If you knew which TV classic that line came from*, you might be a Boomer – and you might decide this election.

 

What might God “get” us for? Maybe lacking compassion for others?

The Bible instructs:

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. (1 Peter 3:8)

 

 

So let’s compare President Trump and VP Biden, using our Moderate Leadership Test, on compassion – especially since TMM believes CHARACTER is as important as candidates’ positions, if not more so.

See previous posts regarding MLT (July 23, 30) and candidates’ scores on other Moderate Basic Beliefs and Vital Values (September 10, 17).

We base our scores on research, not opinion. Please share YOUR scores in Comments section.

TMM’s fourth Vital Value:

We want our country to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate, and we want our leaders to display compassion on our behalf.

BIDEN

Trump’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis reminded us to demonstrate compassion – for ALL Americans suffering with it – and sympathy for loved ones of our 210,000 dead (which Trump has not expressed).

The Bidens offered prayers for the Trumps, as did President Obama and Hillary Clinton. Moderates wonder: would Trump have done likewise?

Probably not. Biden suspended his negative ads attacking Trump – while Trump continued his, attacking Biden.

Biden tried to teach Trump a character lesson: displaying compassion and presidential respect. Sad he needs that lesson; but as Trump would say, his demeanor “is what it is”.

Brayden Harrington, 13, said Biden commiserated with him about stuttering (which Biden struggles with): “He told me we were members of the same club: We stutter.” Biden shared tips he’s used to overcome it, inspiring Harrington.

In 1988, Biden suffered two near-fatal brain aneurysms, requiring high-risk surgeries. Given less than 50% chance of full recovery, Biden attained more empathy and appreciation for health care. As Obama’s VP, he helped pass 2010’s Affordable Care Act, insuring 20 million additional Americans.

On 9/11, Biden comforted Maria Fisher, whose son Andrew was killed that terrible day. “It never goes away”, Biden described the pain of losing loved ones. Biden’s son Beau died from cancer in 2015; his first wife and daughter were killed in an automobile accident. That pain left Biden with a deep well of compassion.

 

That compassion, demonstrated often, earns Biden this score:  A

TRUMP

In their recent debate debacle, Biden referred to an Atlantic article in which Trump allegedly disrespected veterans, especially those killed in battle (calling them “suckers” and “losers”). Biden mentioned son Beau, who served as an Army National Guard Major.

Biden: (He) was in Iraq. He spent a year there. He got the Bronze Star. He got the Conspicuous Service Medal. He was not a loser. He was a Patriot and the people left behind there were heroes.

Trump: Really? Are you talking about Hunter?

Biden: I’m talking about my son, Beau Biden.

Trump: I don’t know Beau. I know Hunter.

Trump knows who Beau was, but repeated accusations against Hunter (Biden’s other son) – accusations discredited, even by Republicans.

Trump showed NO compassion for Biden losing his child – every parent’s nightmare. Trump, a parent himself, should understand that. And showed NO respect for Beau’s honorable service. TMM recently compared Trump’s and Biden’s records on the Vital Value RESPECT.

 

Similarly, in 2016, Trump disrespected Gold Star parents, the Khans, who lost their son, Army Captain Humayun Khan, in Iraq – because they’re Muslims.

 

 

 

 

 

Trump mocked a handicapped reporter, Serge Kovaleski, after he criticized him.

 

 

 

Trump recently hosted a fundraiser in NJ – AFTER senior aide Hope Hicks, with whom Trump had extensive contact, tested positive for COVID. He should have self-quarantined, but socialized with supporters instead, potentially exposing hundreds – especially since he doesn’t require masks and social-distancing.

 

Since then, many in Trump’s inner circle tested positive, including Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Mike Lee (R-UT) – both on the Judiciary Committee, vetting Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, in a fast-track effort to confirm her.

 

A ceremony announcing Barrett’s nomination (where attendees were unmasked, undistanced, hugging and shaking hands) is a suspected “super-spreader event”, exposing many later infected.

 

While hospitalized, contagious Trump ordered Secret Service agents to drive him around in a sealed vehicle – exposing them – so he could wave to fans.

Leaving the hospital and returning, Trump needlessly exposed other patients and staff. One doctor complained: “The irresponsibility is astounding.”

These examples, ignoring others’ wellbeing for political gain, earn Trump this score:  D-

 

Moderates want our president to be strong and courageous, but to also display compassion. Remember that – then VOTE accordingly.

If we don’t, God might get US for that.

 

Answer:

 

* Maude (1972 – 1978)

Bonus points:

Who played the lead role?

Bea Arthur

 

 

 

 

 

Who sang the theme song?

Donny Hathaway

 

 

 

Images: Google Images

God pointing: Liturgy

God with lightning bolt: Twitter

Harrington and Biden: CelebMagazine

Fisher and Biden: Yahoo News

Trump and Biden debate: NDSU Spectrum

Beau and Joe Biden: Los Angeles Times

Khans with image of son: Detroit Free Press

Trump and Kovaleski: Gothamist

Trump and Hicks: Vanity Fair

Rose Garden ceremony: The New York Times

Trump in SUV: ABC News

Maude: Pinterest

Hathaway: Black Theatre Matters