Trump voters, do you forgive the president’s latest gaffe?
We’re pretty sure no one is applauding Donald Trump’s recent profane reference to certain nations with people of color as “sh**hole countries?”
We think the comments are horribly offensive, insensitive and racially charged. They will potentially strain international relationships and contribute to a loss of respect around the world.
But we have to acknowledge, there seem to be some Texans who support Trump and believe this is no big deal. They’re willing to forgive the president his insulting pronouncements and move on.
They may be among the many voters in this state and our readers who helped elect him. A majority of voters from Tarrant, Denton, Grayson, Hood, Johnson, Parker, Wise and Ellis counties cast ballots for Trump last November. Dallas is the only county surrounding Tarrant where most of the voters chose Hillary Clinton.
Some of the president’s supporters have at times said they don’t think his vulgar and demeaning comments are any worse than former President Bill Clinton sexually pursuing a White House intern.
Some of Trump’s supporters may forgive these outbursts because he’s pursued policies important to many conservatives: tax reform, tougher immigration policies and an end to the Affordable Care Act mandate.
Or because they are loyal Republicans who don’t want to fan the fires generated by his audacious rhetoric.
Presidents are elected by the people. So if we want to understand the underlying concerns and crosscurrents in our communities, we need to tap into the beliefs and values of voters.
So, we want to hear from Republicans and others who voted for Trump. Will you overlook this latest comment and, if so, why? Is he leading the GOP in the right direction?
With primary elections less than two months away, let’s have a conversation about what we believe and how we want to be represented by our elected officials including President Trump.
Please add your comments online and through our Star-Telegram Facebook page. Mail a letter, if you prefer, to Letters to the Editor, Box 1870, Fort Worth TX 76101.
This story was originally published January 12, 2018 at 4:30 PM with the headline "Trump voters, do you forgive the president’s latest gaffe?."