Posted: Jan. 29, 2024
For daring to report the truth about white Christian nationalism, the religious right is now attacking MSNBC host Joy Reid, accusing the Black host of being "anti-Christian" and "anti-white." It's up to us to show a different Christian voice.
While anchoring MSNBC's coverage of the Iowa caucuses, Reid explained that much of Donald Trump's support comes from white evangelical Christians, who make up a disproportionately large portion of Iowa's electorate.
Reid then talked about why white evangelicals support Trump, citing a conversation she had had earlier with Robbie Jones, president and founder of Public Religion Research Institute. Jones told her, "They see themselves as the rightful inheritors of this country, and Trump has promised to give it back to them."
Reid's straightforward explanation has drawn a fierce backlash. Among others, Joel Berry of the right-wing "Babylon Bee" wrote in a racist Twitter rant, "If she wants to know why people vote for Trump, she should look in the mirror." Also getting in on the act is Bill Donohue of the frequently racist "Catholic League," who is demanding that MSNBC apologize for Reid's accurate reporting.
This moment matters. As our friends on the podcast "Straight White American Jesus" have said, many mainstream journalists are reluctant to report on Trump's support among white evangelicals because publishers are scared of receiving the same kind of backlash as Reid.
Let's counter these hateful attacks with a little love, and show MSNBC that there are many Christians who are grateful for Reid and deeply support her willingness to tell the truth about Trump and the religious right.
Sign the petition:
Love thy neighbor.