028 and beyond. Check Venezuela's recent "election."  We can't say we weren't told.