Join the discussion of this topic that I posted on my Substack.
Today’s morning newsletter is one that is certain to prompt some people to unsubscribe. There are many patriots on both sides of the Trump/DeSantis aisle who will lambast me for criticizing their favorite or complimenting the other. That’s the nature of our current polarized situation in the United States. For many, it’s either complete loyalty or you’re considered part of the problem.
I received many Twitter DM’s yesterday when I expressed my opinion about not being happy with Donald Trump lately. It was shocking to me how so many people consider any criticism of Trump proof that I must be a Democrat. Then there were those who defended Trump to the point of claiming his continued endorsement of the jabs is all “part of the plan.” One person tried to convince me that technically Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin are considered to be “vaccines” now and that’s what he’s actually touting.
I'm sure many of you will block me for saying this, but I don't care. It must be said.
Not happy with Trump. He's still bragging about the jabs. He's still endorsing McConnell RINOs.
I still support him for 2024 but he's approaching my red line.
— JD Rucker (@JDRucker) June 13, 2022
To start the discussion, I’ll state my stance. I still support Donald Trump, but I’m very concerned over two things. First, the aforementioned jabs. He’s still claiming he saved millions of lives by getting the Covid injections out there so quickly and that it may have been his greatest achievement as president.
Second, he is picking the wrong people to endorse. To be more accurate, he’s letting his advisors and mega-donors pick the wrong people for him to endorse. They are trying to pick winners rather than picking the best America First candidates. It’s all about having a winning record to demonstrate his control over the GOP, but it’s disingenuous. Endorsing who he thinks is going to win doesn’t mean his endorsements made them win.
Dr. Mehmet Oz is a globalist and left-leaning moderate. He makes Trump’s endorsement of Mitt Romney seem logical. And to those who try to compare him to Trump and others who have switched from Democrat to Republican, I would remind them that Trump’s transition towards populism was clear long before he ran for president. Dr. Oz was defending Roe v. Wade and pushing for gun control until months before he decided he wanted to be a Senator.
Then, there’s Katie Britt in Alabama. This is a trickier one because Trump believes Mo Brooks betrayed him by saying we need to stop focusing on the 2020 election theft and fix things for the future. I disagree with him, but considering he did exponentially more to try to correct the 2020 stolen election than Britt or any of the other candidates for Senate, it’s hypocritical to endorse her.
But here’s the thing. If Trump wasn’t picking winners, he would never have endorsed Britt even if he didn’t want to endorse Brooks. He should not have made an endorsement in the race because Britt is 100% controlled by Mitch McConnell. This is why McConnell’s people will have sunk well over $10 million dollars into the race for Britt before the runoff. McConnell was investing so heavily in Britt to STOP Trump’s endorsed candidate. Britt is the RINO’s RINO, just another McConnell puppet he’ll use to pass anti-American legislation if the GOP retakes the Senate.
With all that said, the body of work for Donald Trump is why I still support him. He did more for America despite being surrounded by RINOs than any president in recent history. There is work to do and I hope his base can sway him again after the midterm elections if he chooses to run. As I’ve long said, I love his policies and hate his choice of people.
H.R. McMaster, Rex Tillerson, Reince Priebus, Omarosa, Bill Barr, Mike Pence, John Kelly, John Bolton, Jim Mattis, Jeff Sessions, Mark Esper, Anthony Scaramucci — I could make a very long list of very bad choices Trump inserted into his White House.
Nevertheless, he’s a proven entity and if he runs, I’m hopeful that he will learn his lessons from his first term and get America First patriots on his team instead of RINOs, Democrats, and Deep State operatives.
As for Ron DeSantis, I like him a lot. I am definitely ready to support him for a 2028 presidential run and 2024 if Trump doesn’t run. I may be persuaded to support him in 2024 even if Trump runs. It’s too early to tell.
One caveat: There’s a hero-worship surrounding DeSantis right now that is unhealthy. His supporters are very much like Trump supporters in believing he can do no wrong. I’m a big fan of improving candidates and politicians, and that requires criticism. Those who believe they can do no wrong are certain to be incorrect.
It’s unfortunate they both reside in Florida. While that fact does not prohibit them from running on the same ticket, it makes it challenging from a Constitutional perspective because the electors in Florida will only be allowed to vote for one or the other. An archaic rule establishes that if they run together, only one or the other can get Florida’s electoral vote. This was based on the original voting process in which the VP was the runner-up in the presidential race. Here’s the text from Article II of the Constitution:
“The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves.”
In 1804, the Twelfth Amendment altered the Electoral College process and created a separate ballot for vice president. But the rule of not being able to use both votes on a person from an elector’s home state remained in effect.
Technically, they could run together but it would be challenging to get them both in office unless they won by more than Florida’s 29 electoral votes. If the GOP controlled the Senate at the time, then it would be fine because they would then install DeSantis if he didn’t get the 270 to win without Florida, but it’s all a headache that pretty much everyone will want to avoid.
In other words, a Trump-DeSantis 2024 ticket is virtually impossible.
So, that’s where I stand. I support Trump. I like DeSantis. If they run against each other, I don’t know which one I’ll support. Whoever wins a primary between them will get my vote in November 2024.
I almost hope one or the other doesn’t run in 2024 so we can avoid the GOP civil war that would ensue. Almost. The side of me that appreciates the merits of discourse and friendly conflict as sharpening tools is actually giddy about the prospects.
Iron sharpens iron. Could a protracted GOP primary be exactly what this nation needs to make both men stronger, or would the conflict drive too large of a wedge within the party, thus aiding the Democrats?
Please post your thoughts in the comments on my Substack.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
