In a scene that has now played out so often that it's simply become boring, the left is currently setting its collective hair on fire again over remarks that Donald Trump made on Friday evening addressing Christian voters. Of course, there is a vast gap between what Trump actually said (and meant) and the way that liberal media outlets are interpreting it. At issue is Trump's claim that if Christian voters rouse themselves to go to the polls and return him to the White House, "You won't have to vote anymore." The liberal outrage machine quickly shifted into high gear, claiming that Trump had finally admitted that he plans to end democracy, cancel future elections, and remain in office forever. Because of course, that's what they would say. (The Guardian)

Donald Trump has ignited alarm among his critics after telling a crowd of supporters that they won’t “have to vote again” if they return him to the presidency in November’s election.

“Christians, get out and vote! Just this time – you won’t have to do it any more,” the Republican former president said on Friday night at a rally hosted in West Palm Beach, Florida, by the far-right advocacy group Turning Point Action.

“You know what? It’ll be fixed! It’ll be fine. You won’t have to vote any more, my beautiful Christians.”

The response was as predictable as it was dishonest and flatly incorrect. Kamala Harris' campaign immediately characterized the speech as "a vow to end democracy." The Atlantic said that Trump was, "telegraphing his authoritarian intentions in plain sight." The New York Times, clearly unable to restrain themselves, declared that Trump is "planning to destroy our democracy" and  he's going to "fix himself up as dictator." Another liberal outlet determined that Trump had "said the quiet part out loud."

Of course, none of that was what Trump actually said and they're all smart enough to know it. This is just fearmongering on the part of leftists who see the election (and their power) slipping away from them. Trump was obviously imploring potentially reluctant voters who might otherwise choose to stay home to go to the polls and support him. You will note that he never said that you won't be able to vote again in four years. Only that you won't have to because he's promising to fix all of the issues that concern them. These include things like abortion, religious liberty, and freedom of speech. 

Trump probably could have phrased that statement better and avoided the inevitable avalanche of outrage that followed, but I doubt he really cares. On second thought, he may have crafted that phrasing explicitly to cause the liberal supporters of Kamala Harris to go up in flames. Free press is free press, after all. As long as they're spending their time talking about Trump, they aren't promoting the "transformational candidacy" of Kamaals Harris. 

Trump did say one other curious thing during these remarks that caught me a bit off guard. He was specifically addressing Christians in the audience, but he went out of his way to say, “I’m not Christian.” Did he misspeak, as one liberal commentator suggested? Did he mean to say "I'm a Christian?" Trump gives thanks to God on a regular basis, particularly after getting shot. However, believing in a higher power and being specifically Christian are not necessarily the same thing. Perhaps he will clarify that in the coming days, but I doubt too many voters are going to hold it against him.