Anthony Pingitore’s opinion piece in last weekend’s paper asks, “Who are we to judge [Donald Trump]?” The answer: we’re voters.

Ironically, he goes on to assert some harsh judgments of his own: that Trump was convicted in a “scam trial” (which one?) with “unscrupulous judges and lawyers” and a “hand picked jury”–a judgment against our entire system of justice (which was followed faithfully in all of Trump’s trials, like it or not).

Pingitore suggests that Trump is virtuous because he “know(s) that we must not tamper with God’s choice of gender”–a condemnation of anyone who’s gender nonconforming. Are they somehow exempt from the “judge not” dictum?

He also says that Trump has been unfairly targeted by the Left, which is determined to “destroy his reputation and his life.” This takes us back to the initial question of “who are we to judge?” Political figures seeking election (or reelection) are essentially engaged in an extensive interview, looking to be hired by voters. In that sense, we have every right–and I would argue, responsibility–to vet, assess, and judge candidates, including Trump, before we “hire” them.

Pingitore is right in saying that we can’t know what’s in Trump’s heart. But in the case of the former President, there’s a mountain of evidence that demonstrates his character in the form of thousands of statements he’s made and actions he’s taken, in and out of office.

We all know the greatest hits from that body of evidence: He tried to extort Ukraine’s leader to get dirt on his opponent; he incited a violent mob to storm the Capitol to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power after losing a free and fair election; he slept with a porn star, illegally paid her off by falsifying business records, and lied about it; he viciously mocked a reporter with a disability; he called military veterans “suckers and losers;” and has lied to the American people with astonishing frequency (more than 30,000 documented untruths during his Presidency alone).

None of us can ultimately judge another’s heart, but we can–and should–do our best to assess the impact of what others say and do, for good or ill. MAGA proponents liken Trump to King David, a deeply flawed figure who nonetheless was chosen by God to lead ancient Israel. If there is any logic to the spiritual realm, the suggestion that Trump has been hand picked by God to lead this nation is an epically absurd notion.

Meanwhile, here in this earthly political sphere, I have no qualms about judging Trump’s character, stated aspirations, experience, and fitness for office–as I would any political candidate of any party, up and down the ballot. Trump will face a political judgment in November, one that he likely won’t accept unless he wins.

It may be virtuous to give candidates (or anyone) the benefit of the doubt. But it’s foolish to give them a pass altogether and leave the rest to the Almighty. Einstein said, “God does not throw dice.” As far as I know, God doesn’t vote, either.

Eric Jackson-Fosberg is a

Jamestown resident