I've thought long and hard about this Donald Trump presidential candidacy, and here's what I think we Christians should be doing.
First, let's avoid any negative characterization of him at all (there's no benefit there, there's plenty already floating around). Trump has mastered the practice of agonic self-definition -- building himself up by belittling others in such a way that they can't, or won't, respond effectively in kind.
Instead (secondly), I think we should aim for sympathy, suggesting that he needs gentle treatment; facts asserted as a matter of record rather than an assault ("it's not fair to introduce his failed business ventures as evidence, because he can always just print more money if he wins the election"); and keeping him associated with the very tiny group whose actual interests he represents ("He brought so many casino jobs to Atlantic City, offering part-time employment to hundreds of desperate citizens and giving gamblers a chance at winning big"). And let's not forget that Trump had a father who set them up with an advantageous inheritance -- there's no point in attacking his wealth, since it's not really his. His populist message might certainly appeal to certain segments of American society, but he's no where near Andrew Jackson's Everyman.
First, let's avoid any negative characterization of him at all (there's no benefit there, there's plenty already floating around). Trump has mastered the practice of agonic self-definition -- building himself up by belittling others in such a way that they can't, or won't, respond effectively in kind.
Instead (secondly), I think we should aim for sympathy, suggesting that he needs gentle treatment; facts asserted as a matter of record rather than an assault ("it's not fair to introduce his failed business ventures as evidence, because he can always just print more money if he wins the election"); and keeping him associated with the very tiny group whose actual interests he represents ("He brought so many casino jobs to Atlantic City, offering part-time employment to hundreds of desperate citizens and giving gamblers a chance at winning big"). And let's not forget that Trump had a father who set them up with an advantageous inheritance -- there's no point in attacking his wealth, since it's not really his. His populist message might certainly appeal to certain segments of American society, but he's no where near Andrew Jackson's Everyman.