James, more than many in the political arena, has strong, deliberate, sacrificial devotion to the Real. Through intelligent and principled communication to very different communities, he seeks to build bridges among thoughtful people of goodwill; and in this kind of intellectual polyglottism reveals a profound, practically enacted honor for and allegiance to the “Logos,” and to Truth. A prophetic voice, he calls out the Marxist and Gnostic misuse and abuse of language and seeks to re-anchor his listeners in the real world, not the lies their enemies are spinning. Rather than “spitballing” his own ideas, he responsibly and rigorously researches and defends his theses. He is studious where others are intemperately curious. He seeks to be intellectually humble and will admit when he’s wrong. He is acutely aware of the dangers facing different camps “left” and “right,” and is not afraid to warn either. Unlike many leaders, he does not hold his enemies in contempt, but articulates truth in service of love for the sake of his neighbors, friendly and unfriendly alike—a policy that may eventually develop into real and studied prayer for his enemies. He is a supporter of civic and intellectual virtue, responsible self-government, and the freedom to live grateful, responsible, and upright lives unto the Creator.
