14: Let's Talk About Trump (Part II)

On today's show, Chong and Dan continue their discussion on Donald Trump. In the previous episode, we tried in good faith to understand Trump and what he represents to his supporters. In this episode, we lay our cards on the table and explain why we think Trump is bad, and why we think it is a good thing that Trump lost his bid for re-election.
Even as we take a more critical view, we try to do this as fairly as possible - first, by laying out the facts of what happened during Trump’s presidency and his observable behaviours; and second, by giving our interpretation and opinion of the facts.
(This is Part II of a longer discussion. See Episode 13 for Part I. Recorded on 14/15 November 2020.)
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Show notes
Preface and caveat (02:59)

• We recognise the diversity of opinion on Trump
• Let's dispense with "what-aboutism" and have an honest reckoning

Corruption (06:36)

• Trump the grifter - before and during office
• Trump the norm-destroyer
• Takeaway: Trump's self-dealing is deeply corrosive to the ideals of public service and proper governance

A quick review of 40 years of investigations into Donald Trump and his businesses
The definitive list of the 20 presidential norms Trump broke
Competence (28:46)

• Trump lacks the temperament and ability to do the job
• Preference for image over reality shattered by COVID-19 pandemic
• Takeaway: Trump is not capable of managing, nor hiring the right people to manage, the massive and important machinery of the US Government

Breaking with tradition, Trump skips president’s written intelligence report and relies on oral briefings
The Trump Era Sucks and Needs to Be Over
Character (53:12)

• Trump not only fails to embody positive traits, but actively embodies the negative traits
• Trump has made his country more angry, anxious and divided, and has brought out the worst in everyone
• Takeaway: Trump's character is completely defective, and it has a toxic effect on the entire society (and tarnishes the reputation of Christians who champion him)

1 Corinthians 13
What happens when Trump gets out of our brains?
Conclusion (1:18:20)

• What is more important for Christians - our witness or our freedom?