Free Republic

President Trump's surprise walk to St. John's Church Monday night was condemned by Democratic leaders and clergy in Washington, but praised by his most prominent evangelical supporter. Evangelist Franklin Graham was asked how he felt after the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, the Right Rev. Mariann Budde, accused the president of using the Bible and "one of the churches of my diocese, without permission, as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus." The son of the late Rev. Billy Graham said he was encouraged, not offended, by the president holding up a Bible.

The entire narrative the media glommed onto in lockstep was that Trump was a monster who tear-gassed peaceful protesters to do something meaningless. None of that was true.... The speech announcing the country would return to rule of law and protection of civil liberties, the walk through a park that the night before had been given over to rioters, and the visit to the vandalized historic church where every president has worshiped since James Madison, were reassuring to many in the country. For the media, however, these actions were further proof that Orange Man Bad is literally the worst, restoring...

Hillary Clinton expressed horror following President Trump’s firm stand against lawless rioters on Monday and his subsequent decision to walk to St. John’s Episcopal Church, which was damaged during Sunday night’s riots. “Tonight the President of the United States used the American military to shoot peaceful protestors with rubber bullets & tear gas them. For a photo op,” Clinton said of the reports of authorities clearing out protesters from the area around Lafayette Park prior to both the city’s 7 p.m. curfew and Trump’s walk to the historic place of worship. “This is a horrifying use of presidential power against...