Are they right?
Curtis Chang, co-founder of The After Party, a Christian nonprofit organization designed to help believers engage in politics with a biblically informed perspective, has described President-elect Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory as a “disaster” for the country. Chang’s emotional reaction follows Trump’s strong support from Evangelical voters, particularly white Evangelicals, which helped secure his second term.
The After Party, which was created alongside New York Times columnist David French and Russell Moore, former president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, aims to guide Christians in developing thoughtful political involvement without promoting specific partisan viewpoints. In a recent conversation on “The Good Faith Podcast,” Chang clarified that his personal views, expressed during the discussion, were separate from the organization’s curriculum, which focuses on the process of political engagement, rather than partisan politics.
Chang shared his personal turmoil following the election, describing a mix of anxiety, anger, and alienation. He explained that he spent much of the aftermath in a state of “avoidance,” engaging in mundane tasks like digitizing photos and cleaning his garage. “I think this election was a disaster for our country,” he admitted, though he humorously noted that it did wonders for his to-do list.
French, who offered a more analytical perspective, reflected on the broader implications of the election, particularly for vulnerable groups. While he acknowledged his own stability, he noted that many others would be significantly impacted by the election’s outcome. Moore, known for his outspoken anti-Trump stance within the Southern Baptist Convention before leaving in 2021, expressed some reassurance in the clarity of the election, emphasizing that both candidates were transparent about their intentions, and voters made an informed choice.
Despite their personal feelings, all three men emphasized the importance of maintaining moral courage in an increasingly divisive political climate. French urged Evangelicals who did not support Trump to brace for a “long slog” of potential American regression, highlighting that periods of stagnation or decline have occurred throughout history. The group concluded by urging listeners to take care of their emotional and spiritual well-being in the face of challenging times.