Evangelicals For Harris Launch $1M Anti-Trump Ad Campaign
The political action committee Evangelicals for Harris has launched a $1 million ad campaign that draws on footage of the late evangelist Billy Graham to criticize former President Donald Trump. The ads, airing in key battleground states, reference a sermon by Graham in which he discusses the character of people in the last days, based on 2 Timothy 3:1-5. The campaign implies that Trump exhibits many of the traits mentioned in the passage, such as greed, pride, and arrogance. By using Trump’s own words and public statements, the ads aim to highlight behaviors that the PAC believes make him unfit for office.
One key moment in the ad shows Trump joking about being “greedy” after Graham discusses greed in his sermon. Other parts of the ad feature Trump’s derogatory remarks about women and his violent rhetoric, which are used to underscore Paul’s warning about abusive and uncontrolled men. The campaign also references Trump’s self-proclaimed status as “the chosen one” in relation to trade with China, portraying him as arrogant and reckless. A clip from the infamous Access Hollywood tape and an interview where Trump admits he rarely seeks God’s forgiveness are also included to question his religious sincerity.
In response to the campaign, Franklin Graham, the son of Billy Graham and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, condemned the use of his father’s image and sermons. Franklin Graham, who has been a staunch supporter of Trump, stated that his father appreciated Trump’s conservative values and policies. He further claimed that any suggestion that his father would not support Trump is misleading. Franklin argued that his father’s views would not have changed had he lived beyond 2018, when he passed away.
Jerushah Duford, Franklin Graham’s niece, takes a different stance. As a part of the Evangelicals for Harris campaign, she criticized Trump supporters for justifying his actions, which she believes contradict the teachings of Jesus. Duford has expressed support for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, saying her decision is not just about policies but about rejecting another term under Trump’s leadership, which she believes harms the Christian message.
Meanwhile, Trump has responded to recent challenges by speaking more openly about his faith, particularly after surviving two assassination attempts. He has attributed his survival to divine intervention. Trump continues to garner support from religious conservatives, while the ongoing ad campaign aims to challenge the notion that he aligns with Christian values.