INDIANAPOLIS — Eight years ago, Donald Trump needed a running mate to secure support from skittish evangelicals, leading him to choose Mike Pence. Today, Trump’s vice-presidential selection seems more of a formality to these voters. According to interviews with nearly two dozen religious leaders at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting, many evangelicals have already decided to back Trump, albeit reluctantly.
Evangelical Support Remains Firm
Kevin McClure, a member of a Baptist church in Louisville, Kentucky, expressed the sentiment shared by many attendees. “I think evangelicals will generally, by and large, vote for him regardless of who he picks,” McClure said. The Republican platform’s stance on pro-life priorities remains a significant factor for these voters.
Mike Spradlin, a delegate from Memphis, Tennessee, echoed this view: “I don’t really know that it moves the needle one way or the other.”
Importance of Anti-Abortion Stance
Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, emphasized that while the VP pick might influence some on-the-fence voters, the critical factor is the candidate’s stance on abortion. “Trump should pick someone who not only says the right things on abortion but hopefully has a track record of defending them,” Mohler argued.
Among the candidates being vetted by Trump’s campaign are South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, and former HUD Secretary Ben Carson.
Evangelicals Weigh In on Candidates
Although there is no overwhelming favorite, many evangelicals highlighted the credentials of certain candidates. Bonnie Fitch of Carter Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, Kentucky, asked about “the Black guy,” referring to Sen. Tim Scott. “I just like the way he’s been speaking,” she said.
Trump’s previous actions against abortion have solidified his support among evangelicals, despite concerns about his governing style. Scott Colter, CEO of the Danbury Institute, noted, “We took a risk on what he said he would do, and he came through and he delivered.”
Youth and Diversity Considerations
Marco Rubio’s youth and conservative stance were appealing to many. “I really like Rubio because I think he has the fortitude to carry on as president after Trump,” said Daryl Poe, of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. However, some expressed doubts about J.D. Vance’s national recognition.
The idea of a diversity candidate also resonated with some evangelicals. Bryan Gotcher, pastor at Oakhill Baptist Church in Evansville, Indiana, mentioned, “A diversity candidate would be great because Trump is for everybody.”
The Abortion Debate Continues
Abortion remains a critical issue for evangelical voters. An attendee at the convention highlighted the ongoing importance of the debate over life issues. This sentiment reflects the broader evangelical commitment to influencing public policy on abortion.
In a notable moment, former Vice President Mike Pence, an advocate for evangelical causes, attended the convention but refrained from commenting on the VP selection process.
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