“There’s a feeling almost everywhere that there is something seriously wrong in America,” I wrote in my latest book, “Spirit-Led Living in an Upside-Down World.” That’s stating the obvious for those of us who see the Judeo-Christian values our nation was built on eroding before our eyes. But with the attempted assassination of Donald Trump on July 13, and then the powers that be in the Democratic Party forcing President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race, many non-Christians are also saying something has gone wrong and are beginning to back Donald Trump.
You don’t have to be religious to believe it was a miracle that a bullet aimed at former President Trump’s head nicked his ear instead. Even Trump, not known for being overly spiritual, said at the Republican National Convention, “It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening.” He added: “We will fear not, but instead remain resilient in our faith and defiant in the face of wickedness.”
After the attempt on his life, former President Trump appears to be a bit more reflective, more willing to be led by God through the Holy Spirit, versus the bombastic New York real estate king most of us have been familiar with for many years. With his Democrat opponents in some disarray so far following Biden’s withdrawal, I think Trump is better situated for election victory than he was eight years ago in 2016. Biden’s remarks in his address Wednesday night, while charitable and pleasant, did nothing to make his party’s candidate more appealing. Here are five reasons that Trump’s difficulties, rough edges and trials might have prepared him to be reelected to the Oval Office and also fulfill the many prophetic words about his two terms in office.
1. Strong Base Support
One of the primary reasons Donald Trump could earn victory is the unwavering support of his base. Despite controversies and polarizing rhetoric, which I believe are just the result of his being the “disrupter” we need now, Trump’s supporters have remained loyal, perhaps never more so than this past few weeks in the aftermath of the thankfully failed assassination attempt. His base is characterized by high voter turnout and passionate advocacy.
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Trump’s ability to galvanize his base is a critical factor in his electoral strategy, providing a reliable foundation for his campaigns. And that includes many in the Christian community who may not like the Republican party or some of Trump’s tweets but who resonate with his policies, if only because they are the opposite of the Democrat policies of pro-abortion, pro-transsexual, open borders, more government spending and more.
2. Media Savvy and Communication Skills
Donald Trump’s proficiency in media manipulation and his unique communication style give him an edge over his opponents. Trump’s use of social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), Truth Social and most recently TikTok, has allowed him to directly reach millions of supporters without the traditional media filters. His ability to dominate news cycles, set the agenda and respond rapidly to events have been hallmarks of his political strategy.
3. Economic Messaging
Trump’s focus on economic issues, particularly during his first term in office, resonates with a significant portion of the electorate from both sides and especially the undecided middle. His promises to bring back jobs, renegotiate trade deals and lower taxes appeal to voters concerned about economic security and prosperity, not least in the ongoing aftermath of Bidenomics policies following the COVID pandemic. Despite criticisms of his economic policies, many Americans believed they were better off through Trump’s first term. While the Democrats have their own economic platforms, Trump’s messaging on jobs and economic growth has carried wide appeal, especially among working-class voters in key swing states.
4. Outsider Persona
Trump’s “maverick” style as a political outsider continues to be a compelling narrative for many voters. His ability to position himself against the so-called “deep state” establishment resonates with many who have grown more disillusioned with traditional politics over the past few decades. This outsider image contrasts sharply with the public perceptions of Kamala Harris and other Democrats, who often are seen as part of the elite of the deeply entrenched political class. Trump’s rhetoric of challenging the status quo and “draining the swamp” taps into deep-seated desires for change among certain voter demographics, offering a stark alternative to the established political figures.
5. Polarizing Figure
While being a “disrupter” can be a double-edged sword, for Trump it often works to his advantage by solidifying his support base. His ability to evoke strong emotional responses, both positive and negative, keeps him at the center of political discourse, optimizing every angle from the middle against his opponents and their perpetual allies across the media landscape. This polarization can demotivate or divide his opponents’ supporters, as seen in previous elections.
I believe God’s hand is on Donald Trump, not because he is a righteous man but because God has allowed him to be raised up as an outsider as He did with King Jehu in the Old Testament, the one who defeated Queen Jezebel. Now we see a miracle in Trump’s life being spared and we see his political foes in disarray. It reminds me of how God confused the enemies of Israel where they defeated themselves.
However, we cannot be complacent. There are strong forces opposing Trump and the values he stands for. Recently, we saw conservatives in Europe with election victories, and then the Left came back and won the next round of election. So each of us must do our part. We must pray, we must discern the times as the sons of Issachar did, we must be strong and rally support in our circles of influence and we must pray that America will turn toward the Lord. It will take more than a political election to do that, but putting Trump in the White House gives us a reprieve.
While his opponents—already publicly declared or waiting in the wings following President Biden’s remarks Wednesday evening—each bring their own strengths and unique appeal, Trump’s distinct advantages portend a vigorously contended season in what already is turning out to be the most upside-down election in American history.
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Stephen Strang is founder of Charisma. His recent books, “God and Donald Trump” and “Spirit-Led Living in an Upside-Down World” are available on amazon.com. Listen to his podcast, “The Strang Report,” each Tuesday and Thursday on the Charisma Podcast Network.