Shownotes Transcript
In this episode of Life Matters Commissioner Johnston examines the aftermath of the 2018 General Election. There are several important principles to be learnt in looking at how candidates addressed the life issues, and in particular those candidates who are willing to stand and declare what they are against - that is to say what the pro-abortion opponent’s actual position is.
The vast majority of Americans do not support unlimited abortion on demand, for any reason or for no reason in particular - this is the actual meaning of “choice” In the 2018 election, although the Democrats did win a majority in House of Representatives, it was substantially smaller than expected. Also, the Republicans increased their position in the United States Senate, opening the door for more Judicial and Administration appointments.
Donald Trump who has become an icon of American politics, and he has done so by directly challenging his opponents and clarifying their dishonesty in framing his position. But by also framing their position he has created an unexpectedly new form of politics. He is the first American president to so directly challenge his own media coverage.
In many ways he has become an media “Colossus,” that is to say, an impressive overarching character on the American political landscape. People either love him or hate him and he personally doesn't mind either way.
When it comes to the pro-life issue the need to clearly declare what the facts are and not be bothered if others are uncomfortable with them is a defining element of why we must explain the real facts of abortion, the real facts of intentionally killing another human being. Whether it be in the womb, or a sick or elderly individual, the intentional killing of another innocent person is the very issue at hand in the right to life debate. Failure to clarify that is simply failure.
In 2018, candidates who were willing to do so found they did retain their pro-life base and added to it. Candidates who are uncomfortable with the conflict tended to not inspire or create any sense of great interest. In California, Congress members Denham, Kim, and Mimi Walters were expected to lose, but by defaulting their opponents they stood strong. This is an ongoing principle in the very real battle of ideas with which we are faced.