In a 1988 sermon, the Rev. Billy Graham, one of the most influential Christian evangelists, shared a prophetic Bible passage about the moral decline expected in the “last days.” He warned of people becoming self-centered, greedy, and abusive, masking their true nature behind a facade of religion.
This sermon recently resurfaced in a campaign ad by Evangelicals for Harris, aimed at swaying evangelical voters in crucial swing states away from Donald Trump, the current frontrunner. The ad contrasts clips of Graham’s sermon with quotes from Trump, including his candid admission of lifelong greed and other controversial statements.
Rev. Franklin Graham, Billy Graham’s son and a Trump supporter, criticized the ad’s usage of footage from his father’s sermon, arguing that it misrepresents Billy Graham’s values. He noted that his father aligned with conservative beliefs and would not have appreciated being used to criticize a sitting president.
Evangelicals for Harris countered, claiming they simply reflect Trump’s own words against biblical values and maintain their right to speak freely under the First Amendment. They believe highlighting Trump’s behavior is essential for voters to make informed decisions.
Despite overwhelming support for Trump among white evangelical voters—approximately 80% backed him in the last two elections—not all evangelicals share that loyalty. The group aims to appeal strategically to evangelicals who may be reconsidering their support as the election approaches.
Trump has encouraged his evangelical base to rally once more, positioning himself as a defender of conservative Christian values. Meanwhile, critics of the Evangelicals for Harris strategy suggest that using Billy Graham’s image may not significantly sway the majority of evangelicals towards a Democratic candidate.
While some believe the ad could resonate with undecided voters looking for alternatives to Trump, others doubt its potential impact. The core message remains that character matters; Harris is portrayed as prioritizing the greater good, while Trump’s actions are framed as self-serving.
Ultimately, the success of such efforts may hinge on whether Harris and her team can provide compelling reasons for disenchanted evangelical voters to consider their candidacy. Balancing the complexities of faith and politics continues to be a pivotal challenge in this election cycle.