Is the Presidency about Character?

I rarely talk publicly about my political opinions. This is especially true since Travis and I married. I grew up in a Democratic household. Travis grew up in a Republican household Generally I think we are both more in the middle and try to vote for the best candidates, but policy-wise I tend to lean a little left and he leans right. Knowing that we look at politics differently, it isn’t a subject discussed at family gatherings. I love his siblings and respect their faith. As such, I have wanted to ask more that once how they reconcile supporting President Trump and the way he behaves. My sister-in-law shared a post that I suppose is intended to answer that question, but honestly leaves me even more conflicted.

The post is written by Dr. Dobson of Focus on the Family. The gist of the post is that this election isn’t about the person, but the platform. It goes on the list all of the platform issues he finds important. Some of them in the light of the last 4 years are insanely ironic to me. I could rehash them, but I won’t. A statement near the end is what really struck me…

“That is why the notion of choosing a president based on frivolous personality characteristics is so unfortunate.”

Read that again…

“That is why the notion of choosing a president based on frivolous personality characteristics is so unfortunate.”

The leader of a large Christian organization is giving the President a pass on character….

As Christians our whole goal is to be Jesus to the world. And Jesus is all about character. Service…. Compassion…. Love…. Forgiveness… Commitment… Prayer… Gentleness… Patience… Humility… That is the whole of Jesus. No where in that description is maintaining fiscal security or picking where our kids get to go to school or the second amendment.

No I think there is no explanation for the character of Donald Trump that fits the Christian narrative so he just wants us to ignore it.

But when you compromise character…. How is that honoring Jesus? How is that demonstrating Christianity to the world? It makes me want to ask “Do you worship Jesus or do you worship the platform?”