It’s no secret that conservative Christians have struggled with adjusting to the idea of Donald Trump Donald John TrumpUS reimposes UN sanctions on Iran amid increasing tensions Jeff Flake: Republicans 'should hold the same position' on SCOTUS vacancy as 2016 Trump supporters chant 'Fill that seat' at North Carolina rally MORE being the standard-bearer for them in the general election. By all accounts, including his own, Trump has not always been the ideal Christian example in his personal life and his past policy positions. Christian voter organizations are seriously pondering whether and how to endorse Trump’s candidacy in light of his imperfections.

ADVERTISEMENT

This past Tuesday, by answering questions before a group of evangelical Christians in New York, Trump was able to effectively dispel many of their doubts – not so much for what he actually said (he added very little of substance to remarks he has made in the past) - but for what he didn’t say. Trump stayed on message and hit all the right notes. He did not veer into personal invective and did not issue any blanket condemnations of his fellow Americans. After the speech, many in the room looked at each other and were quite impressed with the new, seemingly more disciplined Donald Trump. While no endorsements were sought or forthcoming from the leaders of organizations represented at the event, there was a feeling in the room that Trump understands their concerns and is willing to accommodate his message accordingly.

Although there are doubts that Trump himself is a bonafide social conservative, he brings other things to the table that may be critical, not only to Christian voters but also to all Americans. Trump has continually flouted the political establishment, and suggested the broad outlines of a bold alternative vision for restoring American greatness. In an age in which many, many Americans of all faiths are facing dire economic conditions, Trump has the potential to turn the tables on the go-along-to-get-along game played by political insiders of both parties. It is a cynical game designed to benefit the politicians themselves and the special interests that pay for access, while costing the American people dearly.

Trump, who has largely financed his own campaign, stands in stark contrast to his likely opponent in the general election. Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonJeff Flake: Republicans 'should hold the same position' on SCOTUS vacancy as 2016 Momentum growing among Republicans for Supreme Court vote before Election Day Warning signs flash for Lindsey Graham in South Carolina MORE has been lauded in the media as someone who has raised far more money than Trump, and who enters the election with a war chest stocked full of treasure. The obvious problem is that the big money donors who are financing Clinton’s campaign are likely to expect a quid pro quo; she might as well be wearing a suit with the decals of Wall Street banks, foreign governments, and who knows what else, attached to her lapels. It is they who are buying up the Clinton real estate – not the American people. Trump, by contrast, has been criticized for his relatively sparse organization and meager war chest. However, It is not merely enough that Donald Trump is unencumbered by private, sectarian interests, voters of faith expect Trump to exhibit decorum in his conduct and speech. Trump must also signal what he stands for, and be consistent about it.

Recent polls have shown that Americans still trust Donald Trump more than Hillary Clinton on issues of national security – keeping Americans safe against the very clear and present threat of radical Islamic violence. He needs to continue to build on that trust by offering a more inclusive vision that is in line with American values, Christian values and the U.S. Constitution.

His recent remarks are the beginning of a new dialogue between voters of faith and the Donald Trump campaign. If Trump continues to stay on message and avoids some of the mistakes of the past, this latest development could signal the makings of a strong coalition going into the general election contest this summer and fall.

Dr. Ben Carson is a former Republican candidate for President and a retired pediatric neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.