“It’s nice to see the town whore in church; that doesn’t mean she should preach the sermon.”
This joke originated to describe tensions within the conservative coalition more than half a century ago. Still, as President-elect Donald Trump returns to office, it’s proven applicable today.
Every successful movement faces the problem of distinguishing between genuine converts and opportunistic or subversive ones. To avoid embarrassment, it makes sense to keep newcomers away from prominent positions until they’ve proven themselves.
At the same time, however, it would be unwise to overburden new converts. Their zeal and talents can be valuable resources, and their example can encourage others to have a similar change of heart. Look no further than your 2024 ballot below Donald Trump’s name for evidence.
Vice President-elect JD Vance described himself as…
