I agree or at least it’s arguable which direction that issue pushes things, for or against Trump. Also like a lot of Trumpisms it would be more clearly positive for his general side of it without the hyperbole, which he drops eventually anyway*. I think a majority of the electorate is open to accepting that the Democratic approach to the Islamic radicalism problem is dangerously fettered by PC.
And in general Trump is a populist nationalist, not a conservative and not really a Republican unless the party changes further beyond just being generally willing to tolerate him (actually Trumpist down ballot general election or even competitive GOP primary candidates have been few so far). It’s not a big shock if populism is popular. It’s definitely a mistake in my view to think really, not just say in spin mode, that rightist populist nationalism is all about ‘racism’ and that a future refined version of it couldn’t win a national consensus.
*naturally for spin purposes anti-Trump’s don’t want to let go of his initial statement implying banning absolutely all Muslims even potentially US citizens who happened to be out of the country when it was imposed. I understand the need for spin in political campaigns, and even fundamentally it’s reasonable to argue the initial overheated versions reflect badly on both Trump and his supporters. However, he has in fact seriously modified that statement like he has a lot of others.
I agree that none are necessary but the idea that Trump has spent countless hours on and around microphones and this is the only “bombshell” is doubtful to me, unless this type of talk is truly unrepresentative of his usual banter which I also doubt.
It’s possible. I forgot all about that, but he had a scandal going at least as big as Trump’s and it didn’t stop him from winning (governor of CA). That is not to say I think Trump will follow a similar path, just remembering the whole deal way back when.
And a kind of post-WWI Germany “GOP stabbed us in the back” narrative about Paul Ryan, the RNC, and other prominent Republicans going back on their support or endorsements, sabotaging what was otherwise a sure-to-win campaign.
Makes me want to improve this campaign by applying all the Classic Doper Clichés.
As we all enjoy watching The Donald stuck in a 1920’s Style Death Spiral.
It’s definitely a mistake in my view to think really, not just say in spin mode, that rightist populist nationalism is all about ‘racism’ and that a future refined version of it couldn’t win a national consensus.
