Bowsite.com

Comments made by some of my friends here directed to other friends WRT their support of Trump have bothered me for the simple fact that they have been part of our community for a long time and have a record that they are far far from being the cool-aid drinkers of the left.

There is a reason that Trump has become the target of the establishment GOP and media. There would be no Trump candidacy if not for the failure of the GOP to even demonstrate attempts to deliver on what their platforms stated. People are simply fed up with empty promises.

The last two election cycles have given the GOP both houses of Congress because they promised to stand up to the excesses of the imperial President. Instead, they have submitted or given weak compromise to Emperror Obama. They could have passed legislation and forced him to veto the bills--putting onus on him.

Few within the GOP seem to listen to the public who expected the Republicans to deal with Obamacare, ILLEGAL immigration, global ISLAMIC terrorism--and have done nothing.

Where are the Obama vetos?

We have seen a tepid attempt by some in the GOP to stand up to their weak abetting leadership. Few members have shown the courage to go against policy in fear of punishment from the party leadership via loss of committee or re-election support.

People are tired of excuses for failure ("We don't have enough votes to override a veto", "What about the ***** vote?", "The media will pillory us", etc.) People are tired of politicians being politicians rather than representing the will of the people.

Anyone reading news, blogjogging the Internet, or talking to people understand that there are some real issues that need to be addressed...and their will is being denied by both the left and the eGOP.

1. Obamacare...never has had great support amongst most of the people. Passed by one party manipulation.

2. Illegal invasion abetted by Obama and company. Illegals have been given so much, while American veterans have been put to the curb. Illegal criminals released to prey again and again on the public.

3. A stagnant economy where the unemployment statistics have been manipulated to appear less than actual. Job preference given to foreigners over citizens. An over-regulating bureaucracy goes unchecked stifling job creation.

4. An administration which has allowed and abetted corruption in the IRS, DEA, BATF with not one person held responsible. At best, they retire or move to another position with a pay raise.

5. A weak foreign policy where terrorists are not only given free reign, but assisted by extra-Constitutional dictate.

And where is the Republican Party in control of Congress--demonstrating weak protest and submission.

Thus..."The Donald"...bombastic and loudly addressing the same issues that we have carped about so often on this forum. He shows no fear of press, pundit or politician. He says what many have been thinking. And, not being one of the political class, few in the media understand how to deal with him other than attempting to expose him. Which gives him more exposure to say what we have wanted to hear: I HAVE NO FEAR OF DEALING WITH THESE ISSUES. I CAN GET IT DONE. POLITICIANS ARE BEHOLDING TO THEIR FUNDING--I GOT MY OWN.

And one wonders why so many are enthralled by this?

Trump has not only exposed the Obama administration, but the failures of the GOP.

The GOP has a chance to regain credibility before the primaries. Should they in the next few months actually attempt to fill the promises of the past two elections and show a little spine when it comes to "the threat of consequences" for their actions, it will show that there is a party of opposition.

Turns out, many of my thoughts are expressed here:

Slight digression before closing:

I have long thought that at some point in time, we have to deal with a major change in the US--do we hold to a Constitutional Republic--or become a socialist nation and abandon our roots.

I posted the link at the top of this post. It states that the 2016 election should be between Cruz and Sanders:

"...In most elections, we've seen the Republican and Democrat candidates actually agreeing on at least a few issues. That wouldn't happen with these two. I think it's safe to say there would not be a single issue on which they could find common ground. From healthcare, to taxes, to the military, to the minimum wage. From public-sector versus private sector, to wealth distribution, immigration, climate change, and energy. And, personally, that's what I'm looking for. No more melding of ideologies.

This country has been on a meandering path toward socialism for a century, and socialism appears to be winning the day. But now, it's crunch time. It's time for the people to decide who we are as a nation. Enough of the socialist dalliances and half measures.

Are we all socialists like Sanders, or are there still enough true conservatives to turn the country back to some semblance of what was the world's only constitutional Republic..."

I fear that should we follow the present GOP and stumble down this path (vs. race down it like the obamunists)of becoming a socialist state, there will come a second Revolution because there are many of us who prefer freedom to serfdom.

And that is why Trump has become important: he is forcing GOP politicians to address these issues. I would hope the GOP would take heed. (See Hackbow's Evidence thread)

Of course. They were already saying it before trump got the press.

Now Trumps ideas were already expressed and put into verbal action BEFORE Donald brought it to light?

shuteye,

They are exploring the legality of that as we speak as you said. Not cut and dried as O'Reilly and a few others have stated. I still think it would be monumental to overturn the last decision but the scholars claim there are grounds and the decision was flawed by the Supreme Court.

The Rock This would send ripples.

08.19.151:15 AM ET

Cruz, Trump in Secret Talks

It’s a bromance with a payoff—the senator has been developing the billionaire’s support and their aides are even discussing joint events, but if Trump drops out, Cruz aims to clean up.

Donald Trump and Ted Cruz’s mutual admiration is turning into a conservative bromance—one that could have a huge strategic payoff for the Texas senator’s presidential campaign.

Behind the scenes, Cruz has been methodologically developing Trump’s support. The two candidates have met in person at least five times and talk by phone occasionally. And in the future, they may even hold events together.

The two campaigns privately discussed a possible joint event this year in Washington, D.C., and Cruz was invited to join Trump’s infamous trip to the Mexico border, though a scheduling problem prevented him from attending, sources told The Daily Beast.

“In terms of Trump’s civility, if you’re nice to him, he’ll be nice to you. And Cruz has been nice. Cruz is playing the long game and hopes that if he survives and Trump doesn’t, the billionaire will swing to him. He’s the second choice for a lot of Trump voters,” said a source familiar with the inner workings of the Trump campaign.

“Cruz has been cultivating Donald for some time, declining to criticize him after the immigration flap or the McCain controversy, sending messages through operatives, dropping by Trump Tower when in New York,” the source continued. In Cruz, Trump has a prominent politician who is willing to defend his comments. He may even have, in his mind, a potential running mate.

Well now....maybe that Trump/ Cruz pic I posted is not so crazy...huh?

The Rock

Supreme court ruled 9-0 otherwise. They got it wrong, but that was the ruling.

There is a difference and many lawyers agree HA. I don't know but we MAY see if Donald gets that far...or Cruz does..;-)

The Rock

It is hard for many to admit, but the reason so many people seem to make the Trump candidacy what it has become (support indicated by polls showing him increasing his lead)can be summed up in one word:FAILURE.

The multiple failures of the Obama administration (name one area where he has truly succeeded) have been compounded by the failure of the GOP who has been given complete power over one third of the branches of government to do or show any true opposition or provide re-mediation.

And the Republican Party has been sent down that path by its eGOP leadership.

As I've said, Trump is their Frankenstein, THEY created him as though they had sewn the body parts together themselves. Now their monster is loose in the countryside and they don't know what to do about it.

Typical. Now they'll do what they usually do.....NOTHING!

God bless, Steve

Cruz focuses on what he considers the most politically legal way to handle the problem...something that we have heard similar rhetoric for years. Trump, OTOH, talks about actually dealing with the issue--and hooks into the frustration we all have talked about about...borders and established (but ignored) law.

As I have stated previously...not a Trump supporter. However, I understand why he has so much support. And, sadly, for the most part, the GOP either does not understand how the public feels or lacks the courage to address these issues in a manner to hook into the emotions of the voters as Trump is willing to do.

As the House comes back into session, one thing that might close this gap would be to successfully remove Boehner as Speaker and find ways to marginalize McConnel...and perhaps force Obama to veto legislation without fear from the media's obamunistic support.

Torches and Pitchforks/Tar and Feather 2016

As much as I like Cruz, his answer, as good as it sounds, will do nothing because our politicians do not have the will to do what needs to be done. Bottom line is....I no longer trust them to do anything except talk

. All the other solutions to this problem will not matter until this one is resolved, and the only way I can see it is to send them back. There's no other way except surrendering. It's the essence of the problem and not all that much unlike the terrorists who use children as living shields to protect themselves.

The core truth is that amnesty...in whatever form you use it...DOES NOT WORK. We already tried this in 1986 and look where we are today.

Mark Levin Discusses Jorge Ramos, Illegal Alien Activism, Donald Trump and Jeb Bush….

Mark Levin always cuts right to the heart of the matter. Lindsey “the weasel” Graham LOL… “we have to bust through the establishment”….

Favorite line:"The next conservative president can say) “You know what I found? Barack Obama’s pen in my desk, and his phone...""

The House will returns from recess. The question is "Do they understand the voters distrust in them and their promises and make effort to remedy that?" This is why Trump has sucked the air out of most of the other GOP candidates.

Aside: I listened to an interview with Ben Carson yesterday. Impressive man...and one to keep an eye on.

Torches and Pitchforks/Tar and Feather 2016

So what you're in favor of is a strong President who is willing to wield Executive authority in order to do what needs to be done, if he perceives that Congress isn't willing to go along with him? Funny, seems like that's what we have right now. Or are you just saying you're fine with that as long as the power is being wielded in our favor instead of for the other side?

A strong President could actually work with Congress (unlike Emperror Obama) to accomplish his platform goals. He has the office and the bully pulpit...and in the case of dealing with ILLEGAL immigration, most of the nation behind him. It seems that the biggest impediment to the GOP House and Senate are its weak, eGOP leadership who works harder against their own party than opposing the President. Support for the eGOP-GOP opposition (I hope this is clear...the Republicans who oppose the eGOP agenda) from the President would lend a spine to many who have suborned themselves to the eGOP leadership.

...and really, using obamunistic executive powers in our favor for once would actually bring the entire system back into some semblance of balance--a magic eraser, so to say ;o)

Well Said Jack!

Instead, with eGOP leadership more at war with the conservative elements of the party, Obama sails along never having to veto anything and shielded by the OPRESS™ from criticism.

The Donald is just taking the opportunity of a vacuum that the GOP itself has created. And he is forcing most of the other candidates to address these issues in a more direct (and probably uncomfortable) manner.

The GOP's Serious Political Problem

The GOP is its own problem. And until they take action to fix their internal eGOP fistulas, Trump merely is a reflection of what the "little people" of the GOP feel and think.

That stated, as bad a candidate as he is -and he is a train wreck-, there is a visceral honesty in the way people are reacting to his goonish disregard for the game.

It reminds me of a star-struck 16 year old girl who is disappointed in her boyfriend, so takes up with some rocker dude who is out on parole for raping or beating his last three girlfriends.

Maybe, between now and the real primary season, enough of the GOP will begin to understand why Trump has taken the wind out of the cadre of candidates and act upon the realization.

People are tired of the same old politicians promising the same old platitudes and nothing changes. The GOP lied to those that put them into office in 2012 and 2014 and with men like Cruz trying to follow through, see the same old establishment career politicians putting DC/government ahead of their constituencies.

Torches and Pitchforks/Tar and Feather 2016

A message to the RNC, Mitch McConnell, John Boehner, Jeb Bush, and media water-carriers George Will, Chris Wallace Stephen Hayes, Charles Lane, Megyn Kelly, Charles Krauthammer, and the entire political GOPe team. Brilliant !

They are so out of touch with regular Americans that have to live in the crap they've created that it's unbelievable.

I think he has set the stage for some semi-unknown democrat to waltz in (sort of like obama) and get elected.

They continue to do nothing, yet 'people' here continue to back them to the end...

People on here claim that a senator or representative who only voted their way 70% of the time has failed. Yet, Trump has only been conservative maybe 25% (at most) of the time and they are trying to make him a hero.

In fact, what has he done for America? More like, what has he done for Trump?

He is STILL importing foreign workers to work low wages instead of hiring Americans.

THAT is what matters, and on that they've failed. The SOB's haven't even TRIED! Worthless. Friggin' worthless.

Maybe Trump is worthless also. But we KNOW the others are. They've proven it over and over again.

No they didn't!!!! The Supreme Court has NEVER ruled on children of illegal aliens and even if they had Congress not the SC has the final say.

From the article:

"...Trump resonates not because his people yearn for a demigod like Obama. He strikes a chord because his supporters sense with growing dismay that something very wrong is going on in this country, particularly in the uneven application of immigration law, and they have lost faith that anyone already in the ruling class, (D) or (R), has the will or even the desire fix it. It is not hostility as Mr. Rothman asserts. It is genuine concern.

So enter The Donald. Is he merely filling a void in a few peoples’ lives ala Obama? Perhaps. But the parallel of Obama-Trump breaks down in that when he launched his presidential bid. Trump was already as famous as Obama was obscure. He is a known commodity, at least personality-wise. What makes Donald tick is Donald. His supporters are not blind to this. But in the end, Trump—unlike Obama, who remains carefully guarded by his mainstream press Praetorian Guard—will rise or fall more on what he can do than who he is. I do find it curious that some conservatives who ridicule Trump, and thus by default his supporters, still laud Ronald Reagan and his. I attended a Reagan rally as a teenager and the mood was that of a Baptist revival. Yet, like Trump, beyond the polish, the glamor and the rest, Reagan was finally addressing in public what many had been discussing at the kitchen table for years. If the former actor’s platform was more defined, it was because he’d had years to hone the craft, being the often-glib spear point of an otherwise serious political movement decades in the making. Reagan was a two-time governor, three time presidential candidate and by 1980 had the support of the party establishment. But that establishment was very much in line with its constituency, which is not the case today—as Trump’s continued lead confirms..."

If she is not a Conservative then I fail to see how she is an attractive candidate.

I doubt that the GOP will end up nominating any real conservative, no matter what our sentiment is. However, there is a lot of anger directed towards the beltway crowd -- the same old-same old. You know, all those guys who bought votes promising opposition, but adopted the French battle flag and submitted to obamunism.

Three of the top 4 "preferred's" in the polls are outsiders...and the fourth, Cruz, is the only one who has actually established conservative credentials.

"I like Jeb," Trump said in an interview with Breitbart News, "He's a nice man. But he should really set the example by speaking English while in the United States."

The Rock

And the result is?

If the House were to act and unseat Boehner from the Speakership and replace him with a congress-critter with a spine: it would be a sign that the NRC/GOP leadership has finally realized "Why Trump?" and how to deal with his popularity. Between now and the primaries, a sea change by the party would take the wind out of Trump's sails. The only reason that Trump exists as a popular choice now can be linked to the direct failure of the Republican Party to even try to live up to the promises that got them elected.

I think it will be a hard sell to their voter base that after being given the House, and then the Senate; that the GOP also needs the Presidency to actually accomplish anything. Those old unfulfilled promises that got them Congress just don't have the play they did the previous two elections. IMHO, the only hope the GOP has is to change its leadership and act like an opposition party instead of a "we just don't have enough power to do anything" party. Dumping Boehner and McConnel and forcing Obama to veto legislation may be their only real option to "destroy" Trump.

At this point in time, should the Republicans in Congress continue as they have since been given control of both houses (submit/roll-over) end up with Trump as their nominee--would a conservative third party anti-Trump conservative candidate get your vote? Or would you (as many of us did with McCain and Romney) hold your nose and vote for him over another Democrat proregressive?

"Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has, once again, raised the white flag when it comes to challenging the Obama agenda. On Monday, McConnell told WYMT-TV: “The President's made it very clear he's not going to sign any bill that includes defunding of Planned Parenthood, so that's another issue that awaits a new president, hopefully with a different point of view about Planned Parenthood." Really? Planned Parenthood is harvesting the organs and tisssue of aborted babies! Yet the "leader" of the United States Senate just admitted that he's unwilling to put forward a bill to stop these heinous and depraved acts because President Obama won't sign it?

So what if he won't sign it!

Force our nation's "Radical-in-Chief" to veto a bill to defund Planned Parenthood. That way, the American people will know exactly where the President stands on providing tax-payer money to abortion mills that carve up their unborn victims (some who reportedly are still alive!) and sell their "parts" to the highest bidder."

Edit/addition:

Reading an article completely unrelated to Trump, the following quote seems relevant WRT the Trump Phenomena:

"our Republican leadership seems to feel that the people who want real solutions are the problem..."

From the always worthwhile reading Sultan Knish The Truth About Pro-Israel Theater (worth reading)

"...The Republican Party tells conservatives what they want to hear while taking its marching orders from an infrastructure of advisers, experts and consultants who urge it to implement the same old bad ideas while lying to the public.

That is how we got here in more ways than one.

Republican politicians want to win elections without changing anything. They want to do the 'sensible' thing which means keeping up the status quo and not rocking the boat. The only way to do that is by lying a lot..."

And in doing so, they have created their own monster.

Answer.....THEY CAN'T!!!

Maybe Trump can't either, but he's sure as hell handling his current competition PLUS a hostile media.

Feel free to repost the rest. Play nice.

The one thing that separates the majority of people who post on the CF (no matter the views)from trolls and just plain argumentative people is respect. On threads where I am TO, I try (and am not always successful) to maintain a level of mutual respect.

There is an underlying opinion that I see many do not "get" when it comes to all of these "Trump Threads". The posts pointing out his past, his bloviations, and other perceived flaws may well be true. Few comments have been made about actually supporting him. The disconnect that has often been made is that much of the pro-Trump commentary is focused on one basic tenet: Trump is where he is at in popularity and polls because he has brought up the issues that have been in the minds of many...and have basically been ignored by the Republican Party. His bravado, brashness and in-your-face approach to all who attack to "bring him down" is what people see as needed to deal with the proregressive communists of the Democrat Party.

And as I have stated so often, it is the failure of the Republican Party to act as a true opposition party instead of spineless weasels who complain that they just don't have enough power to deal with Obama that has created the vacuum that Trump has filled.

Sadly, we may well be faced with that "lesser of two weasels" choice again in 2016 (Trump or obamaesque democrap)because of this failure. IMHO, the GOP has only a few months to signal that the party can demonstrate they are not annelids. Sadly, there has been no indication that the beltway Republicans have come to understand why Trump is trumping them daily.

Partially true. People are legitimately upset that republicans have not taken advantage of their numbers in congress to stop obama. this follows on many years of doing less than many of us wanted.

The reason it is TRUMP getting the attention is that the press pretty much has ignored all other candidates who have the same positions. Other candidates have said the same things Trump is saying, only they are not TV celebrities, and they have said it in a civil manner - not the brashness of Trump.

As I said very early on, Trump is the one republican candidate who is immune to negative publicity.

"...The reason it is TRUMP getting the attention is that the press pretty much has ignored all other candidates who have the same positions..."

The GOP created that vacuum that Trump has taken well before campaigning ever started. Had the GOP leadership taken its advantages from 2012 (House controls budget) and 2014 (GOP holds both houses of Congress)and forced Obama to veto bills; there would not have been the opportunity for Trump to enter as a candidate. It has been this unwillingness of the GOP leadership to even attempt to address the promises made in 2012 and 2104 that has made "outsidership" such a draw.

Cruz and other Conservatives had been pretty much silenced by their leadership giving the media opportunity to ignore them. The NRC/eGOP have no real powers to silence Trump.

I wish Cruz and company had had more success in dealing with the opposition of the eGOP. But I think that being in the positions they hold, they just didn't have the option to be as outspoken as Trump. Sadly, to most of the public, they now seem to give the impression (unwarranted) as "me, too's".

I still think that if the conservatives can depose Boehner and McConnel, they can alter how the campaign seems to be directed. Sort of a 180^o version of "Hope 'n Change" ;o)

And of course, as customary, Senate Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will acquiesce and say there’s no way to defeat the Democrat maneuverings.

From the comments section:

"This past week Michael Medved (Salem Communications GOPe talker) said on his show that the fact that most GOP senators oppose the Iran deal shows the difference between the parties. Rubbish. This Iran deal was done as soon as Corker crafted his bill so that it took 2/3 of senators to oppose it rather than the 2/3 support that the Constitution requires for a treaty. Bob Corker is responsible for this Iran deal. Period. The GOPe is all about theater. It’s like the Gang of 8 open-borders immigration bill that Rudio wrote with Dick Durbin in 2013. A majority of Republicans “opposed” it when it didn’t matter. When it mattered – the earlier cloture vote – they voted in favor of cloture..."

BTW: Didn't Cruz vote for the Corker bill?

An Open Letter To Jonah Goldberg – RE: The GOP and Donald Trump

Long article...but well worth reading. Rush (FWIW) even commented on this today.

The concluding paragraphs:

"...This is a winning strategy? This is the “conservatism” you are defending because you are worried about Donald Trump’s principles, character or trustworthiness.

Here’s a list of those modern conservative “small(er) government” principles:

• Did the GOP secure the border with control of the White House and Congress? NO.

• Did the GOP balance the budget with control of the White House and Congress? NO.

• Who gave us the TSA? The GOP

• Who gave us the Patriot Act? The GOP

• Who expanded Medicare to include prescription drug coverage? The GOP

• Who created the precursor of “Common Core” in “Race To the Top”? The GOP

• Who played the race card in Mississippi to re-elect Thad Cochran? The GOP

• Who paid Democrats to vote in the Mississippi primary? The GOP

• Who refused to support Ken Cuccinnelli in Virginia? The GOP

• Who supported Charlie Crist? The GOP

• Who supported Arlen Spector? The GOP

• Who supported Bob Bennett? The GOP

• Who worked against Marco Rubio? The GOP

• Who worked against Rand Paul? The GOP

• Who worked against Ted Cruz? The GOP

• Who worked against Mike Lee? The GOP

• Who worked against Jim DeMint? The GOP

• Who worked against Ronald Reagan? The GOP

• Who said “I think we are going to crush [the Tea Party] everywhere.”? The GOP (McConnell)

And, you wonder why we’re frustrated, desperate for a person who can actually articulate some kind of push-back? Mitch McConnell and John Boehner are what the GOP give us? SERIOUSLY?

Which leads to the next of your GOP talking points. Where you opine on Fox:

“Politics is a game where you don’t get everything you want”

Fair enough. But considering we of questionable judgment have simply been demanding common sense, ie. fiscal discipline, a BUDGET would be nice.

The last federal budget was passed in September of 2007, and EVERY FLIPPING INSUFFERABLE YEAR we have to go through the predictable fiasco of a Government Shutdown Standoff and/or a Debt Ceiling increase specifically because there is NO BUDGET!

That’s a strategy?

That’s the GOP strategy? Essentially: Lets plan for an annual battle against articulate Democrats and Presidential charm, using a creepy guy who cries and another old mumbling fool who dodders, knowing full well the MSM is on the side of the other guy to begin with?

THAT’S YOUR GOP STRATEGY?

Don’t tell me it’s not, because if it wasn’t there’d be something else being done – there isn’t.

And don’t think we don’t know the 2009 “stimulus” became embedded in the baseline of the federal spending, and absent of an actual budget it just gets spent and added to the deficit each year, every year. Yet this is somehow smaller fiscal government?

….And you’re worried about what Donald Trump might do?

Seriously?"

Pogo: "We have met the enemy; and he is us."

I have never watched any of the Trump TV programs, so the following is "just what I heard". According to Rush, the Apprentice programs had contestants/participants that spanned race, gender, and other demographics. Trump dealt with all fairly, letting them fall on their own faults...ergo, charges of sexism, racism and other charges from the eGOP cadre have failed. More people heard and saw Trump on his TV programs than even know about these anti-Trump commentators. And those that have heard these accusations and watched the program see a disconnect and find them wanting. Maybe Rush will have that commentary on his website today.

I still believe that the only way that the GOP has a chance of getting ahead of Trump is to change the dynamics of the party itself. A first sign would be dethroning Boehner and passing legislation that puts the onus on Obama's vetos.

If not, some here may well be testing their party loyalty having to choose between another lesser weasel election.

Unfortunately, where it goes completely off the rails is in the author's obvious conclusion that the way to right all the GOP wrong's over the years is to....support a guy (Trump) who pretends to be a Conservative but his past actions all belie that notion to show that he is actually a Liberal and has advocated for and financially supported Liberal policies and politicians. HOW IS THAT DIFFERENT FROM MCCONNELL/BOEHNER, HOW IS THAT STICKING IT TO THE GOP ESTABLISHMENT, and furthermore, HOW IS THAT GETTING AMERICA BACK TO IT'S CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDING/ROOTS? This is the point on which Trump supporters cannot make a realistic sale because in Trump's history, there's no there there to show us that he's anything other than a Liberal Democrat masquerading as a Republican and saying what he knows Conservatives want to hear.

Now if the conclusion of the article had been, "that is why Conservatives are throwing all their money, weight and support behind Ted Cruz, a true Conservative warrior and the archenemy of the GOP Establishment who has proven he is more than talk", then that would be a totally logical conclusion. To conclude that Trump is the answer, though, is beyond absurdity and defies all logic.

You mentioned Rush. I was listening to Rush in the truck this afternoon and a guy called in to the show and said that Conservative voters want a "John Wayne" type character for President, and he intimated that that is one of the reasons Trump is getting so much support. I had to laugh in disbelief. If that's why a lot of people are supporting Trump, they're either very confused, or they haven't watched many John Wayne movies. Comparing Trump to the typical John Wayne character is like comparing Trump to Ronald Reagan. There is no comparison. Trump is much more like the typical villain in a John Wayne movie, the uber wealthy rancher used to throwing his weight around and getting whatever he wants (water rights, cattle, land, woman, you name it). Whereas Trump is all talk, John Wayne's typical character is all action.

Even though he is 100% likely to, based upon his history.

Cruz is my #1. If it came to Trump or Bush/Christie/Etc. I'd go with Trump.

Cruz is my #1. If it came to Trump or Bush/Christie/Etc. I'd go with Trump.

As a conservative, I (like most here)have a great preference to seeing Cruz as the GOP candidate. However, as much as we want, until Trump looses his popular appeal, not one of the more conservative candidates will gain any ground. And the GOP fighting Trump will not accomplish a thing other than increase his appeal.

The ONLY reason that Trump is where he is now WRT the GOP field is that the GOP has created the perfect environment for Trump to exist. Money is NOT an issue for Trump...he has spent almost nothing because the media is feeding not only on him, but the attempts for the mainstream GOP (that is eGOP, NRC, CoC, CfG) to "take Donald down". The mainstream GOP jettisoned the TEA Party and other conservative elements (as listed in my last link) for a consolidation of beltway power.

My thesis...and it seems many understand and agree...is that until the GOP starts acting like an opposition party and at least tries to deliver on promises made, they will be consigned to having Trump as the GOP candidate. Jaundiced eyes see that the GOP is more concerned with Trump as the enemy than the excesses of the present obamunistic dictate. People are tired of promise after promise only to see the GOP submit with the same old tired excuses (Obama will veto us anyway, we're afraid of being pilloried by the media if the government shuts down (due to a threatened Obama veto), we just don't have enough power, etc.)

The present environment will not allow a Cruz nomination because few believe in the present GOP. Promises were made and only excuses delivered.

Trump is (again) the result of GOP FAIL.

I still believe that the GOP could resurrect itself before the primary season gets serious by removing Boehner/McConnel and passing legislation forcing Obama to veto and establishing a real difference between parties. The status quo is there are the obamunists and the BOHICA party.

"...Well, let's look at Trump maybe a different way. Politics, I've always said, is show biz for the ugly. You know the White House Correspondents Dinner. That is the political equivalent of the Oscars. There big soiree of the year. But look at what has to happen for that party to have any glitter at all. They have to import real celebrities because political celebrities are not really celebrities. They might think they are, and there are a few who are exceptions, like Bill Clinton. But even at that, you wouldn't put Clinton in the A-list in the same way that a movie or TV celebrity is a star.

Now, how do most people know Donald Trump? They know him through a bunch of things, but primarily through a television show. Actually two TV shows, The Apprentice and Celebrity Apprentice. And what happens on those shows? Have you ever watched 'em? You haven't? Well, of course the "you're fired" slogan is the one. But on those shows Donald Trump's the boss. There are people of all races on those shows, contestants, people of all genders, orientations, ethnicity, nationality. They're all treated the same.

They're all treated with respect. They're all treated as they are, winners or losers, and if they're losers, Trump tells 'em they're losers. He gives everybody a shot though. There's no favoritism. There's no special treatment. He is the commanding presence. He is perceived as the expert in everything and anything that comes up for discussion on either of those shows. He's seen as likable. He's seen as fair. There is no racism on that show. There is no bigotry. There is no homophobia or any of that. And it is also what? Reality TV. It's not scripted. Although it is. But it's not perceived as scripted. It's perceived as real.

And I'm telling you that millions and millions and millions more people have seen Trump on those two shows than have ever seen The Daily Show or The Colbert Report. Millions, millions more. So you have that. That's people's real-life experience with Trump, watching him on TV. Which is a big deal. People think TV's a big deal. It makes you a star being on TV. So here comes whoever it is in the media or in the party over here saying Trump's a racist or a bigot 'cause of what he said about the Mexicans or that.

But that conflicts with what the people who've watched him on TV have seen. And they haven't seen any of that. They haven't seen any bigotry. They haven't seen any mean-spiritedness. They haven't seen any extremism. They've just seen a very successful, funny guy dead-serious about people succeeding. And if they don't, they are gone. They are there to make him look good, and it's his job to get the best to do what has to be done and if they don't qualify, they're gone.

It doesn't matter if he knows them or not. There's no favoritism; there's no special treatment. Everybody's treated the same. In fact, who was one of the biggest stars to come out of those TV shows? A black woman named Omarosa Stallworth, who is still a recognizable celebrity. I think she's got a cameo-type appearance still on one of those shows. So the whole Republican establishment theory about what's gonna take Trump out is maybe challenged a little bit by the reality of how it is that he's seen.

He's got a name recognition of 100%.

His favorabilities now have moved up to the sixties.

The people that were being polled back in May, unfavorable-favorability, may have been strictly people that make judgments based on politics and so forth. But whatever. There's been a dramatic shift in Trump's favorable and unfavorable numbers, and he's doing things that candidates on the Republican side haven't shown in polls or elections in decades. So you can either say, "Well, it doesn't mean anything. It doesn't matter. It's so early. It's just people having fun. Nobody's taking Trump seriously. Like Schwarzenegger, Rush! It isn't gonna matter. In fact, if he wins it's gonna be disaster, blah, blah."

Or you can say it's real and start asking why..."

Which again supports my thesis. The GOP cannot win by fighting Trump. Most people do not read/listen to politics like we do here. They (all parties) are the true "low information voter" and have their views colored by the media. When some GOP wonk criticizes Trump about racist remarks, the fact that he had all different races on his program with no apparent racism has no effect on views. In fact, that may be part of the increase of support...people are tired of talking heads telling them what and how to think.

The only way to fend off the enthusiasm for Trump is to make the GOP change its ways. Perhaps if we all push our reps to take down Boehner, we might see the start of a sea change.

TAP/TAF 2016

Every new article you post praising or supporting or explaining Trump, every admiring comment you make about him, PROPS HIM UP and helps him to continue to hog attention that should be going to the real Conservative in the race, Ted Cruz. By fawning over Trump, whether you intend to vote for him or not, you are making it harder to get a real, true Conservative elected. Is that what you're aiming for? Because that's what you're doing.

Trump is where he is now simply because of GOP FAIL.

The people who express support for him do so because of unfulfilled promises made in 2010, 2012, and 2014. They are tired of being told that voting for the GOP will make a difference and stop the excesses of the Obama administration. They did--and gave the GOP the House and Senate. In return, they got acquiescence and submission.

Trump...a salesperson par excellence, has a message that has resounded simply because of GOP FAIL. Those articles are supportin? of the reason ofwhy Trump  is succeeding...not supporting for a Trump nomination.

Unless the GOP changes how it is being run--it is going to be stuck with him. An uprising against its eGOP leaders will make the headlines that conservatives can latch on to and make headway against Trump. Campaigning against him under present conditions only increases the media about him.

YES, I DO get it. You can say it one more time or five more times, and you'll still be 100% wrong. I guarantee you there is no one who posts on this board who is more of an anti-Establishment Conservative voter than I am, so much so that I refused to vote for John McCain and Mitt Romney in the General election.

But it makes NO LOGICAL SENSE that the person the angry voter base turns to to "save" them is a freakin' Liberal Democrat who is more "Establishment" minded by far than most of the other candidates in the race! And you ARE propping him up by continually posting articles about how amazing he is and how he told off this person or that person and how he'll "do it better".

You'd do just as well propping up Bernie Sanders, at least he doesn't pretend to be something he's not, he's PROUD of being a Socialist.

Trump is tapping into a vein of anger all right, but it's not about him representing Conservative principles, it's all about saying "up yours" to the GOP Establishment, and people mistakenly and sadly think he's the best way to do it, regardless of his position on things.

Elizabeth Warren said on The View that "Donald Trump and I both agree that there out to be more taxation of the billionaires, the people who are making their money on Wall Street," she said.

"That's a pretty liberal position. He must be driving right-wingers out of their mind," co-host Joy Behar interjected.

"Don't call us liberal. It is a pretty right position," Warren retorted to applause, adding she believes it is a position held by a majority of Americans.

You know things have really jumped the shark when Joy freakin' Behar can see that Trump's positions are Liberal and millions of his supporters cannot.

The problem is that the reality is that to get elected President in this country you have to have a real TV personna, which he unfortunately doesn't have. Because of this he won't get too far which is a real shame.

Fact is, is that people like us on the right AND the left who actually pay attention to the minutia and follow it year in/year out comprise only a very small part of the voting public. Yes, in "off" year elections we can make s difference to a degree, but in a Presidential year election we are vastly outnumbered by the people who'll vote for someone because "they have a nice face" or some other such non-sense. These are also the same pople who will admit that they DON'T know who they will vote for even as they step into the booth!!!!!

This is one of the main reasons why we have the Sh*t Stain destroying us right now.

I say no, as I have in the past,he has been exposed as the smooth talking flip flopper all on his own. What people liked about him was nothing more than a well played character.

""Many of the consultants who guided him to three electoral victories in four years are not involved in the presidential run.""

“At some point he (Walker) will figure out what he actually believes.”

""A Survey USA poll released Friday shows that 25% of black respondents said they would vote for Trump over Clinton.""

Uh Oh, The ignorant rube easily bamboozled hoard is growing, we need a slithering beltway toe sucker to set them straight.

Yes, I'm such an Establishment apologist that I refused to vote for John McCain or Mitt Romney in the General election.

And you have the gall to accuse me of not paying attention to what you say on here? Hello, Mr. Pot. You're Black.