A NeverTrump conservative on how the Trump presidency changed her opinions of Republicans, Democrats, the media, and herself
Even as a NeverTrump conservative who thinks Donald Trump is unfit for office, I have to admit there are certain things for which I owe him thanks. His presidency has been both illuminating and catalytic, and it’s shaped my growth while strengthening my own convictions.
Before Trump, I often spoke rashly or in the heat of the moment, without considering the persuasiveness of my argument or any potential damage I could cause.
No longer.
And like I automatically distrusted the media, I automatically trusted the right. Before Trump, there were certain people on the right whom I believed to be so trustworthy, honest, and knowledgeable that I instinctively believed them. I sometimes relied exclusively on what they said, rather than looking for the truth myself.
No longer.
I think often of this quote by James Baldwin: “I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”
Like Baldwin, I love this country. I think she is the greatest, most free, most exceptional country to have ever existed. I want what is best for America, and what’s best for America is a healthy Republican Party and a healthy Democratic Party. I realize now that criticism can lead to improvement, and I’m no longer content to sit on the sideline and to assume I can trust others to do what is right.
Donald Trump has caused me quite a bit of despair in the past four years. But I unexpectedly owe him gratitude for making me a better conservative, a better person, and a better American.
https://arcdigital.media/donald-trump-taught-me-a-lot-though-not-on-purpose-414b4e04b1ce