KATHRYN JEAN LOPEZ: What are you looking for from Trump?
BRIAN BURCH: I’m looking for him to mature as a candidate, to make commitments to a set of core issues beginning with judges, and demonstrate he can surround himself with intelligent qualified conservatives that can help make up for his weaknesses.
LOPEZ: Did you learn anything?
BURCH: Yes. That his seriousness on judges appears genuine. That both the Federalist Society and Heritage have helped guide him in thinking about potential judicial nominations. And that he needs more social conservatives on his team to help him better understand the threats to religious liberty.
LOPEZ: What do you say to people who are thinking of not voting in this election? Not voting is not an option. For Catholic voters, we have a responsibility to participate in public life, including voting.
BURCH: Not voting is not an option. For Catholic voters, we have a responsibility to participate in public life, including voting. If you don’t like Hillary or Trump, make sure you show up and vote in many of the other big races on the ballot, especially if you live in a state with a competitive Senate race. If you have reservations about Trump, welcome to the club. Let’s see how the next several weeks and months play out. I suspect come Election Day, the choice will be clear and not voting will not be an option.
LOPEZ: Do you daydream about alternatives at this point?
BURCH: I’m not sure about daydreaming. But yes, we continue to talk about the scenario of an alternative. But as you know, all the money and planning does not a candidate make. Any alternative strategy requires a candidate that can unite the GOP and defeat Hillary. And the clock is ticking.
LOPEZ: What is “the Catholic vote” and how could it play this year?