Republicans jump ship

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   IslandBitesposted 6 years ago

   Arnold Schwarzenegger
   

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      frumpletonposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Excellent post

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   IslandBitesposted 6 years ago

   Republicans calling for Donald Trump to drop out
   
   Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk called Trump a "malignant clown — unprepared and unfit to be president of the United States."
   
   South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the first member of GOP congressional leadership to call for Trump to step aside.
   
   Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse, who never supported Trump, is asking him to "step aside & let Mike Pence try."
   
   Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo, who had previously endorsed Trump, rejected his "disrespectful, profane and demeaning" behavior.
   
   Utah Sen. Mike Lee, who had already indicated he did not support Trump, dismissed him as "the distraction."
   
   Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, who had very recently endorsed Trump, said "the time has come for Governor Pence to lead the ticket."
   
   Utah Rep. Mia Love, who had yet to endorse Trump, said she "cannot vote for him" and that he should "step aside."
   
   Colorado Rep. Mike Coffman said Trump should withdraw "for the good of the country."
   
   Nevada Rep. Joe Heck, who is running for Nevada's open Senate seat, withdrew his support for Trump, and said the "American people deserve better."
   
   Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, who has always been critical of Trump, said Trump is "wrong about his level of support" and needs to withdraw.
   
   Virginia Rep. Barbara Comstock called Trump's remarks "disgusting, vile, and disqualifying."
   
   Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan said he "will support Governor Mike Pence for President."
   
   Maine Sen. Susan Collins, who never backed Trump, said he needs to make the decision to step down."I could not support his candidacy."
   
   Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner called Trump's "flaws ... beyond mere moral shortcomings."
   
   Alabama Rep. Martha Roby said Trump needs "to step aside and allow a responsible, respectable Republican to lead the ticket"
   
   Alabama Rep. Bradley Byrne said the comments were "were disgraceful and appalling" and that "it is clear that Donald Trump is not fit to be president."
   
   New Jersey Rep. Scott Garrett said he is "appalled."
   
   Missouri Rep. Ann Wagner, who is withdrawing her support for Trump, said she must "condemn the predatory and reprehensible comments."
   
   Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis asked to be withdrawn from his agriculture advisory committee and said Pence should be the nominee.
   
   Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer said it "would be wise" for Trump to step aside.
   
   South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard said "enough is enough."
   
   Utah Rep. Chris Stewart said "I am willing to hold Mr. Trump accountable" and is asking Trump to step aside.
   
   Former GOP presidential candidate Carly Fiorina said Trump "does not represent me or my party."
   Nebraska Rep. Jeff Fortenbury, who previously said he will vote for Trump, now said Mike Pence should be the Republican nominee.
   
   Michigan Rep. Fred Upton, who has refused to endorse Trump, said he needs to step down.
   
   Texas Rep. Will Hurd, who is in a tough re-election campaign and whose district includes a large swatch of the Mexico border, said Trump should step aside for "a true conservative" to step in.
   
   Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam urged Trump to "step aside and let Gov. Mike Pence assume the role as the party's nominee."
   
   Frmr New York Gov. George Pataki said "Enough! He needs to step down."
   
   Frmr Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said this is "enough" and Trump should "withdraw"
   
   Republicans no longer voting for Donald Trump
   
   Arizona Senator John McCain is withdrawing his support for Trump, saying "Cindy and I will not vote for Donald Trump."
   
   New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte said she would write in Pence on her ballot.
   
   West Virginia Sen. Shelly Moore Capito said the "appropriate next step may be for him to reexamine his candidacy."
   
   Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, who formerly endorsed Trump, said "I can no longer support him" and "I will be voting for Mike Pence for President."
   
   Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Trump has "forfeited the right to be our party's nominee."
   
   Ohio Gov. John Kasich, ex-2016 contender, said It's clear that Trump "hasn't changed and has no interest in doing so."
   
   Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said just a few hours after the damaging tape was released that Trump had lost his vote.
   
   Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, who previously endorsed Trump, said he will no longer vote for him.
   
   Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval said he "can no longer support him as my party's nominee."
   
   Nevada Rep. Crescent Hardy said he "will no longer support the guy at the head of the ticket."
   
   California Rep. Steve Knight, who never endorsed Trump, said his comments were "inexcusable" and that he "cannot support" him.
   
   Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who had endorsed Trump, became the first member of Congress to reverse course when he said Friday night he could no longer support the nominee.
   
   Pennsylvania Rep. Charlie Dent, who has never supported Trump, said the comments were "disturbing."
   Florida Rep. Tom Rooney said he would fail his family if he supports Trump.
   
   California Rep. David G. Valadao called Trump's behavior "disgusting" and said he will not support him.
   New Jersey Rep. Frank LoBiondo said "I cannot support and will not vote for Donald Trump."
   
   Minnesota Rep. Erik Paulsen, said Trump's words are "disgusting and offensive."
   
   Frmr Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty called Trump "unsound, uninformed, unhinged and unfit."
   
   Michigan Rep. Justin Amash said "It's time for self-reflection from Trump and GOP leaders."
   
   New Jersey Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, under Gov. Chris Christie, told NBC News, saying she "will not be voting for Donald Trump."

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      Credence2posted 6 years agoin reply to this

      So hard to see how this Trump fellow can win with so much of the GOP rank file either hostile toward him or lukewarm at best. The emperor has no clothes, let alone coattails.
      
      So, who is saying that Trump has the big mo?
      
      Saying that Trump will eventually win is like Hitler saying that Germany will ultimately win the war during APRIL, 1945.
      
      Gather independent voters? He's crazy, he can't even count on the support of his own political party, how can he hope to succeed?

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         wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         Possibly because "so much of the GOP rank file" isn't "either hostile toward him or lukewarm at best".  That little concept seems more invented by DEM's running scared and seeking to reassure themselves he will silently vanish into the night.

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            Credence2posted 6 years agoin reply to this

            Whatever your objectives for the country, you had better find yourself a better standard bearer. As long as I have been following politics and that has been some time, I have never seen any one candidate representing a major political party subjected to so much dissention in the ranks. And that has got nothing to do with the tired old bromide from conservatives of 'liberal media'.
            
            Those quotes by Island Bites were not just a figment of the left's imagination nor are those making the quote peons within the GOP.

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               wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

               You're right - there is much dissension in the ranks, at least in the ranks consisting of other politicians.
               
               But it has been a long, long time since one of the major parties chose someone for the rest of us to deal with that was not one of their own.  Think that might have something to do with their dissension?  I sure do - that they dislike the choice the people made is not only very apparent but very expected.

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                  PrettyPantherposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                  I can guarantee you that if the "outsider"chosen by the people displayed a reasonable temperament that the establishment would be on board with anyone who puts an 'R" beside their name. As it stands now, most still are anyway.

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                     wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                     Meaning that if that "outsider" fit will into the political scene.  And you might be right, but that isn't what happened and IS why they are so upset about it.  Trump doesn't talk right, he doesn't say the right things and he isn't well informed about foreign policy, even to the point of disagreeing with being the world's police force.  He IS better informed than 99% of them on economic policies and problems - he just doesn't agree with the popular concepts and that's a major strike against him.
                     
                     Worst of all, though, is that the current reigning regime of both parties has little to no control over him and that is not to be tolerated.

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   ahorsebackposted 6 years ago

   Not many of the forum dwellers here understand  what's happening in this election WITH THE CONSERVATIVE  VOTING PUBLIC , While You're  all trying to downplay the importance and the movement of conservative America's regurgitating of the business as usual of graft , corruption , "pay for play "  , of the duality of political double speak , "You  scratch my back -    " I'll do yours ". 
   
   BOTH THE RUPUBLICANS AND THE DEMOCRATS  have been playing a game of rhetoric's  for decades !   A "soft  shoe shuffle'    a   " shell game "of politics as usual .  FOR DECADES.
   
   Donald Trump , win or lose , is the only candidate outside of the chosen few  out of the DNC  or the GOP to get this far ,   He is shamefully so  , the only outsider to get near the oval office !    Who else has  offered the possibility of true CHANGE  from the usual . Who ever would have  thought it would come from the  conservative  party VOTERS?
   
   What does the left offer -  Another Clinton term !   Wow , I'm really impressed by the progressive mentality .   Not.!

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      frumpletonposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Congress won't like Trump so all of his promises are like smoke.  Politicians claim they will do changes but if no one likes you in Congress, nothing's going to change.  But Trump is a hot-head and I don't think he'll sit too well with the die hard Republicans

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   Live to Learnposted 6 years ago

   To all of you who have never been privy to how an anti incumbent election plays out, welcome to the show. Other incumbents who are not up for reelection, or not within the area of anti incumbent sentiments do fight tooth and nail to maintain the status quo. And refuse support of those attempting to be the new guard.
   
   Nothing new here people. Move along.

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      PrettyPantherposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      What anti-incumbent election have you been privy to? Just curious.

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         Live to Learnposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         Two on the local level and one on the state level. It's all pretty much the same.

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   colorfuloneposted 6 years ago

   WASHINGTON -- Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus released the following statement on tonight’s presidential debate:
   
   “Hillary Clinton spent the night struggling to defend her failed record. Whether dodging why she deleted 33,000 emails from her secret server, invoking Abraham Lincoln to justify her own lies, or failing to explain her secret speeches to Wall Street, Hillary Clinton spent this debate running from the truth and proving she’s the poster child for a rigged system. The country is eager to break from a failed status quo that rewards D.C. insiders at the expense of ordinary Americans but that’s exactly what she is promising. Donald Trump rejected the politics of cronyism and made it clear he will bring strong leadership, prosperity and security to our country.”
   
   https://www.gop.com/rnc-statement-on-tonights-debate/
   
   Looks like the ship jumpers got back on board.   

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      frumpletonposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Bush had 22,000,000 disappeared emails.  And he lied and said Africa had Uranium or something so he could go invade.  And the Repubs are so "conservative?"  Ha!  Starting wars all the time.  Lost ammunition and never accounted for it.  Oh, they are so "conservative".  Last I knew, "conserve" meant to save and George W. Bush sure the hell didn't so why would you think another Repub would?

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   Alternative Primeposted 6 years ago

   This is how INSANE the GOP is & WHY Republicans will be EXTREMELY Fortunate to WIN a handful of states in NOVEMBER maybe 100 Delegates if they're LUCKY while getting "PUMMELED in a Nationwide LANDSLIDE" ~
   
   Mike PENCE, "Abuser Donald's" OWN Vp Running MATE has been CANCELLING Joint Appearances & Obviously Can't VOTE for Trump but U as an AMERICAN should run out on NOVEMBER 8, 2016 to VOTE for a LOSER while his VP Votes in Opposition ???? ~ That's How Ridiculously ABSURD the "Trump CLOWN Show" is ~ HOW Gullible do they think AMERICANs are ????
   
   If you're DUMB or BLIND Enough to fall for that INSANE Scenario GOOD Luck ~
   
   Mike PENCE CAN'T Be SEEN in PUBLIC With His OWN Running-Mate
   
   http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-el … ed-n662436
   
   BTW ~ FAKE Online POLLs like "Drudge" etc usually show "Delusional Donald" as winner because his "Desperately Manic FANz" sit on the Computer for HOURs VOTING Multiple Times ~ Yup, VOTER Fraud ~
   
   The FOLLOWING are 2 "REALs Polls" one Conducted by CNN shortly after the "Quote Un-Quote DEBATE" which clearly Reveals the True Story ~ WHO Won the DEBATE?
   
   Hillary 57%
   Donald 34%
   
   Hillary 47%
   Donald 42%

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      frumpletonposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Seems like in Maine, their are a bunch of gullible people.  I'm not very popular, because I can't stand Trump.  They are seduced by his wealth and the men admire him because he has bought 3 beautiful wives.  They think he's smart but from what I've heard, he's been through bankruptcy more than once.  Also, he owns casinos which makes me think of hookers, booze, gambling and thugs.

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   IslandBitesposted 6 years ago

   Paul Ryan?
   
   "You all need to do what's best for you and your district" - Paul Ryan
   
   "The speaker is going to spend the next month focused entirely on protecting our congressional majorities. He will spend his entire energy making sure that Hillary Clinton does not get a blank check with a Democrat-controlled Congress," Ryan's spokeswoman, AshLee Strong, said in a statement.

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   Alternative Primeposted 6 years ago

   LATEST "REAL National Poll" Results ~
   
   Hillary 46%
   Donald 35%
   
   In ADDITION, numbers which have not yet been REFLECTED in the above poll, "Delusional Donald" Actually LOST Approximately 9% of Republican VOTE just as a "Detrimental RESULT of the "LEWD Video Tape" that EMERGED Last Friday & Given his Propensity to FIND Himself in "Extremely Vulgar" Situations Typically by Choice, I would be "SHOCKED" if this were the "ONLY & Worst" Documented Incident of his Gross Behavior on FILE ~ ~
   
   His OWN VP Mike Pence is OUT & So is RYAN ~ BOTH can never vote for Trump ~ INSANITY

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      frumpletonposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      I think Trump should go live in Maine or in Canada for awhile and lug wood and water and shovel snow and then maybe, he would grow up.  He has always gotten his own way.  Hopefully, not this time.  Not unless he buys votes which I wouldn't put past him

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         Alternative Primeposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         Maine or CANADA ?? Perhaps, if of course he's NOT in Prison soon which according to REPORTs, is a distinct possibilty ~
         
         With the CONTINUATION of his "ABSURD & Disturbing" CLOWN Show, some lose sight of the FACT that his MASSIVE $40 Million FRAUD Law Suit Begins November 28, 2016 where this "Sexual ABUSER" Faces "ELDER Abuse" & "Racketeering" Charges ~ Yup, U heard correctly, let me REPEAT, "ELDER Abuse" & "Racketeering" ~
         
         PENCE has recently been forced to CANCEL Events across the country for LACK of Interest, SHRINKING Crowds & DONOR Refusal ~ So, did Trump actually EXPECT a Different OUTCOME ?? REALLY ??

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   IslandBitesposted 6 years ago

   "It is not acceptable to ask a moral, dignified man to cast his vote to help elect an immoral man who is absent decency or dignity. If the consequence of standing against Trump and for principles is indeed the election of Hillary Clinton, so be it. At least it is a moral, ethical choice." - Glenn Beck

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      Live to Learnposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      I'm sorry, that is insane. Yes, Trump's words were reprehensible but to say that a vote for Hillary equates to a moral, ethical choice because Trump said things which were reprehensible completely ignores the things Hillary has done which are not moral or ethical. Of course, Glenn Beck is a radio host so we don't really expect him to be able to think things through. Just to remember his lines.

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      ahorsebackposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      I have listened to Glen Beck for years and he is   an A-1 Hilary supporter  now ,     He works directly  for the wishes of the GOP and will promote whatever  they ,   he's been against Trump from the beginning ,, Beck is a puppet !

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         colorfuloneposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         Beck’s crumbling empire just got A LOT  more “crumbly”.
         
         

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    IslandBitesposted 6 years ago

    "More Than 160 Republican Leaders Don’t Support Donald Trump."

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       Live to Learnposted 6 years agoin reply to this

       Wow. That means exactly, what, to me? Me being a person who is disgusted with Washington and politicians.
       
       In case you are confused, Republican leaders would be classified as politicians.

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          wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

          Peace, LtL.  It means that the people that disgust you (and I) do not support your choice for President.  Shocking, isn't it?

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             Live to Learnposted 6 years agoin reply to this

             I think what is more shocking is how many can't understand this.

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       PhoenixVposted 6 years agoin reply to this

       It makes me think they have seen a script ahead of time.

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    IslandBitesposted 6 years ago

    "I actually believe that for the most part he's a fascist," Stipanovich told CNN's John Berman. "He's a xenophobe, he's a racist, he's an isolationist, he's a protectionist, he has little respect for any part of the constitution except the second amendment. He's an authoritarian. The aura of violence clings to him. I believe he's a dangerous man." - Mac Stipanovich, longtime GOP strategist

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    IslandBitesposted 6 years ago

    Some of the Republican Party’s biggest donors called on the Republican National Committee Thursday to sever ties with presidential nominee Donald Trump in the wake of the controversy surrounding claims of sexual assault and the recent hot-mic recording of him that was leaked last week.
    
    "At some point, you have to look in the mirror and recognize that you cannot possibly justify support for Trump to your children — especially your daughters,” David Humphreys, a Missouri businessman who has donated more than $2 million to the Republican party since the 2012 election, told the paper.
    
    Bruce Kovner, a New York philanthropist and investor, had donated nearly $3 million to the party and echoed similar sentiments.
    
    “He is a dangerous demagogue completely unsuited to the responsibilities of a United States president,” he said. “Even for loyalists, there is a line beyond which the obvious moral failings of a candidate are impossible to disregard. That line has been clearly breached.”
    
    Julian H. Robertson Jr., a billionaire hedge fund investor, had donated $5 million to Republicans since the 2012 election. But a spokesman for Robertson told the Times that he’s now backing Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson.

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       wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

       Finding out that all their money doesn't buy Trump and they aren't happy about it, are they?  I'd probably be mad, too, and do what I could to get at least something for what I'd already paid.  In this case, a different candidate.

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          GA Andersonposted 6 years agoin reply to this

          I hope this is not one of my dense days where I miss the obvious, but doesn't that mean they don't want to buy Trump, instead of can't buy him? Couldn't it also mean they don't want any affiliation with him, such as the linkage of a donation? And does it mean that the money isn't channeling to other Republican races? Hmm... your interpretation sounds like spin, but I'm listening.
          
          To understand and agree with the message that Trump is, doesn't mean you have to believe he is anything more than just the messenger. I do not  think Trump is right for the job, nor do I think he will win this election, but, if normally rational folks are able to accept the price that is Trump, then I do think the message has been delivered.
          
          I think the important focus for Conservatives now is the the legislative seats, which will decide how we survive four years of whichever one we get. Consider if Hillary wins, and, the Democrats regain control of the legislature. I would expect a different type of candidate in 2020 because of the message Trump delivered.
          
          GA

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             wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

             You may be right that so many don't want to be associated with him.  But if so, I think it's very likely because they perceive it to be a net loss down the road.  I don't give any of them credit for acting from an ethical standpoint - just what they can profit from it. 
             
             But I DO hope that even politicians can read the writing on the wall that is Trump and adjust their actions accordingly in the next election (whether 4 years from now or much sooner).  I also hope that the Democratic party can read it as well and change their own attitudes in response.  That they don't take it as just as massive R mistake, but learn from it.

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    IslandBitesposted 6 years ago

    Rep. Joe Heck gave his most extensive assessment of his decision to dump Donald Trump at a closed-door fundraiser last week.
    
    "I want to support him, I really do," Heck, a Nevada Republican, said during a 90-minute discussion during a Las Vegas fundraiser for his Senate campaign.
    
    "But he has got to change his tone and he's got to be -- I don't want to make him into a politician or make him into the same thing he is running against -- but he has got to realize he is not going to win this race by appealing to the 20% or 30% of the Republican base," Heck added.
    
    "At the very least, if I have to go with my own conscience to make this right, I am going to vote for Michael Pence as vice president." Nevada has no write-in option.
    
    During the fundraiser, Heck said Republicans "cut a lot of slack" to Trump because "he is not an accomplished campaigner" and he needed "to learn the ropes" as he ran as a "change agent."
    
    "What has happened is despite who has tried to help him, by focusing his message on where it needs to be to beat Hillary Clinton, he cannot stay on the message," Heck said. "There's only two issues he needs to talk about: the economy and national security. Nothing else matters. And if he would talk about those two issues, he would clean her clock and a lot of people including close personal friends of his have tried to get him to do that."
    
    "Look, it wasn't this video that made the final decision, alright? He's had this pattern of behavior that's persisted... even while he was on the campaign," Heck said. "It's one thing if it happened 11 years ago and now he's concentrating on the issues and talking the way we need to talk to him about it."
    
    In his remarks to donors, Heck said that he's sympathetic to Trump's desire to engage in political brawls -- but said such tactics have undermined his candidacy by taking him off-message.
    "I mean, I am a New Yorker, I understand," Heck said. "It's not in his nature. Alright, if he's attacked he wants to punch back. He wants to punch back hard. Look what he's doing is shoring up the Republican base and that's great, but you know cannot win a federal race nationwide with just the Republican base, you've got to have a big tent and he doesn't. And that's why he's floundering in the polls."
    
    "He is going to hand the White House to Hillary Clinton," Heck told his donors.

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       wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

       Nice!  "Trump cannot win because he isn't a politician, and therefore I will not support him as that will cost me political points".  And people question why the politicians are getting off the wagon - well, here it is in very plain words.

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          GA Andersonposted 6 years agoin reply to this

          Hey Wilderness, I have this thought...
          
          I think the "stay on message" point was a valid one. And I didn't catch that supporting Trump would cost him political points, but anyway, here's my thought.
          
          I can see the truth that campaigns must be managed, and that certain efforts, (like staying on message), have been proven to be valuable voter communication tools. So, does doing legitimate things to promote a successful campaign make one a politician? No shady or backroom stuff, just smart tactics?
          
          For comparison, I see Trump's campaign as a bull-rush of force. No coach, no management. Making Hillary's campaign look like a Joe Gibbs-coached Superbowl win.
          
          I don't think that Trump listening to political advice would be a bad thing, or turn him into just another politician.
          
          I think Heck was right. Trump can't win with just his base, (and I will add the anybody-but-Hillary- vote), and he should be running a smarter campaign aimed at also pulling in orbiting or undecided voters. I don't think he has done that at all.
          
          GA

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             colorfuloneposted 6 years agoin reply to this

             Trumps black support has more than doubled in the last 10 days.
             150%

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             wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

             I don't disagree with anything you've said here.  But the fact does remain that the strongest message from Heck is "He isn't going to win so I'll publicly support whoever I think WILL win".  That's what I meant to point out, not that Trump is running a smart campaign (he isn't).

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                Credence2posted 6 years agoin reply to this

                While there is room for you philosophy and discussion of same within the public forum, Trump in his persona and terperment detracted from the 'message' rather than enhance it. We are not deaf to the problems of politics and politicians, Bernie was my view of a solution. These ideas are not going away, but their standard bearers will need to be adept at the tools of persuasion to move people away from the status quo and familiar. While style can never honestly replace substance, people will never believe that you have a diamond tiera wrapped in a burlap sack.

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                   wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                   And your point?  That, after the only complaint about Trump is that he is not a politician, it is apparent that it is the issues rather than the expected loss that has made Heck move to the Dem's? 
                   
                   I would disagree with that, and so will you if you choose to be honest about his statement.

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                      Credence2posted 6 years agoin reply to this

                      You mentioned earlier that Trump was not running a smart campaign in your opinion. So, the problems he is having is perhaps more involved than his merely not being a 'politician'? If you were Trump, what would you have done differently?

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                         wildernessposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                         Probably kept a better leash on my tongue.  Maybe try to educate myself better on issues I'm ignorant on, but that could be quite difficult in the hustle of a campaign.  I would say I would be strictly honest and talk about issues without slinging any mud, but also recognize that that is a losing strategy with the American public.
                         
                         Other than that, not much.  His campaign has worked quite well to draw in huge numbers of people that not a soul ever thought he could.

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                GA Andersonposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                I suppose Heck's statement can be read both ways. I read it as he couldn't support Trump as a moral and cultural objection more than a "can't win" political one. Anyway... it could also be both.
                
                Regarding the "smartness" of Trump's campaign style, I have a nagging worry. It's one of those nagging worries you get when you are sure about something... but you feel like there is a "but".
                
                To me, (and apparently more than a few others), Trump's public displays and statements have crossed a lot of lines of accepted societal norms. Some to the point of fueling rumors he is trying to throw the race. Too many to even leave room for the "unconventional campaign" label. Doesn't seem smart to me.
                
                Here is my nagging "worry"...
                
                I do not think Trump is dumb. I think his pre-politics business success shows him to be a super salesman; the brand Trump was his product, and, a very smart operator; using the financial and legal liability laws, and networked connections to profit, (read win). You can't be brand Trump as long as he has without being savvy. So, not a dumb man.
                
                ... and, even if not on the scale of Hillary's campaign, I think he has to have, (or at least had), some experienced political advisors giving advice somewhere along the line. I bet that advice would include stuff like Heck spoke of.  Further, he can't be oblivious to his public image.
                
                Trump may really be exactly the personality he portrays. I can see that in his pre-politics business and personal life, but, that still doesn't make him dumb.
                
                You get where this nagging feeling might be coming from?
                
                ps. What do you think Credence2?
                
                GA
                [AN UH-OH EDIT] I just found out Trump declared a Term Limits position.

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                   Credence2posted 6 years agoin reply to this

                   I am certainly no so naive to not see that Trump may voice valid concerns among those that are weary of business as usual. From my side of the ideological pole, I found that refreshment in Bernie Sanders.
                   
                   Trump's brusque, obstinate style does not translate well into the world of politics, while it could serve him well in the rough and tumble world of business. And whether he likes it or not, while he is the anti-politician he swims in a political soup reality.
                   
                   What I may see as deplorable business tactics on the part of Trump, may be standard operating procedure for one of his economic stature. But, it is poorly understood and does not play well for many of us with far more modest means.
                   
                   For the conservatives, this was the time to shoot the messenger yet retain the message. This was not the man to deliver the profound message, falling short in both personality and temperament.
                   
                   I never know why conservatives seem to think that businessmen make better presidents?  I really do not have an example of that. If Trump were elected, he would really be the first.

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                      GA Andersonposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                      No, I meant the other question.
                      
                      Could Trump's history of business success, (like it or not, he is a billionaire), before politics, at least cast doubt that he is as politically dumb and tone-deaf as the image he projects?
                      
                      Could the Trump that was savvy enough to navigate through the all those famous business deals and end up in a winning position, or even a winning losing position, be the same Trump that we see in the campaign?
                      
                      Just a thought. But I still have that nagging worry.
                      
                      GA

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                         Credence2posted 6 years agoin reply to this

                         Yes, he can be as dumb as the image he projects, the skill sets between where he appears successful in the business world verses the requirements  of job that he aspires to and the process of attaining to it are quite different.
                         
                         Trump and his supporters fail to realize that nobody is truly independent in this system. It works for the maverick types, but not in the smoke filled rooms of gladhanding, exchanged support and obligation that is the world of politics. The 'bull in the china shop' persona does not play well with the power brokers that ultimately make it possible for the candidate to win. Charming, is primal trait in such a world, something that Trump is not.

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    ahorsebackposted 6 years ago

    The American  voter has got to grow some brains and some gabuchees  and realize that the senate and congressional office holders , including the dems , are  the most corrupt government entity in America !  We have to  oust those  that don't support  the actual republican nominee !  - But American voters  have grown weak ,   ineffective ,  vacillating  and  have  adorned themselves in self righteousness  bordering upon massive  hypocrisy , social media , Face-book , Apprentice ,  the American voter  has devolved into a childlike fascination with politi-porn .
    
    Mature up people . This is an election not your junior  prom.

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    IslandBitesposted 6 years ago

    The Log Cabin Republicans, one of the country's most influential LGBT Republican groups, announced Saturday that it would not back the party's presidential nominee, Donald Trump.

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       Castlepalomaposted 6 years agoin reply to this

       Trump and his running mate do not support gays and in some cases against them. Gays are as many in population as black voters. 
       
       I wonder if he can win on Whites and Jews votes alone? Not counting women.

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          Credence2posted 6 years agoin reply to this

          Jews are predominantly Democratic Party voters.

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             Castlepalomaposted 6 years agoin reply to this

             Oh wow, Trump really brown noses them for money and Israel support.
             
             Hee Haw!!! it's Hicks, Hillbillies and Rednecks then.

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       Alternative Primeposted 6 years agoin reply to this

       What SANE Moral Individual could POSSIBLY Support this "National DISGRACE" at this POINT in Time ???
       
       But at LEAST "Abuser Donald" still has the "Vigorous-Support" of Vladimir Putin, The COMMUNISTs & Some PUBLICITY Hungry Wacki Wiki-WEIRDO Held Up in an Ecuadorian SAFE Room ~

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