Franklin Graham, Donald Trump and COVID

Stu News Laguna May 21, 2021

The first time I wrote about GOP voters unwilling to get their COVID shots was on March 26.  I closed with this thought:  "The clock is ticking, so I urge the Republican faithful to listen to former Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump.  They both say it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get vaccinated."

Since late March, three publications have elicited my thoughts about ways to influence reluctant Republicans.  Chief among them is encouraging Donald Trump to take a more active role in helping America reach herd immunity.  Did you know that, according to Business Insider, fewer than half of the GOP members of the House have been vaccinated?

So imagine my surprise when I watched Wolf Blitzer interview the Rev. Franklin Graham earlier this week on CNN.  When asked if he has encouraged Trump to urge his supporters to get their shots, here is what Graham said, "There's no downside for him to do this."  The evangelical leader then went on to say, "I think it would be a very easy thing and I might try to get a hold of him tonight and say something."

I hope the former president answered Graham's call.  More importantly, I hope he will volunteer to cut a public service ad telling reluctant Republicans, in no uncertain terms, the COVID vaccines are effective and necessary.  Why?  Because the sooner they get their shots, the sooner we all can get back to our pre-pandemic lives. 

Surely, Mr. Trump can appreciate Rev. Graham's wisdom.   Even if he was being interviewed on CNN and not Fox News.

-DF