Here is a conversation with my good friend Gretchen.
Gretchen is the host of the podcast, The Mess is Mine.
Gretchen Purser is a recovering evangelical, former political hack and a Republican refugee. She built a 20 year career working for national Republican campaigns, candidates, and committees and their adorable baby brother, the religious right. She’s seen a lot of sh@t. She joins us to talk faith and politics in this campaign year.
Show Notes:
Summary
In this conversation, Gretchen discusses the shift in the Republican party and the support for Donald Trump among Christians. She highlights the lack of religious power or control and the compartmentalization of Christian faith. The conversation also touches on isolationism in the Republican party and the admiration for Vladimir Putin. Gretchen calls for Christians to call a spade a spade and acknowledges the challenges of grifting in politics. In this conversation, Gretchen and Jason discuss various themes related to politics and the upcoming election. They touch on topics such as immigration policies, the need for compromise in politics, the division within the Republican Party, and the impact of economic indicators on voters. They also discuss the challenge of changing voters' minds and the importance of building coalitions. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the uncertainty of the fall election and where to find Gretchen's podcast.
Takeaways
The Republican party has undergone a shift towards populism and isolationism, deviating from its original principles of fiscal responsibility, smaller government, and strength against communism.
Many Christians have chosen to support Donald Trump, despite his questionable character and actions, due to a sense of grievance and a belief that he fights for their values.
Compartmentalization of faith allows some Christians to justify their support for Trump, even when it contradicts their religious beliefs.
Isolationism in the Republican party may be a result of exhaustion from post-9/11 wars and a desire to prioritize domestic issues.
The rise of social media and online fundraising has allowed controversial figures like Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene to gain outsized influence in politics. The impact of immigration policies and the need for a comprehensive immigration policy.
The importance of compromise and collaboration in politics.
The division within the Republican Party and the challenges it poses.
The significance of economic indicators on voters' decisions.
The difficulty of changing voters' minds and the entrenchment of political beliefs.
The Mess is Hers