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Time to Vote – For the Soul of the Nation

Time to Vote – For the Soul of the Nation

Last updated on: October 28, 2024 at 6:18 pm by Derrick Day

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Time to Vote – For the Soul of the Nation 2024-10-28T18:18:55-07:00 Derrick Day

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

As we careen toward the final countdown of what might be the most apocalyptic election in modern history, I’m dropping this as my last blog post before it all goes down. Why? Because, let’s face it, no amount of additional hand-wringing or clever turns of phrase is going to sway anyone at this point. If you’re still on the fence, you’re not just late to the party—you’re showing up with no pants on. The lines have been drawn, the battle lines are set, and we’re all just waiting to see whether democracy can survive a four-year joyride in the clown car of Trumpism or if we’re going to spin off into full-on authoritarianism or Nazism. No pressure.

Why Trump Supporters are Masters of Cognitive Gymnastics

Trump supporters are currently performing the most impressive mental gymnastics the world has ever seen, and it would be hilarious if it weren’t so terrifying. Cognitive dissonance is when you hold two conflicting ideas in your head, but Trump’s base has turned it into an Olympic sport. These are the same folks who scream about family values but give Trump a pass for his “locker room talk,” infidelities, and all-around disaster of a personal life. They’ll tell you they love America, but cheer while Trump snuggles up to dictators like Putin. Law and order? Sure, unless it involves their guy being held accountable for inciting an actual insurrection.

The hoops they jump through to justify Trump’s every move would be impressive if it weren’t so embarrassing. He’s God’s anointed, they say—flawed, sure, but aren’t we all? Apparently, Trump’s job is to upend the corrupt system (you know, the one he’s been exploiting for decades) and cleanse America of all those pesky things like truth, decency, and functioning government. The mental backflips required to maintain this level of delusion should come with a chiropractor on standby.

Madison Square Garden: Racism with a Side of Popcorn

Let’s talk about the Madison Square Garden rally. Or, as I like to call it, the Racist Olympics. This wasn’t just a political rally; it was like watching a Klan meeting but with slightly better lighting. We had the chants, the dog whistles (or foghorns, really), and the all-out celebration of white grievance. It was a masterclass in scapegoating: immigrants, Black people, “radical” liberals—anyone who doesn’t fit into the monochromatic fantasy Trump’s base desperately clings to.

And what’s wild is that these folks think they’re the real victims. That’s right, in their minds, they are the oppressed ones. They’ve convinced themselves that losing their grip on unearned privilege is the same thing as actual oppression. In Trumpworld, a rally built on fear, division, and thinly veiled racism is just “telling it like it is.” Spoiler: It’s not.

Why Christians Still Love Their Golden Calf

And then there are the Evangelicals, the group that makes me wonder if we all read the same Bible. Somehow, the same people who preach “What Would Jesus Do?” have convinced themselves that Jesus would definitely back a thrice-married, foul-mouthed casino owner who pays off porn stars and treats the Ten Commandments like a list of suggestions. But they’ve made peace with this because Trump delivered the goods on their holy grail issues: conservative judges and overturning Roe v. Wade. In return, they’ve essentially made him their own personal golden calf.

The mental gymnastics continue here too. They claim God uses flawed men to do his work—like Trump’s an Old Testament king or something, sent to save America from…well, Americans. For them, the ends (dominating politics with their theocratic agenda) justify the means, and if that means embracing the least Christlike person ever to sit in the Oval Office, then so be it. Hypocrisy? Never heard of her.

Why Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, and Marco Rubio Sold Their Souls

Now, let’s have a moment of silence for Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, and Marco Rubio’s dignity. Oh wait, never mind—they threw that out the window back in 2016. Watching these guys grovel at Trump’s feet after he insulted their wives, called them names, and basically stomped on their political careers is the stuff of Shakespearean tragedy, if Shakespeare had written about spineless politicians instead of kings.

Cruz, whose wife was called ugly by Trump, is now his biggest fan. Lindsey Graham went from calling Trump “unfit” to being his loyal lapdog. And Rubio? Well, “Little Marco” sure knows how to roll over when told. Why do they do it? Simple: job security. They know that crossing Trump is political suicide in the modern Republican Party. So, they’ve all chosen the path of least resistance, where their self-respect died so that their careers could live another day.

The Bizarre Rise of Black and Latino Trump Supporters

Speaking of cognitive dissonance, let’s talk about the growing support for Trump among Black and Latino voters. Yes, you read that right—the man who once said Mexicans were rapists and murderers and who refused to denounce white supremacists has actually managed to gain traction among people of color.

Here’s the deal: For some, it’s all about the economy. Trump’s “I’m a businessman” shtick resonates with minority voters who feel left out by the Democrats’ focus on social justice issues. For others, it’s about machismo. Trump’s tough-guy image appeals to those who value strength over sensitivity, even if that strength comes in the form of toxic bluster. And let’s not forget the backlash against “woke” culture. Some conservative-leaning Black and Latino voters are fed up with what they see as an overly politically correct liberal elite, and they view Trump as a middle finger to that.

Still, there’s something tragically ironic about supporting a man who’s spent four years trying to kick you down the ladder, but hey, politics makes for strange bedfellows.

No Brain or Soul Required: The Trump Loyalty Test

If you’re still on Team Trump at this point, I’m sorry to inform you: there is absolutely no intellectual or spiritual justification for it. None. Intellectually, his policies are incoherent, his grasp on reality is tenuous at best, and his presidency has been a four-year dumpster fire that’s left the country more divided and weaker than ever. Spiritually, well—where do we begin? He’s the antithesis of every major religious teaching, whether you’re a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, or a follower of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

The only reason left to support Trump is out of pure, unadulterated loyalty to the cult of personality he’s built. It’s not about ideas, it’s about tribalism. Trump could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue (remember that line?), and his supporters would say the victim had it coming. At this point, supporting Trump isn’t a political stance—it’s an existential crisis.

What Kamala Harris Must Do in This Final Stretch

And now, let’s pivot to Kamala Harris. She’s the one with the chance to knock this circus sideshow off its tracks. In this final week, Harris needs to do two things: energize and unify. She’s got to light a fire under Democratic voters, particularly Black and Latino communities, and remind them what’s at stake. No more apathy, no more sitting on the sidelines. If they want change, they need to show up, in droves.

At the same time, she needs to speak to moderates who are tired of the chaos but wary of progressive agendas. Harris is in the unique position to balance the enthusiasm of the left with the sensibilities of the center. If she can walk that tightrope while continuing to expose Trump’s failures with her prosecutorial precision, she could help deliver the final blow that ends this nightmare.

So, as we head into this home stretch, let’s remember: this election isn’t just about Trump vs. Biden. It’s about the future of democracy, decency, and whether or not we want to live in a country run by someone who thinks bleach cures COVID. Indeed, we’re voting for the very soul of the nation. Choose wisely.

Derrick Day is the author of Deconstructing Religion, Deconstructing Religion 2, and the host of The Forward Podcast.

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