In science there is a postulated law that nature abhors a vacuum, a doctrine expressed as “horror vacui.” [read_more]
In a dictionary sense, the term has come to represent an idiom used to express the idea that empty or unfilled spaces are unnatural as they go against the laws of nature, physics and in this instance politics.  In this sense, the principle also explains the phenomenon known as The Donald.
Outrage regarding the damage Donald Trump is inflicting on the Republican brand in his pursuit of the Republican presidential nomination is widespread.  Many national political and media leaders have all but taken to their fainting couches over the horror of it all.
But what is this “Republican brand” thing that has so many of the weak of heart publicly wringing their hands in consternation, and how did The Donald, a business and media brand unto himself, manage to put himself in such a position after only a few weeks of campaign effort? Horror vacui?
What is today’s Republican brand anyway? If you look at the concept of brand in it’s simplest context it is really nothing more then a recognizable, differentiated, methodology to help build customer (or in this case voter) loyalty. Any successful political brand must at the least be able to;
- Assist party voters and independents to differentiate between other various party planks and positions;
- It must contain  factors that affect positive voter behavior to the political brand;
- It should maintain and enhance practices that clearly define voter identity through the brand’s political line, lifestyle choices or philosophical beliefs;
- It MUST maintain trust to avoid brand voter backlash; and
- It is best focused on relationship marketing and away from mass marketing toward a position that treats potential members as individuals as brand member acquisition is much more expensive to develop than brand member retention.
So with this far from all inclusive list one might say I’m sure we have one of those but I’m not quite sure what it is?  In a recent blog in the Redstate’s Diary section the author “fantasma” summarizes:
“Trump’s talk of immigration is hurting the brand long term, Republicans are nervous. The media keeps talking about this ‘brand’ that is in serious danger of being hurt by Trump’s illegal immigration talk. But for all this about a ‘brand’ I wonder: What is the Republican brand anyhow?…. The brand, the brand they say, but how can Trump hurt something [if (sic)] we don’t really know what that brand is? I mean what are the platforms in the Republican brand? Capitalism, free markets, border security, pro-life, pro-family, strong national security, and freedom. By and large Trump supports most of those platforms right?”
Don’t believe those right wing bloggers have any grasp or perspective on the Republican branding issues?  Then how about the flip side of the coin coming from Daryl Rowland at the Huffington Post who states,
“The issue with the current Republican Party is not a superficial messaging problem, nor is it about a particular policy position such as immigration or gay marriage. It’s about the larger product itself. The concept of the party is murky and the murky messaging [e.g. branding] follows.”
I believe authors on both the left and right are asking, does today’s Republican brand add value to the voter’s perception of the issues and problems facing them in their everyday lives? A political brand lacking a spirit and a soul is nothing more then a  robotized, automated, generic, zero-sum proposition. Finally, and most importantly, does today’s Republican brand deliver political meaning in a way that resonates as “honest” rather than forced or artificial?
Many Americans in the current Republican party orbit have the perspective that they have been rendered  passive, powerless, and  peripheral to the issues and solutions being forced on them over the past eight years. Accurately or not, many also believe the Republican brand has been complacent or even complicit in these events, at times even openly working in conjunction with the progressive wing of the Democratic party to foist policies on a general public that is by and large opposed to them.
When it becomes impossible for a brand to compete on the basis of its distinct functional benefits then the political consumer will begin to believe that there is no significant difference between a large government, deficit spending Republican versus a  large government, deficit spending Democrat. Donald Trump didn’t create this situation or significantly contribute to its development in any meaningful way, he simply is the man who walked on stage with NO stake in the current Republican brand game and proceeded to toss bombs in many uncomfortable directions. He is not the first populist or demagogue to go this political route and he certainly won’t be the final rendition of it.
To face it squarely: the Republican brand is in trouble, the ranks are shrinking, the conservative and libertarian wings–as well as others–are disgusted with the continual equivocations and betrayals.  Independent political affiliation in the US has increased by 8% since 2008 to the 43% of Americans that identify with NO party today. Denial is not a harmless state of being as your brand membership walks away.
ALL of this has absolutely nothing to do with the Donald or his crass campaign antics within the Republican party’s primary process.
WE own that problem.
107 comments
Who are these people? Trump is pulling a Reagan and people love it.
Double check yourselves folks, many appear to be wearing “establishment” embroidered across their backs.
“Seven years later, people are beginning to question if there’s anything behind that smile.” – Trump on Ronald Reagan in 1988
Excellent column.
When you’re backed into a corner and they’re coming for your freedom and your wallet, you welcome even a stranger who’ll throw a punch on your behalf. The party Establishment and consultants have hated a sizable amount of the GOP base for over 10 years; Trump is just those people hating them back.
Pretty sure the Republican Party hates Trump because Trump has never espoused any Republican views. From proposing a 14% tax on rich people to supporting universal health care, and being pro-choice, he’s never been relevant to conservatives. But call Mexicans rapists, and suddenly everyone’s lining up at the trough.
The thing you aren’t getting, or perhaps are trying to shift people’s attention from, Stephen, is why many in the Republican base hate their own Establishment worse than they do Trump. You don’t seem to understand that the part of the base supporting Trump has already heard the allegations you’ve made, but they’d support Trump in spite of those things, even if they were true. That is a measure of how much hatred and cynicism the Establishment’s lies and betrayal have infected people’s attitudes. It’s What’s driving this is not a measure of what they know or don’t know about Trump; it’s what they know about their own Establishment.
These aren’t allegations. These are statements Trump has made and positions he’s espoused. And no, I don’t think most Trump “supporters” are aware of his liberal positions, like his support for gun control or wealth redistribution. But the fact that the “Republican base” hates Republicans so much that they support a liberal just to stick it to Republicans either indicates 1) how moronic they are or 2) how much they really, really hate brown people.
Heh. Thank you, Stephen.
That number 2 is why we hate the Establishment. This has nothing to do with brown people. Do you hear anyone railing against Indians? They are pretty damn brown. You sound just like my progressive son (the other three kids are conservatives), who so readily resorts to the “you hate brown people” lie when he has lost the argument.
Trump’s statements about Mexicans are incredibly offensive, and factually incorrect to boot. I’m fine with you hating me for being opposed to racism.
We are tired of being lied to, ignored, mocked, undermined and our safety, security and futures for our children questionable due to the malfeasance cowardice corruption of these chamber puppets in congress. They spat in our faces the day after the election with calls for compromise and then went and gave Obama a fully funded government before the newly elect could vote. Fast track Iran, fast track TPP, just goes on and on. Watching these operatives destroy conservatives like they did in Mississippi with the Cochran McDaniel race was just despicable. Rove, Cantor, etc all who are in on this dirty politics, they have destroyed the party, not Trump.
John Mccain calling people like me crazies and especially those who lost family to criminal illegals was the last straw. What a dirtbag.
Trump is a positive candidate, has strong leadership, he knows how to build things and get things accomplished, not some wonky lawyer who lives in the d.c. bubble. The working man loves Trump.
I see a landslide and a revival of America.
There will be a landslide alright. 60% of the American people already dislike Trump and the more people he attacks the higher that number will go.
No surprise that a liberal like Trump is doing everything he can to help Hillary win. After all, he’s donated thousands to her already.
Most Republicans that I know are in fact pro-choice, or at least have come to terms with the law of the land that allows abortions.
Really. I wonder if other Trump supporters, the one who back him because “Establishment” Republicans are too “squishy”, agree that we should compromise on the life issue and just accept it.
Did Donald Trump call ALL Mexicans rapists, or even a majority of Mexicans rapists? You know, Stephen, there are some Mexicans who are rapists. And some of them have crossed the border illegally, or raped women attempting to sneak across.
Trump’s statement left little room for equivocation. If you are a Mexican immigrant, Donald Trump believes you are a violent danger to society. God, I wonder with whom that message might resonate?
He did not say that! The counterpart to what you are snidely insinuating, is that if you are PC-cowed white conservative, you believe (as your leftist contemporaries do) that any statement about any person of color or group of people of color is a blanket condemnation of the entire group. That is how the Left operates. If you criticize Obama, you are criticizing ALL black people. You seem to have taken a page right out of their playbook. Remember, just as a person can despise white supremacists WITHOUT despising all white people, there are people like me who despise criminal Mexican (or Russian, Nigerian, et al) illegal immigrants or who despise Mexican immigrants who exploit our welfare system, WITHOUT despising all Mexicans (or Russians, or Nigerians, etc). Do you read me, or is that concept to difficult to grasp?
He wasn’t referring to a “person”, as in your example. He said “they are sending criminals. They are sending rapists.” If you are a Mexican immigrant, Donald Trump believes you are a violent danger to society.
Do you read me, or is that concept too difficult to grasp?
I’m visiting Bonnie tomorrow, hope we can do a drive by and say hello!!
Nobody especially hispanics are buying it. He will make sure they get his message and goal, which is safety and jobs for Americans and to stop the evildoers.
I believe he already has sizeable support from hispanics and from blacks. Going to so much fun watching this guy.
You have absolutely zero credibility trying to speak for Hispanics.
Besides which his message isn’t “security and jobs”, his message is Mexicans are criminals and rapists. That was the headline of his announcement speech. There’s no interpretation required.
I’m not speaking for anyone, just reading it in comments, hearing them call talk radio and seeing who is in crowds.
You are trying to prop up tthe Mexican rape statement, he also said there were good people coming as well and has since made some very positive remarks regarding hispanics. What Trump said is true.
Wl be interesting to see how this plays out and who is proven right or wrong.
Have a great weekend!!
80% of Hispanics have a negative view of Trump.
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a Great Article! One thing for certain Trump loves free markets and America , that’s far more than the mistake in the White House now!
No one has railed PUBLICLY against illegal and welfare immigration more than I have. Trump is a bloviating blowhard, and it is simply not in his DNA to act or sound presidential. But due to the GOP’s near total abandonment of any attempt to govern as they campaign, the Donald has struck a chord with millions of us. Even though I have never liked him personally, he serves the purpose of illustrating our rank-and-file alienation with the party bigwigs, who when it comes to the immigration issue bombard us with “Shut up, accept this third world demographic reality, and pay to subsidize these new Americans,” who in many cases are more often than not on welfare. I do not like living in a neighborhood of $370k homes and yet nearly 2/3 of the children in my neighborhood elementary school qualify for reduced school lunch. When the GOP establishment types send their kids to public schools instead of elite private academies with $30K a year tuition, then perhaps they will BEGIN to understand our frustration. I was born in a low income housing project in lower Manhattan and attended rotten schools. But I worked hard to get away from that problem and I do not want a life of hard work to be thrown away by the government’s failure to enforce our immigration laws. Me entendiste, Corazon?
Oh Mark, geeze, lighten up.
“Lighten up?” Not when it comes to this issue. I am fed up. There are other issues which conservatives rail about that frankly don’t concern me at all. But this is rule of law – the cornerstone of our society, and the VERY THING that separates us from many nations to our south. Importing a demographic that is – and will continue to be – dependent on the welfare state is a surefire prescription for left-wing dictatorship. It will provide the Democrats with a lock on the Electoral College and in time will lead to an ideological Supreme Court that will render null and void the Bill of Rights. Although it will be painted over with a Nanny-State Smile. That is cause for an insightful person to be very concerned. I am sorry that you are not.
Trump is a fantastic Speake who has a very natural chemistry and connection with his audience and will be our next President. The people love him so much, everyone is smiling and happy and laughing. He is resonating so well it gives me chills.
Are you home tomorrow? I am visiting Bonnie so we could stop and say hi!!!
… Except for that most Americans already dislike him.
2 stories here Trump and The Republican Party
1 American Jobs Defending the American Dream
Trump in 2016
2 Republicans ” lacking spirit and soul ” I agree !
Advice ; Listen to Justin Moore , Good Ole American Way { please post song }
You can Lead an Elephant to Water , more than likely he will just spray mud and water on you.
Who better to lead America through bankruptcy than the King of writing off debt while making a profit? Would you rather be a Greece with a weasel in the white house?
Stop being a Chump.
Stump for Trump! 😉
For Heaven’s sake. Is this going to be your daily diatribe for the next 17 months. How tiring – and boring. Let me know when your hair – constantly on fire over Donald Trump- is doused. He’s going to be the nominee. All will be fine. Breath.
No chance in hell Trump is relevant for 17 more months, or that he will be the nominee. Republicans simply will not nominate someone who is pro-choice, pro universal health care, for an assault weapons ban, who supported impeaching George W. Bush, is on his third marriage, and supports redistribution of wealth.
Yeah, those ex-wives will getcha every time!
Really? I list five stalwart liberal positions that Trump holds, positions that if anyone other Republican held conservatives would crucify as a “RINO” or “Democrat-lite”, and you’re going to just ignore them all?
Maybe we should tell Establishment Republicans like Eric Cantor, John McCain, and others to rail against brown people, and Trump supporters will forget everything else they’ve done.
Last week you call me a tea party whacko bird. This week you call me a RINO! Sounds like I’m just common sense! LOL Trump will be the nominee and all will be fine.
You have me confused with someone else. I’ve never interacted with you in the past, nor have I called anybody a “tea party whacko bird”. For that matter, I never called you a RINO, either.
You are, however, supporting a candidate who is pro-choice, pro-gun control, pro-universal health care, and pro-income redistribution. You don’t even deny these facts; you just pretend it doesn’t matter because you’re enjoying the ride.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I’ve seen you use this reply a few times. You know it makes you look like a ridiculous buffoon who is unable to respond to the simplest of points, correct?
You’re much better off just not responding at all.
Most of the Universe is empty space.
Nature seems to like emptiness and a vacuum. 🙂 Just look how much of it there was on the way to Pluto, it takes a long time to travel through a lot of it to get anywhere.
The anger at the squishy establishment types who have been destroying the GOP brand for sometime is widespread and getting more intense. Capitulating to the Obumbler regime was not the reason the GOP was given control of both houses of Congress. I have lined out any candidate that has been overly critical of The Donald as well as those that won’t support “Kate’s Law.” As you can imagine, my GOP list of candidates for president is unquestionably small. BTW, Governors that elected to embrace expansion of Obumblercare with them state exchanges are also verboten. That would be Kasich and Christy Creme for those of you slow on the uptake.
BIGron, in the Cucinnelli thread you positioned yourself as a big fan of candidates who follow the Republican Creed. Would you support a candidate who is in favor of gun control, is pro-choice, pro universal healthcare, and favors income redistribution through taxation?
As far as I know, Ted Cruz does not favor any of those positions. If you were truly following my comments and “comprehended” what I have said, you would know that Ted is the candidate that I am currently supporting. I do admire The Donald for exposing all of them squishy establishment candidates, though! I can hardly wait for that first debate coming up on Aug. 6th! How about you?
You define “squishy” by holding positions that are opposed to the Republican Creed…. just like Donald Trump? So by your own definition, Trump is a squish. How does that make things better?
I’ll try to walk you through this as simply as I can. The Donald held many views as a businessman that I did not agree with. As a GOP candidate, he has changed most of those views and come through with conservative ideals on the important issues to include illegal immigration, support for our veterans, 2nd Amendment rights and getting our stagnant economy back on track. More importantly, he is intent on “making America great” again. What one has to do as a very successful businessman surviving in the libetard mecca of NYC is totally different, almost 180 degrees out if you will, from what one would do and say to run as a conservative. You should try listening to The Donald sometime. Whether you believe what he says now, is up to you. The Donald’s tax plan is intriguing.
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/06/17/the-man-with-a-plan-donald-trumps-5-part-strategy-to-make-america-great-again/
Regardless, The Donald is making the squishy establishment types look even softer, if you can believe such a thing, with the added spectacle of their collective peeing on themselves in front of the whole nation. Soft and wet, the definition of squishy for your enlightenment, BTW. A glorious sight to behold, I must say!
The House just passed the “Donald Trump Act” for goodness sakes! How can you have so much hate?
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/07/23/senate-and-house-democrats-target-donald-trump-during-congressional-hearings/
You speak of “the whole nation”, but the whole nation sees Donald as the same dangerous, pandering, principle-less blowhard as the so-called “Establishment” do. He has a 2:1 negative to positive rating. Trump has literally zero chance of winning a general election; this is why Democrats and their puppets in the media are so invested in giving him a platform.
You hate the Establishment for hating Trump, but I hate Trump because he’s a liberal (pro-choice, anti-gun, pro-tax, pro-single payer) pandering to the base.
In actuality, “the whole nation” is witnessing the soaked diapers of the squishy establishment types and the Lame Stream Media. While “the whole nation” may not be SUPPORTING The Donald, he is leading in the polls. How does that make you feel?
A better question, which squishy establishment candidate has the best chance of beating The Donald? Being plugged-in to the squishy establishment movement, you should know better than most.
He’s leading the Republican polls (with support being split among a dozen other candidates). If he wins the nomination (spoiler alert: he won’t), he will easily suffer the single greatest electoral loss in US history. No other nominee has ever moved onto the general election with 60%+ negative ratings.
Is it your contention that all but Trump (including Cruz) are “squishy establishment types”? Is that why you love Trump so much?
There are plenty of candidates out of the 20 or so running that I would support. Just not the squishy establishment types. What I truly LOVE, is the way The Donald is making the squishy establishment types and the Lame Stream media wet their collective knickers. The FACT that the squishy establishment types will only attack him as opposed to embracing the stands he is taking on the issues, will only ensure they will not win the nomination. Which of those candidates will you be crying in your beer over? I’ve showed you mine (Ted Cruz), show me yours.
My top three:
1) Rand Paul
2) Scott Walker
3) Carly Fiorina
Why would Republicans, establishment or otherwise, ever “embrace the stands he is taking on the issues”? His stances are gun control, universal health care, higher taxes, pro-choice, anti-free trade. He was even in favor of comprehensive immigration reform like two years ago.
With the exception of Rand, good choices. If you are going to quote what The Donald has been campaigning on since jumping into the race, you really should back it up with a link or two. Restating what businessman Trump said while surviving in NYC means nothing to me.
If he just says what he needed to say as a businessman, what makes you think he’s not just saying what he needed to say as a candidate? Funny how he changed on every single issue when he decided to run for the Republican nomination.
Remember when Donald Trump said we need a comprehensive immigration reform and a pathway to citizenship, and that deportation was a “silly idea” and Republicans shouldn’t be “mean-spirited”? You should–it was in 2013.
Funny, he is the frontrunner for the things he is saying NOW. Ignoring those positions only makes the squishy establishment types look more buffoonish. Odd that Carly and Scott have not attacked The Donald as well as supported the positions he is championing NOW. Why are you giving them a pass, but not little ole me?
There’s a difference between “giving him a pass” and supporting him. Most Republicans realize that Trump is a principle-less opportunist who is pandering by saying the most extreme and distorted perversions that come to his mind and his oafish supporters lap it up out of blind ignorance and misplaced anger. Moreover, they realize that he is an avowed liberal who, incidentally, is day-by-day making it easier and easier for his long-time friend and recipient of so much campaign money, Hillary Clinton, to get elected.
The question is what they have to lose by opposing him. Walker, despite impeccable conservative credentials and an actual record of governing as a conservative, could piss off the Trump crowd by attacking him. He has nothing to gain. If I were advising him, I would tell him not to do so. And ultimately, it won’t be the words of the other candidates, it will be the realization from the sliver of so-called “conservatives” who realize they’re backing a sham who is merely pandering to them, with the Democrats and media’s help.
Which part of the Lame Stream Media is supporting The Donald? Your answer should be as comical as the rest of your suppositions. Considering The Donald is in your words a “principle-less opportunist,” isn’t it hilarious that the squishy establishment candidates can’t compete with him. How do you expect the squishes to compete with the Hildebeast if they can’t easily defeat someone that you put in such low esteem? If you ask me, that says more about their principles or your opinions. Perhaps, BOTH?
Are you calling all other candidates other than the liberal Trump “squishes”?
The media gives Trump non-stop coverage, which means they don’t have to cover actual conservatives like Cruz or Walker.
There is near 80% of the vote being split by 15+ candidates and there’s no media space to get the message out.
Of course if Trump does win the nomination he would make it easy for his good friend Clinton to cruise to victory.
I think I have been fairly clear on who I feel are the squishy establishment types running in the pack of 20 or so. Thank goodness McStain hasn’t gotten in again. As long as the squishy establishment RPV is pushing open primaries for our nominees, you can bank on having a squishy establishment nominees from Virginia. Odd that on the one hand you would make a claim of Demwit support for The Donald that is to be condemned, but on the other, be a champion for open primaries. Talk about nonsensical. You really do want The Donald to win, don’t you?
I’m confused by the term “Demwit”; is that supposed to mean those who are in favor of Trump? What an odd term.
Obviously as foreign to you as the why the GOP base is fed up with the squishy establishment types leading the Republican Party. Funny, you and your open primary will probably put The Donald right into the White House. Good job!
For your enlightenment.
http://www.conservativehq.com/node/20704
So to “get back” at the so-called “Establishment” for not being conservative enough, they back a stalwart liberal? It’s nonsensical.
The lesson here for the Establishment is… what? To come out in favor of restricting gun rights (like Trump)? To favor higher taxes (like Trump)? To support single-payer (like Trump)? What’s the lesson?
It is apparent, that you being a supporter of squishy establishment types, will never get it. Since 2009 and the beginning of the TEA Party movement, the squishy establishment types have not gotten it, either. How does it feel to be so clueless?
If being clueless means being ardently pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment, and pro-market, then guilty as charged.
It appears you are missing the point, once again. What you personally believe is not the point. What the squishy establishment types in the GOP leadership have been doing to aid the Obumbler regime, is. Having The Donald point that out to “the whole nation,” is priceless!
So by agreeing with Democrats on every major issue, he’s pointing out how wrong Republicans are? Again, it’s nonsensical.
Again, if you would only listen to what he has been campaigning on since he began this run, you would think The Donald could satisfy any level-headed, true conservative. Just to point out one more time, I support The Donald’s mocking of the squishy establishment types. As GOP nominee, not so much. However, if the other candidates continue to attack him and ignore what he is actually campaigning on, he may prevail in the end. Ignoring the reasons WHY The Donald is the frontrunner, is nonsensical.
He’s stated precious few actual solutions or policy ideas; mostly, he’s just lashed out and called Mexicans rapists.
I don’t have a problem with Trump, believe it or not. He’s free to do whatever he thinks he has to in order to stroke his ego, make a buck, and help out his Clinton allies. I have a problem with the mindless so-called “Republicans” who hold up as the scion of conservatism a man who has taken every liberal position under the sun.
As for why he’s the frontrunner, I know the reason well: he called Mexicans criminals and rapists. It’s not surprising the type of voters who champion that rhetoric.
Since you are having a problem discerning fact from your opinion, perhaps this link will help you out. Eliminating the illegal alien rapists and murderers from our country is a worthy ideal no matter how goofy your opinion is. As always, I’m here to enlighten you.
http://www.ontheissues.org/donald_trump.htm
No one supports murder and rape. Illegal immigrants are less likely to commit violent crime than US citizens. Targeting them to target murder and rape is foolish.
But Trump is a leader who won’t get silly things like facts get in the way. That’s why he’s popular.
A much better opinion than yours by far:
http://www.redflagnews.com/headlines-2015/why-obama-and-hillary-must-stop-donald-trump-at-all-costs
That was probably the funniest thing I’ve ever read.
Tell me, are you a birther too?
I take it you really aren’t paying attention to what you have been posting, then. You make me laugh with each one. Why else would I waste my time with your drivel?
You’ve been posting a lot of support in favor of a big government liberal because he upsets Republicans and makes it easier for Hillary Clinton to get elected President.
I assume you’re wasting your time because you’re as bored and as terrible at using your time wisely as I am.
I have only supported The Donald’s message and his right to play the game any way he wants. The squishy establishment types are the ones with the problems. Funny how weak leadership can do that for ya.
As I’ve said, he’s free to help out his liberal friends as much as he likes. My problem is with people who pretend that they are conservative then support a guy who wants to restrict their access to guns and raise their taxes to have government pay for everyone’s health care.
You probably shouldn’t be supporting them open primaries, then. You are putting The Donald into the driver’s seat. HA HA!
This is a Great Article, I am sure to read this many times.
MR. Shapiro’s op ed couple weeks ago combined need to be honestly debated by Virginia Republicans.
I don’t want Democrats I want Virginia Republicans not just Republicans and I am one that 43% that does not identify with any Party , this is because of the Virginia Republicans.
In VA shouldn’t we expect more of the Leaders WE elect ?
What about Trump’s invective towards immigrants demonstrates any sort of leadership on anything you described? He’s pro-choice, pro-universal healthcare (calling it an “entitlement” by birth), and has donated thousands to the Clintons. Even with him “tossing bombs” and appealing to the nativist elements of the party who think the budget can be balanced on the backs of illegal immigrants, he hasn’t put forward a single idea about how to lower taxes, decrease the size of government, increase personal freedom, or protect the unborn.
When you look at all the ways he opposes conservatism, and look at the one issue where he has made his mark, it becomes crystal clear why he is getting the support he gets.
Trump gives the rest of us who favor stricter immigration enforcement a bad name. Ultimately, he’s counterproductive on his signature issue. On top of that, as you note, he is thoroughly unconservative in just about every other respect.
Never the less the ” Immigration issue ‘ has been brought to the forefront again { Brat } .
Will Republicans lead ?
We do have States Rights , Laws to enforce.
Republicans think the issue only contains ” Reform , huh that is up for debate when you start enforcing the laws that lure them here to be employed illegally , { employee misclassification , the 1099 }
50 States and how many Republican Governors ?
Trump is the only one to ” Trump ” Hillary, the rest will be dry as a popcorn fart to America.
Steve! we agree!
Yeah Steve let’s ask McConnel and Borhner what to do.
Steve you hit the nail square on the head.
Exactly!
Even his anti-immigration stance is really a Democratic position. Keeping immigrants out of the work force isn’t a downtown highrise liberal position, but it is a Ohio factory union position. Unions are all about protectionism, in whatever form they can get it, they’re not looking to increase the labor force and drive prices lower. Trump doesn’t care about social services in Texas or Arizona except in as much as they are pawns in his bid to be the real life incarnation of Turk 182 (look it up on youtube kids …)
Oh yeah Steve. I forgot – we are the “crazies.”
For thinking Donald Trump is in any way conservative, yes, you are.
Tell me, John, why do you support a 14% one-time payment of everyone who has at least $10 million?
I stopped reading after “the damage Donald Trump is inflicting on the Republican brand”. The Republican Party “brand” is supposed to be less taxes, smaller government, more personal freedom and the sanctity of life. The Party was given the Congress in 2012 and 2014 and you pissed it away acting like an arm of the Democrat Party. I am loving Trump. He speaks for me and an awful lot of other people in this country. The Republican Party left me, and Trump is filling the void.
They see a problem, or as the brilliant Perry said today, “Trump is a cancer….needs to be disposed of” (pretty nasty remark).
We and millions other see a real leader emerging, one that is willing to stand up for our security, safety and prosperity. There is a huge disconnect between party insiders and the voters. I think it is funny to watch!!
I am for Trump and each day is more exciting and hopeful than the last.
Not just a disconnect , a true lack of respect of our Vote and why we Vote !
Uh…you missed the point. If you’d read until the following sentence I think you’d see Mr. Wood shares your view.
but is Trump pro-life?
ok, he’s recently changed his stance to pro-life. that is today’s stance
5 years ago I believe.
““I trust those conversions when they happen on the road to Damascus and not on the road to Des Moines.”
ha
He has always abhorred abortion
Yes
Who cares if Trump is pro life or not? Folks have been holding out their vote for 30+ years that a President/Congress will overturn the Roe case. It just isn’t going to happen and republicans have to let that go and deal with the more immediate and Important issues…too much ground is being lost to democratic-socialism-type policies to try and hold the pro-choice/pro-life issue on a candidate decision. We need decisive leadership that actually administers the current laws in the executive branch of government. Trump, by huge contrast to the remainder of the field, offers that regardless of personal preference. He clearly shows that the job of the executive is not to legislate, but to execute what is already on the books.
A lot of people care that the Republican nominee is pro-life. As more people examine Trump’s positions (beyond hating Mexicans), this along with his support for gun control and income redistribution will shrivel his support.
Roe wont’ be overturned, that i agree. So you are right that we need to focus on other issues.
but to a wide swath of the Republican Party, abortion is the #1 issue.
I am sorry you missed my point as we I believe we are in actual agreement here on the Republican brand walking away from its base. Alas, no second chance clarification mulligans in the op ed biz.
Out of respect I read your article. Crass campaign antics? Its time the gloves were off.
Exactly – spot on!
Bottom line ?
Trump took a stand on one issue that would benefit the middle-class in America. Not GIVE them anthing, or really cost anything. Stop illegal immigration, send the illegal’s home, and enforce our immigrations laws?
To do something for middle-class America, even so simple as enforce immigration law is simply unacceptable to the establishment Republican’s.
So, what do they do? Since Trump is now a middle-class “superhero”, they attempt to change focus in an attempt to stop “The Don” from highjacking the Party any further. Attempt to change focus to the veterans, who by the way are already halfway under the establishment bus.
It is still all about the have’s and have not’s. I despise the establishment types. I will vote for anyone BUT what amounts to an establishment slave owner. I am not going to be fooled by lies anymore either.
Yes indeed. We’ve got a major problem that needs to be addressed.
This is exhausting. ?going to bed knowing Trump is up by double digits. Life is good for another day.