A video displayed at a recent Republican convention in Dallas has sparked controversy, with critics labeling it as "blasphemous" and "cult-like." The video, which has also been used in previous years, modifies Paul Harvey's 1978 "So God Made a Farmer" speech to suggest that God created Donald Trump for a specific purpose.
The narration states, "And on June 14th, 1946, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, ‘I need a caretaker.’ So God gave us Trump." It continues, "God said, ‘I need somebody willing to get up before dawn, fix this country, work all day, fight the Marxist, eat supper then go to the Oval Office and stay past midnight and a meeting of the heads of state.’ So God made Trump."
The video's message drew particular condemnation from critics who noted that speakers at the same convention had attacked Democrats on religious grounds while presenting themselves as defenders of Christianity. For instance, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick reportedly stated that Democrats "want to kick God out of our country." Additionally, First Baptist Dallas Pastor Robert Jeffress reportedly called the beliefs of Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico "blasphemous" and "evil."
The criticism intensified as Trump himself asked attendees to pledge allegiance not to God, but to him as "the greatest president in the history of the United States." He also reportedly told attendees they would go to hell if they did not vote, according to the notes.