Donald Trump: The Man And The Myth

[Dave Likeness]

I am not a Donald Trump supporter, but I believe that he has
hit a responsive chord among the electorate.  There are several
reasons.

1)  He is not a career politician whose only aim is to get re-elected
term after term either as a U.S. Senator or Governor.  He does not
need the job of President for his own financial well-being or perks.

2) He speaks on the issues which trouble many Americans and does
not use politically correct language.  As an outsider he speaks from
the heart and lets the chips fall where they may.

3. Americans are not looking for another Bush or Clinton.  They do not
want political dynasties, they want real solutions to real problems.  People
sense that America is adrift morally with legal abortion and legal gay marriage.
People are fearful that Terrorism is not being taken seriously by the Federal
government.

4.  Donald Trump has become the poster boy for the angst and anxiety
of the populace.  He shoots from the hip with his bluster and people
feel he is speaking for them.

[Matt Hummel]

Tubus delenda est.

[Charles Austin]

What Dave Likeness posted upstream is frighteningly reminiscent of the factors which brought Hitler to power. Trump gathers up people's ignorance, fears and hatreds and gives them expression. He creates classes of "enemies" allegedly destroying our society. He practices a rhetoric which has its own satanic charisma. He claims to restore some "greatness" lost because of the leadership of the last 30 years.
BTW, he's not against gay marriage or our current abortion laws.
Prayers for the republic are needed indeed.

[LutherMan]

BTW, he's not against gay marriage or our current abortion laws.
Prayers for the republic are needed indeed.

When did you suddenly become so concerned about these issues?

[Matt Hummel]

BTW, he's not against gay marriage or our current abortion laws.
Prayers for the republic are needed indeed.

When did you suddenly become so concerned about these issues?

I think Charles' point is Herr Trump is not quite the Prince Charming that the Uruk Hai wing of the Republican Party thinks he is. In my Government class today, the boys were introduced to Niemoller through his famous quote as we discussed Trump.

Life long Republican and NY expat so I know Der Donald for what he is. Advent miracle- I again find myself saying, "Listen to Charles!"

[Dan Fienen]

Donald Trump certainly does not appeal to the better angels of our nature as did arguably the best Republican in history, Abraham Lincoln.  Rather he appeals to fear and anger and stirs it up.  Demagogue seems an appropriate characterization.

[Dave Likeness]

Humility is not a quality which The Donald exhibits.  He is an egomaniac.
Today, Trump blasted Time Magazine for naming Angela Merkel of
Germany as The Person Of The Year instead of him.

[Charles Austin]

And I'm with Mr. Hummel on this issue. Anything is possible.
Craig, my point in mentioning abortion and gay marriage was to note that for those on the far right side of the "conservative" spectrum these are usually key issues. Yet it seems to be large numbers of the far-righters whooping it up at Trump rallies.

[Rev. BT Ball]

If you have some time, the Lutheran Senator from Nebraska gave a very helpful speech on the Senate floor, not directly addressing Trump but speaking to the issue of Islam and gives some ideas why Trump is in the lead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQuaR73ogvo

[Dave Benke]

BTW, he's not against gay marriage or our current abortion laws.
Prayers for the republic are needed indeed.

When did you suddenly become so concerned about these issues?

I think Charles' point is Herr Trump is not quite the Prince Charming that the Uruk Hai wing of the Republican Party thinks he is. In my Government class today, the boys were introduced to Niemoller through his famous quote as we discussed Trump.

Life long Republican and NY expat so I know Der Donald for what he is. Advent miracle- I again find myself saying, "Listen to Charles!"

The Niemoller quote was the front page of today's Daily News.

Dave Benke

[LutherMan]

If you have some time, the Lutheran Senator from Nebraska gave a very helpful speech on the Senate floor, not directly addressing Trump but speaking to the issue of Islam and gives some ideas why Trump is in the lead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQuaR73ogvo

Sasse isn't getting much love here...
http://hotair.com/archives/2015/12/09/ben-sasse-americans-are-turning-to-demagogues-like-trump-because-their-current-leadership-is-terrible-on-terror/

[LutherMan]

 
Bloomberg poll: 65% of Republican likely primary voters favor Trump's plan to bar Muslims from U.S. temporarily

http://hotair.com/archives/2015/12/09/bloomberg-poll-64-of-republican-likely-primary-voters-favor-trumps-plan-to-bar-muslims-from-u-s-temporarily/


#BREAKING SouthCarolina! #2016 #GOP @FoxNews #poll
Trump 35
Carson 15
Cruz&Rubio 14
Bush 5
Graham 2
http://fxn.ws/1OTUdoq

[Terry W Culler]

The Trump phenomenon will not survive the realities of electoral politics.  Prediction: Cruz wins the Iowa caucuses, Christie could win NH with Cruz and Rubio close behind, Cruz wins SC with Rubio second, Rubio takes the big Southern primaries with Cruz second.  Trump finishes out of the money.  The Republican nominee is Cuban and (out on a limb here) Carly Fiorina is VP nominee.  Clinton of course is the Dem nominee unless she is indicted--and maybe even then.

[Donald_Kirchner]

The Trump phenomenon will not survive the realities of electoral politics.  Prediction: Cruz wins the Iowa caucuses, Christie could win NH with Cruz and Rubio close behind, Cruz wins SC with Rubio second, Rubio takes the big Southern primaries with Cruz second.  Trump finishes out of the money.  The Republican nominee is Cuban and (out on a limb here) Carly Fiorina is VP nominee.  Clinton of course is the Dem nominee unless she is indicted--and maybe even then.

And The Donald runs an independent campaign. According to one poll of Trump supporters, 68% will vote for him if he runs independently.

Clinton's gift.

[George Erdner]

I am not a Donald Trump supporter, but I believe that he has
hit a responsive chord among the electorate.  There are several
reasons.

1)  He is not a career politician whose only aim is to get re-elected
term after term either as a U.S. Senator or Governor.  He does not
need the job of President for his own financial well-being or perks.

A big "Amen" on that one. As disappointing as experienced politicians like Clinton and George W. were, the current totally inexperienced "community organizer" has been much, much worse. America is looking for someone who has the sort of experience that might well indicate that he can accomplish something more than making excuses and blaming his predecessor. And, after having a President who is owned outright by George Soros and others, an independent is very appealing. On the other hand, Trump isn't nearly as good a business leader as his reputation.

2) He speaks on the issues which trouble many Americans and does
not use politically correct language.  As an outsider he speaks from
the heart and lets the chips fall where they may.

His refusal to use politically correct doubletalk is very appealing. There is a small minority of people who place style over substance, but only so long as the style is polite to the point of being effete. If he were alive today, I suspect Harry Truman's bluntness would be appreciated.

3. Americans are not looking for another Bush or Clinton.  They do not
want political dynasties, they want real solutions to real problems.  People
sense that America is adrift morally with legal abortion and legal gay marriage.
People are fearful that Terrorism is not being taken seriously by the Federal
government.

I think it goes beyond the sort of vague fears we once had. It seems to me that an increasing number of people are genuinely afraid that America will turn into a socialist state, and/or that we'll lose a major war fought on our own soil.

4.  Donald Trump has become the poster boy for the angst and anxiety
of the populace.  He shoots from the hip with his bluster and people
feel he is speaking for them.

The populace has a lot to be anxious about. "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help you" has replace "The check is in the mail" as the #1 lie in America.

The American people, at least a big enough majority of them to win an election, are simply fed up with the ineffectiveness of politicians from either party. The Democrats have ruined almost everything they touch, but the Republicans seem to be a feckless bunch who can't even take advantage of majorities in both houses of Congress. In that environment, an outsider like Trump seems a much better prospect to bring about renewed hope and change for the better. The slogan "Hope and Change" worked for a community organizer with absolutely no experience or qualifications. Donald Trump might be a long shot, but to many, many voters, he's America's last, best hope.

That's sad, when you think about it. Trump has a lot of flaws, and probably would make a terrible President. But except for Cruz, I don't see anyone in either party who looks like a better choice.