Buh-bye I’m done. As much fun – and frustration – as it has been to write about Donald Trump and his presidential campaign – I’m done. This will be the last time he is the subject of a post here (unless something fantastical – even for him – happens.)
Calling for a ban on a religion in the United States does it for me. Yeah, the name-calling of Mexicans, women, Jews and others was bad enough, but a ban based on religion? Donald, let’s fold up the American tent, let’s forget about those who died in wars fighting for our freedoms, let’s…well, you get it.
I doubt he will gain more support because of this, one of his only, real “policy” pronouncements. Because I think he’s already wrapped up the bigot-fascist-ignorant vote and, I hope, there are no more to get. When he finally got around to detailing one policy, this is it?
Do I think Donald Trump is a bigot? Not really. But he sure talks like one. I’m sure it’s because it’s worked for him on this campaign and not because he truly believes what he says. He is a carnival barker. He is Barnum. He says what it takes to get publicity. To draw an audience.To keep his name in lights. In his wildest imagination did he think he’d be leading polls for a nomination to be president? I can’t imagine. For an ignorant campaigner he is a bright man who has made a lot of money. Then again, while it takes a Big Ego to run for office, we have seen few narcissists like Trump.
I never thought, and still don’t think, that he’d get the nomination. What he has done, though, is possibly knock out whoever would have been the GOP’s best candidate for president. In my view that is/was Jeb Bush, who has proven to be a terrible candidate (then again his dad wasn’t a great candidate either but if you read Jon Meachem’s new bio of 41, you’ll see what a successful president he really was). But Jeb Bush, at his core, is a good man with the experience one wants in a president. Problem is, you don’t get hired, you have to get elected.
Ted Cruz, a scary guy, is now in the lead in Iowa (which may be why Trump made his ban-all-Muslim’s pronouncement) but really Iowa doesn’t matter as much as it once did. Lately, it gives us, a more right wing winner than eventually wins the nomination. In the two most recent cycles, the winners were Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee. Not exactly mainstream politicians. Perennial candidates and non-winners (better than losers).
So, my guess is Cruz catches a little fire for a week after Iowa and then crashes and burns in NH where Chris Christie is making a comeback. But Christie is a typical pol who’ll say what it takes to maintain his credibility, but does it loudly enough that he sounds tough. If Jeb can’t win, or finish top three, in New Hampshire, he’s probably done, unfortunately. Trump, well, if he doesn't win an early primary, he will be left in the dust. His publicity will wash up and he'd have to dip into his "HUUUUUGEEEEE" pile of money to bolster his campaign. I don't really see him investing in his campaign unless he gets some votes early. He sure hasn't invested much so far, relying on the free press he's been getting.
Then the GOP is likely onto Marco Rubio who sounds good but would come to the presidency with just a little more experience than President Obama did. And that lack of experience means a longer learning curve in the Oval, a bigger curve we really can’t afford right now. On the other hand, he would be quite a contrast to Hillary Clinton – generationally and diversity-wise. He may be the Democrats’ worst nightmare in that sense. Bottom line, after Jeb, I don't have a GOP candidate I'm leaning toward yet.
But, I am moving on, Donald. I can’t say it’s been nice knowing you because it really hasn’t been.
Calling for a ban on a religion in the United States does it for me. Yeah, the name-calling of Mexicans, women, Jews and others was bad enough, but a ban based on religion? Donald, let’s fold up the American tent, let’s forget about those who died in wars fighting for our freedoms, let’s…well, you get it.
I doubt he will gain more support because of this, one of his only, real “policy” pronouncements. Because I think he’s already wrapped up the bigot-fascist-ignorant vote and, I hope, there are no more to get. When he finally got around to detailing one policy, this is it?
Do I think Donald Trump is a bigot? Not really. But he sure talks like one. I’m sure it’s because it’s worked for him on this campaign and not because he truly believes what he says. He is a carnival barker. He is Barnum. He says what it takes to get publicity. To draw an audience.To keep his name in lights. In his wildest imagination did he think he’d be leading polls for a nomination to be president? I can’t imagine. For an ignorant campaigner he is a bright man who has made a lot of money. Then again, while it takes a Big Ego to run for office, we have seen few narcissists like Trump.
I never thought, and still don’t think, that he’d get the nomination. What he has done, though, is possibly knock out whoever would have been the GOP’s best candidate for president. In my view that is/was Jeb Bush, who has proven to be a terrible candidate (then again his dad wasn’t a great candidate either but if you read Jon Meachem’s new bio of 41, you’ll see what a successful president he really was). But Jeb Bush, at his core, is a good man with the experience one wants in a president. Problem is, you don’t get hired, you have to get elected.
Ted Cruz, a scary guy, is now in the lead in Iowa (which may be why Trump made his ban-all-Muslim’s pronouncement) but really Iowa doesn’t matter as much as it once did. Lately, it gives us, a more right wing winner than eventually wins the nomination. In the two most recent cycles, the winners were Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee. Not exactly mainstream politicians. Perennial candidates and non-winners (better than losers).
So, my guess is Cruz catches a little fire for a week after Iowa and then crashes and burns in NH where Chris Christie is making a comeback. But Christie is a typical pol who’ll say what it takes to maintain his credibility, but does it loudly enough that he sounds tough. If Jeb can’t win, or finish top three, in New Hampshire, he’s probably done, unfortunately. Trump, well, if he doesn't win an early primary, he will be left in the dust. His publicity will wash up and he'd have to dip into his "HUUUUUGEEEEE" pile of money to bolster his campaign. I don't really see him investing in his campaign unless he gets some votes early. He sure hasn't invested much so far, relying on the free press he's been getting.
Then the GOP is likely onto Marco Rubio who sounds good but would come to the presidency with just a little more experience than President Obama did. And that lack of experience means a longer learning curve in the Oval, a bigger curve we really can’t afford right now. On the other hand, he would be quite a contrast to Hillary Clinton – generationally and diversity-wise. He may be the Democrats’ worst nightmare in that sense. Bottom line, after Jeb, I don't have a GOP candidate I'm leaning toward yet.
But, I am moving on, Donald. I can’t say it’s been nice knowing you because it really hasn’t been.
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