While much of the political conversation this week has centered around Donald Trump‘s open bigotry and racism against four Democratic congresswomen of color, it was something else he said that got the attention of a lot of conservative Christians.

Trump, twice, said the word “Goddamn.”

In one instance, he recalled a business person he knew who usually hated him. But Trump allegedly told the guy, “You are going to support me because you are a rich guy, and if you don’t support me, you are going to be so Goddamn poor.”

For some people, that was the bridge too far.

West Virginia State Sen. Paul Hardesty, a self-described “conservative Democrat” and 2016 “Trump supporter,” sent a letter to Trump calling him out on the language:

… I am, however, appalled by the fact that you chose to use the Lord’s name in vain on two separate occasions, when you went off the prompter during your speech. There is NO place in society — anywhere, anyplace and at anytime — where that type of language should be used or handled. Your comments were not presidential. I know in my heart that you are better than that.

Imagine how deluded you have to be to think Trump is “better than that.” He’s not. This is who he is. He doesn’t get any better.

Hardesty said nothing about the “Send them back” chants.

It wasn’t just him. Plenty of Christians on Twitter pointed out how offended they were by the cursing… but not, apparently, by the idea that Trump’s critics should go back to where they came from… even though they are American citizens and patriots through and through.

Love you Mr. President but please stop using the Lord’s name in vain.#Trump2020 #MAGA2020 — CarolJShaw (@CarolJShaw1) July 18, 2019

I was very disappointed that you felt the need to use the Lord’s name in vain at last nights rally. you are better than this and I pray you will never do it again, otherwise I have no choice as a conservative Christian than to no longer support you. Please apologize to everyone. — birdseye54 (@RobinCh43620196) July 18, 2019

Mr. President, please do not take the Lord's name in vain. Lots of your supporters are unhappy about ithttps://t.co/slBgHgU5k1 — Rolling Stop (@RollingStop9) July 18, 2019

Please don’t take the Lord’s name in vane!! GOD’S last name is not damn!!! — Greg M (@GregM32581300) July 18, 2019

Way to use the LORD'S name in vain!! So disappointing. pic.twitter.com/rwovbiCWlc — Tammy W (@catdog399) July 18, 2019

Great Rally last night, except when you said “G@& D@&$@“. When you say those words then say things like putting God back in the USA, it is a contradiction. Please don’t take the Lord’s name in vain… Thanks — Shelly Starkey (@StarkeyShelly) July 18, 2019

Please don’t us the Lord’s name in vain. I support you Mr President but we do not need to hear that. — Kevin Smith (@huskersmith1) July 18, 2019

Mr President your Christian base did not enjoy hearing you use the Lord’s name in vain tonight. I love you as President but do not excuse your language. We pray for you everyday and that language is offensive to us. — Deana Causey (@deana_causey) July 18, 2019

I have been a supporter since the 2016 election..I voted for you then and really want to in 2020..but please stop taking the Lord’s name in vain. It is extremely offensive to Christians, my husband and I had to turn the tv off. Please stop — Sherri (@SherriSevert5) July 18, 2019

Love you, POTUS��. Was disappointed to hear you take the Lord’s name in vain tonight (twice). Hope you refrain from that going forward. Other than that, give’em hell! #Trump2020 #WomenForTrump� — DHuizar��� (@DhhuizarDebbie) July 18, 2019

@realDonaldTrump I support and pray for you , but if you want to keep the evangelicals you need not say G.D. and take the Lord's name in vain. I had to change channels. Serious times now You can't afford to lose any of us.

����� — Shaila Stewart (@ShailaStewart1) July 18, 2019

@realDonaldTrump you have done lots of good. However, don’t fall for the lie that swearing, especially using the Lord’s name in vain, is cool. Don’t disrespect God. You can do better. — Chris Kelley (@ckelley256) July 18, 2019

Please Mr President stop taking the Lord’s name in vain. Please. I really care about you being President, but a lot of Christians will not be able to vote for you if you continue this practice. — Carolyn Auterino (@auterino) July 18, 2019

There are so many more where those came from…

It brings to mind the old sermon illustration from preacher Tony Campolo:

I have three things I’d like to say today. First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. Second, most of you don’t give a shit. What’s worse is that you’re more upset with the fact that I said shit than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night.

These evangelicals are very clear about their priorities. They don’t give a damn about kids in cages, racist attacks against congresswomen, incompetence and scandal at all levels of this administration, or the constant stream of lies from the White House.

But taking the Lord’s name in vain? MY GOODNESS! THINK OF THE KIDS!

(Thanks to Mark and Jacob for the link)

