But only if we plant our feet in the gospel.
Perhaps there was a glimmer or two of the potential for better politics even in this presidential race. At the conclusion of the second presidential debate, in the midst of one of the most bitter, trivial, and personal campaigns in modern political history, the candidates were asked to name one positive thing they respect about their opponent. Donald Trump, refreshingly, took the opportunity to point out that Hillary Clinton “doesn’t quit. She doesn’t give up. I respect that. I tell it like it is. She’s a fighter.”
Clinton had a particularly moving exchange with a ten-year old immigrant. When the young girl told the candidate through tears that she was scared her parents would be deported, Clinton called the girl over to sit on her lap. “I’m going to do everything I can so you don’t have to be scared,” she said. “And you don’t have to worry about what happens to your mom or your dad or anyone else. I feel really, really strongly, but you’re being very brave and you have to be brave for them too. Because they want you to be happy. Let me do the worrying. I’ll do all the worrying. Is that a deal? I’ll do everything I can to help, okay?”
Defined by Politics
It’s not hard to see why those moments are so rare. The race has tightened considerably leading up to Election Day. I cannot improve here on the extensive comments made by fellow believers on the inadequacies and failings of both candidates, and the singular danger to our democracy posed by Trump. The outcome of today’s election is important, but it should not be our primary concern.
Electoral revelations are only the most concrete signs of a more significant development in our nation’s …
