October 2026 PV Democrats Meeting Report

Tim Dixon, president of Palos Verdes Democrats, opened the October meeting and introduced Frank Schaeffer, a New York Times best-selling author who would discuss the rise of the American religious right and its contribution to Donald Trump's rise to power.

Religious Conservatism and Political Engagement

Frank Schaeffer discussed his personal journey from being involved in the evangelical movement to becoming a liberal, highlighting how the mainstream media's neglect of religious conservatives contributed to the rise of Donald Trump. He explained that his father, Francis Schaeffer, was influential in the pro-life movement, but their work was largely ignored by outlets like the New York Times, which he argued led to missed opportunities for dialogue and understanding. Schaeffer emphasized the importance of engaging with religious voters and suggested that Democrats need to win elections to restore sanity to national politics while also fostering meaningful conversations across ideological divides.

Evangelical Movement and Political Engagement

Frank Schaeffer explained how the evangelical movement has significantly changed, with new leaders like Paula White focusing on power and money rather than traditional Christian teachings. He advised Democrats to engage in meaningful conversations with evangelical voters rather than treating them as enemies, sharing his personal example of maintaining relationships with Trump supporters in his neighborhood. Schaeffer suggested that Democrats should be open to discussing controversial issues like abortion and acknowledge past mistakes, emphasizing that real conversations are more effective than propaganda in political discourse.

Courting Evangelicals Strategy Discussion

Frank Schaeffer discussed how Donald Trump successfully courted evangelicals by reaching out to them, unlike Democrats who often ignore such groups. He argued that Democrats need to follow Trump's example by having real conversations with people, including religious voters, rather than focusing solely on economic issues. Schaeffer expressed hope that religious candidates like Adam Hamilton and James Talarico could help bridge the gap between Democrats and religious voters by speaking about meaning and moral purpose rather than just economic policies. He emphasized that Democrats need to address spiritual and meaning-based concerns, noting that Obama's ability to discuss such topics helped him connect with voters.

Midterm Election Strategy Meeting

Tim Dixon led a meeting focused on the importance of the upcoming 16-day midterm election, emphasizing the need for Democrats to take back the House and potentially the Senate to counter Trump's administration and restore constitutional checks and balances. Local candidates, including Lewis Harley and Allison Lehrer, discussed their priorities for the Palos Verdes School Board, highlighting issues such as infrastructure, technology use, and inclusivity. The meeting also featured endorsements for local candidates and a reminder of the significance of local races in shaping community values. Participants were encouraged to engage with neighbors and support endorsed candidates to ensure strong Democratic representation.