- Position1 of 3›
- Evangelicals do not support Donald Trump
- Argument1 of 2›
Evangelicals see Trump's behavior as an affront to traditional values
Donald Trump stands against the core values of the conservative Church.
The argument
Trump’s character has repeatedly been called into question. From allegations of sexual assault, and his own admittance to it on tape, to insults to his political opponents, to lies on the campaign trail and in office. Furthermore, Trump’s own personal life does not paint the picture of a devout Christian. As a twice-divorced philandering cheat with a career ridden by scandal, his personal life clashes with the family values of the evangelical community Many evangelicals were initially sceptical of Trump, and looked to other Republicans to take the nomination. Up until April 2016 only 44% of republican voters supported Trump as their first pick for the nomination. This figure dropped to 15% for republicans who regularly attended church services. This shows at the time there was a clear preference for candidates like Cruz who were seen as more devout or supportive of family values.
Premises
Counter-arguments
Trump's affront to traditional values is not a deal breaker. Despite Trump’s behaviour, both alleged and what we hear from him, white evangelical voters in 2016, and likely 2020, choose to overlook his character in favor of electing a president who will side with them on policy.
Rejecting the premises
[Rejecting P1] Voters weigh several things at once. The premise assumes personal piety is decisive for evangelical voters, when those same voters have consistently described judicial appointments and abortion policy as their governing priority. [Rejecting P2] Even granting the account of Trump's conduct, a clash with a voter's stated values explains why the support is surprising; it does not show that the support is absent. [Rejecting P3] The polling cited measures a preference among Republican candidates in April 2016, before there was a nominee to support or oppose. White evangelical backing in the general elections that followed was among the highest of any group, and that is the evidence the position has to account for.