# How is trump still a viable candidate for president? Really, how? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [May 12, 2023, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949 "2023-05-12T14:28:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 44
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2023, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/864 "2023-12-17T20:24:38Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > _Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat, but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires.”_ It’s a great quote, but in the examples I’m thinking of, we must expand it beyond the poor. My dad made real good money; far more than I do now. I think that there’s an upper middle class sector of society- those who get to millionaire status on paper by dint of smart investments, and who are able to live a comfortable lifestyle (I.e. they fly on vacation every year; they may own a vacation home or investment property; they drive a nice car and own their residence; they can send their kids to private schools, or fully fund their extracurriculars)- that believe that Republican tax policy is actually geared towards them. It’s really not. They aren’t _rich_. My dad like to say that he was _affluent_. But my dad earned a salary - he ran a hotel. The guy who owned the hotel. Now, he was rich. And that (at least in my opinion) is the difference. Do you go to work and get paid a salary? Then you aren’t rich. Do you own assets that let you never work again? If you can do that - and maintain an affluent lifestyle - then you are rich. And it’s the rich who benefit from Republican tax policy. But it’s people like the lawyers who I’ve worked with who freak out when somebody like AOC suggests a 70% tax rate\* \*(This was a conversation I overheard, between a lawyer and an assistant, actually when I worked in Denver. He was talking about how the Congresswomen had suggested that 70% would be a reasonable top rate. He was saying it was ridiculous. “Can you imagine what it would do to [our boss, who was known to make over a million dollars a year in commissions]?” Nothing. The answer was nothing. Her proposal had been to impose a 70% top marginal rate on taxable income over $10 million a year. But he’s going to vote Republican for that reason) > [@](#): > > In an interview, Ocasio-Cortez suggested offhandedly that income above $10m may need to be taxed up to 70%, especially if we are going to get serious about halting climate change. Her idea instantly sparked indignant replies from the right. Grover Norquist [compared it to slavery](https://twitter.com/GroverNorquist/status/1081692282477256707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1081692282477256707&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vox.com%2Fpolicy-and-politics%2F2019%2F1%2F7%2F18171803%2Focasio-cortez-70-percent-marginal-tax-rate-scalise-norquist-spin). National Review’s Brian Riedl [called it](https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/01/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-70-percent-tax-cannot-finance-socialism/) “completely destructive”. Steve Scalise said she wanted to “take away 70% of your income and give it to leftist fantasy programs”. > **[Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is right. A 70% tax on the rich makes sense | Nathan...](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jan/08/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-70-percent-tax-rich)** > > If we are serious about tackling climate change, this is precisely the kind of policy we need to see ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2023, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/865 "2023-12-17T20:52:17Z")
# [How is trump still a viable candidate for president? Really, how?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949) I realize that this is an older thread and has veered off into other discussions, but I will answer. As long as the Democratic Party continues to run a Biden/Harris ticket they are at great, I would say extreme risk of losing the next election. Biden is old, too old, and quietly regarded as so even within the Democratic Party. VP Harris is just dumb, that is my charitable view of her. Dumb and is only there as a diversity choice to balance the ticket. Nothing that she has said or accomplished changes that. She is not somehow being held back from using her potential, she has no potential. Someone, something, needs to offer a fresh face for the Demo ticket or Trump will seem to be the better choice for many people. A new Democratic ticket and Trump will have no chance and become the laughing stock he should be. Stick with Biden/Harris and Trump gets elected again. It is just that simple. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2023, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/866 "2023-12-17T21:01:37Z")
> [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > Biden is old, too old, and quietly regarded as so even within the Democratic Party. VP Harris is just dumb, that is my charitable view of her. Dumb and is only there as a diversity choice to balance the ticket. Nothing that she has said or accomplished changes that. She is not somehow being held back from using her potential, she has no potential. > > Someone, something, needs to offer a fresh face for the Demo ticket or Trump will seem to be the better choice for many people. Yeah, that youngster Trump who will be 78 by the time the election rolls around, people are going to vote for him because they want more youth. When you’re an octogenarian that 3 year age gap makes **all** the difference. Add in the “Harris is dumb” insult and this comes off as an unhinged rant lacking any sort of reason. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2023, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/867 "2023-12-17T21:05:56Z")
> [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > As long as the Democratic Party continues to run a Biden/Harris ticket they are at great, I would say extreme risk of losing the next election. What @Atamasama said and also…Trump is just bad. Awful. He’s a train wreck. I do not think this is subjective. I think Trump is, objectively, awful to be president. He tried to be a dictator…and is trying again. Fuck democracy. I don’t care if Trump was 35 years old. Awful is awful. No matter how much you (general “you”) dislike Biden there is no reality where Trump is a better choice. Which, I get, kinda sucks. If you dislike Biden there is no alternative. But, here we are. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2023, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/868 "2023-12-17T21:25:52Z")
> [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > Someone, something, needs to offer a fresh face for the Demo ticket or Trump will seem to be the better choice for many people. Who? Keeping in mind that that person has to actually want to run. ‘I’m your guy!’ ~ Cenk Uygur /s ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2023, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/869 "2023-12-17T21:40:29Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Water is wet. Fire is hot. You just say that because you are woke. (Puts my hand on hot stove just to prove a point) ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2023, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/870 "2023-12-17T21:44:16Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > I think that there’s an upper middle class sector of society- those who get to millionaire status on paper by dint of smart investments, and who are able to live a comfortable lifestyle (I.e. they fly on vacation every year; they may own a vacation home or investment property; they drive a nice car and own their residence; they can send their kids to private schools, or fully fund their extracurriculars)- that believe that Republican tax policy is actually geared towards them. I agree completely. This describes us roughly. Worked our asses off for decades, I retired as a VP. Now we have a retirement fund that will permit us to maintain our lifestyle, take a trip or two a year. I don’t have to stretch the budget between distributions from our investments, if I need gas I buy gas. I get to golf when I want, etc., etc. We’re not buying Picassos, but we’re blessed and happy. But the Trump tax cut didn’t do a @#$&ing thing for us. Not that I was looking for it, just making your point. The cognitive dissonance is astounding. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2023, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/871 "2023-12-17T21:46:48Z")
> [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > A new Democratic ticket and Trump will have no chance and become the laughing stock he should be. Stick with Biden/Harris and Trump gets elected again. It is just that simple. This isn’t how politics work. There is no process to replace a popular (within the party) incumbent president in the Democratic primary. And further, there’s no magical perfect candidate waiting in the wings. Every replacement would have their own flaws, risks, and weaknesses. Biden already beat Trump – he’s the only one to do so. That’s a pretty strong argument that he knows how to do it. Polls this early are meaningless. But if you insist on polls this early, the ones for other Democratic possibilities vs Trump do worse than Biden. Like it or not, Biden will be the Democratic nominee (barring a major health incident). We should all do what we can to help him win. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2023, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/872 "2023-12-17T21:48:12Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Add in the “Harris is dumb” insult and this comes off as an unhinged rant lacking any sort of reason. Well, you should look at all of the amazing accomplishments of VP Pence when he was in power. I mean, there was the time he did … that thing. And I think he cut a ribbon for something. I think he advised people not to inject bleach into their lungs like Trump told them to do. So that was good. And let’s not forget how brilliant McCain’s running mate was. Sarah Palin was qualified for Mensa I believe. She was brilliant, as I recall. Stupid Harris only has a Juris Doctorate degree. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2023, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/873 "2023-12-17T21:48:27Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > He has raised three boys into successful men. Two are members of US military academies, and the oldest works in finance in New York City. One wonders what kind of men they are today. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2023, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/874 "2023-12-17T22:23:10Z")
> [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > VP Harris is just dumb, that is my charitable view of her. Dumb and is only there as a diversity choice to balance the ticket. Oh you think she’s dumb? Let’s hear why! Your turn, go! ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2023, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/875 "2023-12-17T22:35:59Z")
So to answer the question posed in the thread title, there are millions of Americans who believe that Trump is smart, and that Kamala Harris is dumb. What are you gonna do, faced with such lunacy? The best we can do is just hold on and hope it passes, like a spoiled meat stew dinner will. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2023, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/876 "2023-12-18T02:25:43Z")
> [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > A new Democratic ticket and Trump will have no chance and become the laughing stock he should be. This might not be as far fetched as others might think. _If_ (Og forbid) Biden was to go to the great big lectern in the sky, and Harris is a short term replacement prez, at some point before the summer, then all bets are off. Me? I think Matthew McConaughey should expect a gig doing cold opens for SNL, because Gavin Newsom is the new Democratic front runner. ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2023, 7:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/877 "2023-12-18T07:53:06Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > Well, you should look at all of the amazing accomplishments of VP Pence when he was in power. I mean, there was the time he did … that thing. > And let’s not forget how brilliant McCain’s running mate was. Sarah Palin… > Stupid Harris only has a Juris Doctorate degree. The difference is that with Pence and Palin, and most other Vice presidents (remember Dan Quale?)–nobody expected them to do anything. Usually, the only job for a VP is to cut ribbons, etc. , so nobody cares if the person is qualified to do the real job of President.And, more importantly, nobody bases their vote for president on the VP. But due to Biden’s age, there is a very real possibility that voting for him means that you are actually voting to put Kamilla in the white house. And lots of people really really dislike Harris. It’s not fair, not logical…but it’s a fact. The election will be decided by a few swing voters–People who swing, who are undecided, because they don’t pay much atttention to politics.They don’t study the issues. They make their decision on who to vote for by a vague emotional sense of which candidate gives them a good feeling . Kamilla Harris does not make them feel good. If the republicans run lots of graphic and tacky campaign ads showing Harris in the white house while Biden is in the hospital, many swing voters will not vote Democratic. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2023, 8:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/878 "2023-12-18T08:37:07Z")
> [@chappachula](#): > > Kamilla Harris does not make them feel good. But how do they feel about Kamala Harris? ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2023, 8:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/879 "2023-12-18T08:42:27Z")
Thanks…😀 ---
**Author:** ![TeroSunbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terosunbear/32/14748_2.png) [@TeroSunbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeroSunbear)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2023, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/880 "2023-12-18T13:22:36Z")
Might be mainly due to Israel mess for Biden. If any republicans or independents were sitting on the fence, this might be important. But the solution with Trump is just to tell foreign leaders you must do this or that. It actually did not work. The authoritarian can only relate to more of the same in Europe. Most of Europe is rejecting the right wingers. Well, France is weird. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/881 "2023-12-19T23:18:17Z")
Colorado just decided that he is not a viable candidate! The opinion just dropped! This is going to be a wild news night. Searching for the 200 page opinion. Found it. ([https://www.courts.state.co.us/userfiles/file/Court\_Probation/Supreme\_Court/Opinions/2023/23SA300.pdf](https://www.courts.state.co.us/userfiles/file/Court_Probation/Supreme_Court/Opinions/2023/23SA300.pdf)) ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2023, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/882 "2023-12-19T23:22:26Z")
Here ya go: > **[6D478012\_19\_23.pdf](https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/Supreme_Court/Case_Announcements/Files/2023/6D478012_19_23.pdf)** > > 87.48 KB ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2023, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949/883 "2023-12-20T01:07:49Z")
The new poll linked below could go in a couple different threads. But it helps show how Trump is a highly viable candidate despite being disliked. It’s because the U.S. is in a right of center mood: [RFK Jr, Musk, Netanyahu, and Haley Enjoy the Highest Net Favorability](https://harvardharrispoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/HHP_Dec23_KeyResults.pdf) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949.md?page=43) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-still-a-viable-candidate-for-president-really-how/983949.md?page=45)