As the 2024 presidential election approaches, former President Donald Trump is once again rallying his base, particularly targeting evangelical Christians. In a speech delivered at the Faith and Freedom Coalition’s “Road to Majority” conference in Washington, D.C., Trump emphasized his commitment to Christian values and warned that re-electing Joe Biden would endanger Christianity in the United States.

Trump’s speech aimed to portray himself as a defender of faith against what he called the “radical left.” He accused them of “silencing” Christians and argued that Biden’s re-election would leave Christianity “in tatters.” Trump’s remarks were met with enthusiastic applause from the more than a thousand attendees, many of whom wore red “Make America Great Again” caps and waved American flags.

Ralph Reed, founder and chair of the Faith and Freedom Coalition, introduced Trump as a steadfast supporter of faith and freedom. Reed acknowledged initial skepticism about Trump’s commitment to evangelical voters but praised his record as president, especially his appointment of conservative judges. These appointments were crucial in the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a landmark ruling that had guaranteed the constitutional right to an abortion.

Trump took credit for this ruling but also defended his stance against a national abortion ban. He argued that the decision to regulate abortion should be left to individual states, reflecting a balance between maintaining conservative values and addressing concerns that stricter abortion laws could hurt Republican electoral prospects.

Throughout his speech, Trump emphasized his personal sacrifices and struggles, comparing his political persecution to physical wounds. He urged evangelical Christians to vote in large numbers, highlighting their potential power in the upcoming election. “Christians go to church but they don’t vote that much. Do you know the power you would have if you would vote? So you have got to get out and vote, just this time,” Trump implored.

Trump’s appeal to evangelicals is strategic, given their significant support in previous elections. A Pew survey earlier this year indicated that around 80% of white evangelical Protestant voters would support Trump if the election were held today. Trump also garners strong support from white non-evangelical Protestants and white Catholics.

Trump’s speech wasn’t limited to religious themes. He also took the opportunity to criticize Biden’s handling of the economy. He used a prop—a miniature box of Tic Tac candies—to illustrate his point about inflation, a tactic he hinted he might use in the upcoming presidential debate. Trump blamed Biden for what he called the “inflation nightmare” and promised to end it if elected.

The Biden campaign quickly responded to Trump’s speech, calling it “incoherent” and “unhinged.” A spokesperson described Trump as a threat to American freedoms and unfit to return to the White House.

Despite these criticisms, Trump’s supporters at the conference remained optimistic about his chances. Many described him as a man of faith protected by divine intervention. Alfonso Talavera, a real estate agent from Maryland, expressed confidence in Trump’s resilience, saying, “He is a person that God is protecting. He is a faithful person. When he speaks, he goes to the gospel and he asks for prayers as well.”

In addition to his religious and economic rhetoric, Trump previewed his strategy for the upcoming presidential debate against Biden. He highlighted the issue of inflation, using the Tic Tac demonstration to underscore the impact of what he called “shrinkflation.” This tactic, though not allowed in the debate due to restrictions on props, signals Trump’s intent to focus on economic grievances.

As the election season intensifies, Trump’s appeal to evangelical voters and his focus on economic issues suggest that he is gearing up for a vigorous campaign. His ability to mobilize his base, particularly among religious conservatives, will be crucial as he seeks to return to the presidency.