Dear Friend: To Those Choosing to Abstain or Vote 3rd Party in 2024

Dear friend who is inclined not to cast a vote for either Harris or Trump,

I agree that Trump deserves criticism for his weakened stance on abortion. His position on abortion has probably changed for the worse since coming to the conclusion that he can't get elected by holding a consistently pro-life position.

But consider Abraham Lincoln in the 1860 election. Even Lincoln was not a declared abolitionist in 1860 (and also by our standards today a racist). He couldn't have been an abolitionist and still have had a prayer to get elected. I don't think that is a perfect analogy (even apart from the character differences of the two men) because Lincoln deep in his heart thought that slavery was a high moral evil, whereas Trump probably isn't convinced in his heart that abortion is an evil at all stages. But the point is that *even* Lincoln had to compromise his principles in running for office. Abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison wouldn't vote for him as a result, but Garrison was wrong (as ex-slave Frederick Douglass pointed out). (Note: Garrison eventually did come around and support Lincoln in the 1864 election.)

Trump's position on abortion is still significantly better than that of Harris. For one, Trump will still leave matters to the states. He is not going to push for a federal "reproductive freedom" bill. For another, he is not going to appoint justices who want to reinstate Roe and Doe. He would support a Born Alive bill. He would likely support additional protections for the fetus in the viability phase. He will probably continue to be a thorn in the side of Planned Parenthood. He is not going to let the Justice Department go after pro-life protestors. He is not going to sick the Justice Department on states that put various restrictions on abortion.

That is not as much as you or I want, not by a long shot, but it is far more than we will get with Harris. Trump will also carry through with his promise to put an end to the transgender insanity perpetrated on minors. He opposes chemical castration and surgical mutilation of minors, as well as compulsory indoctrination. He opposes males in female restrooms and sports. He is a big supporter of Musk's X and he is not going to do anything to cancel or criminalize free speech or free exercise of religion.

I too wish that DeSantis had been given the nomination, but since that ship has sailed, I have to do what I can to prevent the far worse alternative. I think that Vance can be reached for a stronger pro-life position after Trump leaves office.

In my view there is a real possibility that if Harris is elected, Republicans may not win the presidency for the foreseeable future, owing to the massive illegal immigration scam and active suppression of free speech. We really don't have a choice but to cast an effective vote against Harris, don't you think?

- Dr. Robert A.J. Gagnon