Thread by @AndyRowell

Comments on Wayne Grudem's argument for Donald Trump.
christianpost.com/voices/a-respo…

A social conservative thinks that if LGBTQ behavior and abortions are made illegal or expensive, less people will engage in these behaviors and that will be good for those people and society.

However, it seems unlikely that popular opinion will not permit LGBTQ rights like same sex marriage to be rolled back.

https://twitter.com/ryanburge/status/1206986473263767552

Some estimate that overturning Roe v Wade and returning the matter to the states would reduce abortion by 14%.
nytimes.com/interactive/20…

But it is uncertain what would happen. I think many women would order the pills by mail.

https://twitter.com/AndyRowell/status/1315512544837079041

Once a social conservative is in the minority on the prohibition of alcohol, contraceptives, pornography, same-sex marriage; or mandating slavery, segregation, or prayer in schools; they shift to protecting their religious right to ban or require these in their own communities.

However, as David French says, the Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld religious liberty in 15 straight cases. Most 7-2, 6-3. "No matter what Fox News tells you, your religious liberty does not hang in the balance."

https://twitter.com/DavidAFrench/status/1321470372605288448

Grudem then says: "I know of no one who has become more boastful because of President Trump being boastful." He argues Trump's example has not been influential. But Fox News amplifies it. 13 were arrested for planning to kidnap Witmer. Jerry Falwell Jr. began acting like Trump.

Grudem then goes on to minimize Trump's character flaws. He calls his
- constant misinformation (lies and ignorance), "mistaken ideas,"
- lack of empathy, "vindictive,"
- unethical cheating, "successful,"
- warnings by "those who have known him personally," "speak highly."

Grudem then says that it is Biden who has "an entirely different set of character flaws . . . used his government office and influence members of his own family."
But it is Trump during office who got patents, had Moscow Tower deal, and has money pouring into his properties.

Grudem then goes to praise Pence, Pompeo, Carson, and DeVos. I have not seen a lot of praise from conservatives for the competence and knowledge of these people. And I have seen their character marred by sycophancy to Trump. Many others around Trump have been shown to be corrupt.

Then Grudem writes: "I do not think there is a direct causal relationship between a president who exhibits pride and the prevalence of abortion in a society." But making abortion illegal has not stopped abortions anywhere in the world. It is persuasion.

https://twitter.com/AndyRowell/status/1229494742339194885

Grudem imagines Trump's accomplishments. But because Trump is ignorant about policy and incompetent at working with experts and Congress, it is more likely anyone would be better at working to get consensus to address these issues Grudem cares about.

Grudem then depicts what to expect from a Biden administration though Biden himself is explicitly for almost none of these things. Exceptions: all Presidents appoint judges. Congress might add seats to the Supreme Court. Federal money has little to no effect on the abortion rate.

Grudem does not mention Trump's incompetent, compassionless handling of the pandemic. He also does not mention his odd deference to Putin. He does not mention his separation of children or reduction in the number of asylum seekers accepted. He does not mention the poor.