When Did Donald Trump Earn My Vote?
Two words: Mike Pence. Let me explain my journey from not voting for Trump to ultimately supporting him, and how the significant moments of 2016 cemented my decision.
My Primary Vote
Before the primaries, I supported Marco Rubio as a pro-life conservative. When he dropped out, I shifted my support to Ted Cruz. However, I ultimately voted for John Kasich in the New York primary due to Cruz's slim chances of victory. I harbored doubts about Trump's reliability and ability to enact meaningful change. Cruz and Rubio seemed more genuine in their support of my values, whereas Trump appeared shallow, promising service without substance.
The Turning Point: Mike Pence’s Nomination
Then came the moment Mike Pence was nominated for vice president. Here was a seasoned, pro-life politician with a proven track record whose experience could compensate for Trump's deficiencies. Pence on the ticket gave me hope that Trump would actually follow through on his promises. Additionally, the lack of serious pro-life third-party candidates made my decision to take a chance on Trump a logical one. So far, he has not disappointed.
Crucial Moments That Swayed My Vote
Michael Cohen's Impeachment Cell's and Deplorables
The tipping point came when Hillary Clinton used the term 'deplorables' to describe many voters whose support she wished to court. Her Democratic party also made political capital out of the idea that they were morally superior, criticizing fellow Americans. This approach was deeply divisive and offensive to many Americans, including myself.
Sanctuary Cities and Criminals Released Back into Society
The issue of sanctuary cities, where immigrants, even those who have committed crimes, are not deported, was another significant factor. The government's failure to protect citizens' safety is unacceptable. The release of convicted illegal aliens back into society to live with and amongst regular Americans was a clear sign of a government that prioritizes ideology over the well-being of its citizens.
Democratic Party's Ignorance of the Middle Class
The Democratic party's failure to address the needs of the middle class was evident in their policy decisions. They ignored the struggles of coal miners and factory workers, caused massive job loss, and showed no understanding of the daily lives of regular Americans. Their promises to address economic issues were hollow and empty, failing to resonate with those who needed solutions the most.
The Hypocrisy of the Democratic Party
The Democratic party's hypocrisy was on full display, especially with the Clinton family. They have presided over a corrupt system that benefits the wealthy at the expense of the middle class. The suggestion that rapid wealth accumulation from insider trading is justifiable was a clear abuse of power. The gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, and the Democratic party's response to it has been negligent at best.
Hope for Change and Real Action
Trump's willingness to speak truth to power and his determination to make things better resonated with me. He was not just a political figurehead but a real leader who was willing to take bold action. Trump's ability to tear down the status quo and change the face of politics was exactly what the country needed. Unlike the Democratic party, which was led by out-of-touch, elderly politicians, Trump was a self-made businessman who understood the problems of regular Americans.
As a result, I embraced Trump's transformational agenda. His authenticity, coupled with his willingness to challenge the Democratic party's corrupt system, made him a more appealing and viable candidate. The Democratic party's failure to connect with the average American and their obsession with ideological purity over action was a clear sign that change was needed.
In conclusion, the moments that swayed my vote were critical in highlighting the failures of the Democratic party. Mike Pence's nomination was the catalyst, but the consistent failure of the Democratic party to address the core issues of the American people was the decisive factor. Trump's commitment to honesty and change made him a compelling candidate, one who I ultimately decided to support.