Trump hits record 40% in new poll

[OutHouse]

That's absolutely insane. Even if he has a nugget of a good idea at times, he's in no way presidential material.

please define presidential material.

 

[SP33Demon]

Someone called it a cult of personality.
That or we're just so desperate to tell Republican leaders a big FU.
Maybe Trump is collecting the "none of the above" vote.

That's pretty much it, the none-of-the-above vote, which also includes a shitload of independents. Trump is the anti-party vote who allegedly cannot be bought. There is mass appeal in that.

 

[JockoJohnson]

Are you kidding? The left is sitting back watching this laughing their asses off. This circus only helps them. If the left is smart (which usually they arent) they just keep sitting back and let this happen and dont say anything at all.

Not to say that P&N is comparable to the US demographic but P&N is any indication, there is no way they just sit back and say nothing. Look at all of the Trump posts in here.

 

[retrospooty]

I think the RNC would quite possibly, and smartly, torpedo Trump's candidacy and cede the election to democrats before they allowed Trump to inflict such enormous damage on the Republican brand.

I dont know if this is true, but I think its at least possible... There are alot of people saying that Trump (a long time friend of the Clintons) is doing this on purpose to help Hilary win. Makes sense. I mean, does this guy really want to be president? He obviously doesn't have the temperment or experience for it. It may have been a plan to rile up the low brow portion of the rep party's base and bring that mentality front and center, exposing it and fracturing the rep party. Politics is just sickening enough as it is.

 

[BoberFett]

I think it's concerning that people like you are more concerned with supposedly sticking it to democrats than the prospect of Donald Trump reaching the office of presidency. I'd bet most of Trump's supporters claim to be the biggest patriots ever. Claiming to love this country and wanting to see a buffoon like Trump represent us on the world stage are wholly incompatible. I think the RNC would quite possibly, and smartly, torpedo Trump's candidacy and cede the election to democrats before they allowed Trump to inflict such enormous damage on the Republican brand.

That concerns you really? Does it only concern you when "teh ebil right wingerrrs" do that?

Just look at this forum. The Democrats in this place love nothing more than to stick it the Republicans. They even admit it frequently. "I love [fill in the Democrat agenda item] because it drives Republicans insane. Hurrrrrr."

 

[retrospooty]

Not to say that P&N is comparable to the US demographic but P&N is any indication, there is no way they just sit back and say nothing. Look at all of the Trump posts in here.

Yes, alot of buzz. But its buzz that makes the right look like a bunch of idiots. This isn't helping republicans at all. Like I said above, they already have a massive demographic problem and will be hard pressed to ever win another nationwide election as it is without someone like Trump coming in and fracturing the party.

 

[retrospooty]

That concerns you really? Does it only concern you when "teh ebil right wingerrrs" do that?

Just look at this forum. The Democrats in this place love nothing more than to stick it the Republicans. They even admit it frequently. "I love [fill in the Democrat agenda item] because it drives Republicans insane. Hurrrrrr."

Sadly, both sides do that and to both it seems far more important than the jobs they are supposed to be doing, like for example running the country.

 

[HomerJS]

I'm on board for trump just to see the left lose their minds during the election. Whether he wins or loses, they're going to go nuts.

It will be the opposite. Independents esp suburbia will never accept Trump. Remember the general election fight is always over that middle 10-15%. Trump is leaving too many stinkbombs that will be used in general election ads. It will so turn off moderates/independents.

Righties/Fox News will have the proverbial bird. Remember how they reacted denying polls when Obama took the lead in the 2012 election. Karl Rove going nuts election night. Megyn Kelly telling him he was doing Republican math.

Soon Fox News will blame rest of the media for giving Trump too much coverage and taking his comments out of context.

 

[retrospooty]

please define presidential material.

Let me try... At the very least, not calling everyone that disagrees a moron would be presidential. That is probably all you need right there. Lets just say this. Look at Trump. I mean, the guy is entertaining, and funny as hell, I like that about him but you cant possibly see him as president can you? It would be beyond embarrassing.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

I don't believe Trump has staying power or that he even sincerely wants to be President. I think for the most part the reason for his success is that people find his candor refreshing. That being said, I find it troubling, because he is, effectively, playing a character intended to capitalize on the ugliest and worst instincts of the Republican electorate. He has more in common with a "heel" wrestling manager than a serious man interested in bettering our nation.

I am not a Republican, but if I were I would find the ascendency of Trump both troubling and embarrassing.

 

[HomerJS]

I don't believe Trump has staying power or that he even sincerely wants to be President. I think for the most part the reason for his success is that people find his candor refreshing. That being said, I find it troubling, because he is, effectively, playing a character intended to capitalize on the ugliest and worst instincts of the Republican electorate. He has more in common with a "heel" wrestling manager than a serious man interested in bettering our nation.

I am not a Republican, but if I were I would find the ascendency of Trump both troubling and embarrassing.

I think Trumps popularity with the right coincides with the popularity of Fox News. I gonna start a thread postulating this.

 

[fskimospy]

I don't believe Trump has staying power or that he even sincerely wants to be President. I think for the most part the reason for his success is that people find his candor refreshing. That being said, I find it troubling, because he is, effectively, playing a character intended to capitalize on the ugliest and worst instincts of the Republican electorate. He has more in common with a "heel" wrestling manager than a serious man interested in bettering our nation.

I am not a Republican, but if I were I would find the ascendency of Trump both troubling and embarrassing.

I think he's doing a really effective job of showing how much politics is a culture war and not a policy war. Elites care about enacting policies, but average voters are much more invested in the culture war aspect. (especially strong partisans like primary voters)

Trump's persona is one that sticks it to the liberal media, who doesn't care about offending Mexicans, and who can put down their enemies with a witty quip. They don't seem to mind that he harbors a number of policy positions that they would denounce as socialism or communism if they came from a Democrat, he fights and they want a fighter, not a policy crafter.

I imagine sooner or later the elites will reassert control over this, but it's still amusing to watch in the meantime.

 

[BoberFett]

please define presidential material.

Not being a disgusting pig of a person, for one. Need I go on?

 

[BoberFett]

Sadly, both sides do that and to both it seems far more important than the jobs they are supposed to be doing, like for example running the country.

Agreed

 

[PokerGuy]

That's absolutely insane. Even if he has a nugget of a good idea at times, he's in no way presidential material.

I think what we're seeing is really two things.

It's becoming clear a significant portion of the public is sick of the stupid political correctness epidemic that has been growing like a cancer in our country for years now. They are latching onto Trump because he's the first candidate in decades that actually says what he wants to. I don't consider Trump presidential material, but I love his willingness to thumb his nose at the stupid politically correct establishment and idiot liberals/social justice warriors etc. It's refreshing to see someone not kowtow to the politically correct and just speak his mind.

The second thing is that the public isn't particularly fond of any of the "establishment" candidates. They see the usual cast of fools and are saying "isn't there anyone else??". Unfortunately, the answer appears to be "no", because Trump isn't the answer either.

 

[VRAMdemon]

Trump's run is funny, campy even, like a naughty piece of pornographic performance art. After all, what's more obscene than pissing on the presidency? It seemed even more like camp because the whole shtick was fronted by a veteran reality TV star who might even be in on the joke.

These people are tired of rules and tired of having to pay lip service to decorum. They want to stop having to watch what they say and think and just get "crazy,". Trump's campaign is giving people permission to do just that. It's hard to say this word in conjunction with such a sexually unappealing person, but his message is a powerful aphrodisiac. Fuck everything, fuck everyone. Fuck immigrants and fuck their filthy lice-ridden kids. And fuck you if you don't like me saying so. Trump is striking a chord with people who are feeling the squeeze in a less secure world and want to blame someone – the government, immigrants, political correctness, "incompetents," "dummies," Megyn Kelly, whoever – for their problems.

Don't get me wrong, making America great is a fine goal. The irony is that to make it great, it must be the case that it isn't great now. So it is strange to make the issue a conflict between Trump supporters who think the country is great vs. others who think it isn't.

I think America is great. I think it is messed up, too. 'Make America great' could mean just about anything. I guess that's why I am more interested in specifics - what exactly do you have in mind? It can feel a little jingoistic if there aren't any details other than, "Better than Europe!".
The man is no imbecile, he's a Wharton grad as he enjoys repeating - at some point he may want to act like it. Facile blowhard soundbites to make the bleachers cheer are fine for stumping but really, "if I'm President I'll take shit from nobody" is setting yourself up to having to eat it.

I can see disappointed, angry people wanting to be reassured that things are going to be great again. I can see Jack Handy types saying to themselves, "gosh darn it, I have to believe in something, I'm going to believe America is going to be great again!" I can see the Trump credibility/trust angle. There are a lot of ways to view it, sympathetic and not. I personally think it is better than, "I will defund Planned Parenthood and invade Iran!"

 

[BoberFett]

I think he's doing a really effective job of showing how much politics is a culture war and not a policy war. Elites care about enacting policies, but average voters are much more invested in the culture war aspect. (especially strong partisans like primary voters)

Trump's persona is one that sticks it to the liberal media, who doesn't care about offending Mexicans, and who can put down their enemies with a witty quip. They don't seem to mind that he harbors a number of policy positions that they would denounce as socialism or communism if they came from a Democrat, he fights and they want a fighter, not a policy crafter.

I imagine sooner or later the elites will reassert control over this, but it's still amusing to watch in the meantime.

I think you're absolutely right, and I've said just as much. It's absolutely a culture war. The left and right in this country both want to drag the other kicking and screaming into their ideal culture, and both continue to dig their heels in ever deeper. There's no more live and let live, it's my way or the highway.

Trump is treading new ground. Nobody on the left has done it yet, but I could imagine a Democrat version of Trump being popular as well. Someone with little substance, but lots of "zingers" to stick it to those awful Republicans.

 

[Moonbeam]

I'm on board for trump just to see the left lose their minds during the election. Whether he wins or loses, they're going to go nuts.

Right. The one I'm especially having fun watching being Trumpmatized by Trump is that left-winged, passive-aggressive nut case Londo.

 

[Mxylplyx]

That concerns you really? Does it only concern you when "teh ebil right wingerrrs" do that?

Just look at this forum. The Democrats in this place love nothing more than to stick it the Republicans. They even admit it frequently. "I love [fill in the Democrat agenda item] because it drives Republicans insane. Hurrrrrr."

Ahh, more of the "they both do it" garbage. Wanting progressive policy ideas to win out over what the Republicans have been offering isnt "sticking it" to the Republicans. It's just wanting to win the debate of ideas. Republicans on the other hand have outlined their political positions based almost entirely on political opposition to Obama and the democrats, and are willing to let the entire country be collateral damage in their quest to undermine him, ie the ACA shutdown. How else would you explain the fierce opposition to the ACA which was originally a conservative idea? If Romney had won the presidency in 08 and presented the exact ACA bill as Romneycare based on the Massachusetts model and labeled it conservative, it would have received majority support among Republicans. The mandate would have been presented as making sure "freeloaders" pay their fair share, and Republicans would have eaten it up.

 

[shira]

Human sacrifices, toaster and microwaves living together, mass hysteria.

With late-term cancelled toast, pulled from the toaster after it was crushed by Planned Breakfasthood, then sold to the McDonalds research unit.

 

[Jimzz]

And the GOP leaders are going nuts as well. They created the tea party and brought out the nuts. Now they are upset when those same people voted in Rand Paul and now are supporting Trump.

Be careful what you wish for...

 

[PokerGuy]

playing a character intended to capitalize on the ugliest and worst instincts of the Republican electorate.

When did common sense become "the worst instincts"? Regaining control of our border -- common sense. Stopping the politically correct madness so we can have real dialogs instead of everyone tapdancing around parsing words so as not to offend someone -- common sense.

When a jackass like Ramos turns into an activist instead of journalist at the press conference, Trump is the one who shuts the idiot down. Others would appease him because he represents a big block of potential voters.

Ultimately, he lacks the temperament to be the president and has an ego that's just way too big for his own good.... but he brings some very refreshing things to the table.

I am not a Republican, but if I were I would find the ascendency of Trump both troubling and embarrassing.

I'm not a republican, but I am a conservative, and I find it neither embarrassing nor disturbing. He's bringing things to light that should be brought to light. That doesn't mean I'd vote for him over a reasonable candidate like Kasich.

 

[shira]

Not being a disgusting pig of a person in public, for one. Need I go on?

FTFY

 

[Mxylplyx]

I think you're absolutely right, and I've said just as much. It's absolutely a culture war. The left and right in this country both want to drag the other kicking and screaming into their ideal culture, and both continue to dig their heels in ever deeper. There's no more live and let live, it's my way or the highway.

Trump is treading new ground. Nobody on the left has done it yet, but I could imagine a Democrat version of Trump being popular as well. Someone with little substance, but lots of "zingers" to stick it to those awful Republicans.

The conservative "ideal" culture is not some abstract fantasy. History is riddled with it, and there are examples of it all over the world. The history of this country is a long drawn out battle of progressives vs conservatives, and history shows that progressive ideas always win out in developed countries, because it embodies social progress. This is probably why conservatives are so bitter and angry. They draw a line in the sand and inevitably get dragged across it kicking and screaming. A black man in the white house who is unabashedly liberal has obviously really pissed them off.

 

[VRAMdemon]

I think he's doing a really effective job of showing how much politics is a culture war and not a policy war. Elites care about enacting policies, but average voters are much more invested in the culture war aspect. (especially strong partisans like primary voters)

Trump's persona is one that sticks it to the liberal media, who doesn't care about offending Mexicans, and who can put down their enemies with a witty quip. They don't seem to mind that he harbors a number of policy positions that they would denounce as socialism or communism if they came from a Democrat, he fights and they want a fighter, not a policy crafter.

I imagine sooner or later the elites will reassert control over this, but it's still amusing to watch in the meantime.

Yeah, I agree especially your last sentence. The contention that Trump doesn't care about focus groups or popularity, and just says what he believes is simply laughable. Of course he cares about focus groups and popularity, why do you think he's talking about immigrants and economic protectionism?

In the "serious" Republican party these are things you can't talk about. The real base of the Republican party, the money guys - are in favor of global capitalism, and are in favor of cheap immigrant labor. And that means you can't be a serious Republican politician if you talk about such things, because then the money guys won't back you, and then you're forgotten.

Trump doesn't have to pander to the money guys, he has his own money. Of course it's just a crock, because Trump turns out to be a money guy in reality, and is in favor of global capitalism. But he's extremely comfortable pretending to be the tribune of the white working class.

We shall se if Trump is going the distance on this, he got into the race to get his name in the papers and build his brand, I'm sure even he is surprised he's doing as well as he is. Trump isn't exactly stupid. He has a reputation of convincing supposedly smart people to hand him a bunch of money, keeping a chunk of it, and then flushing the rest of the money down the toilet. He is smart, but you'd have to be an idiot to get into business with Donald Trump and expect him to help you make money together.