# Trump's Republican primary campaign **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [September 3, 2015, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828 "2015-09-03T18:00:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/1 "2015-09-03T18:00:56Z")
Just wanted to make a neutral-titled thread for this, as there are for other candidates. Anyway - [latest national poll](http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/252661-trump-hits-30-percent-in-new-poll) puts Trump at 30% with Carson a distant second at 18%. Add Fiorina at 4% and you get a whopping 52% Republican primary voters’ support at this point for candidates that have never held political office. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/2 "2015-09-03T18:32:24Z")
And with any luck at all, never will. ---
**Author:** ![FlikTheBlue](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fliktheblue/32/10972_2.png) [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/3 "2015-09-03T18:50:14Z")
I don’t see any of those three beating Clinton. As a Democrat, the two Republican candidates I fear most are Kasich and Walker. Kasich because he can attract conservative leaning Democrats. I fear Walker because I think he’s a true believer in what he says. I think that if Walker were to win he would govern not as a conservative like Bush or Rubio, but as a reactionary who tries to turn the clock back to the “good old days” which weren’t really that good. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/4 "2015-09-03T18:55:13Z")
For all the bluster that is US politics, there is an underlying and hypnotic lullaby that calms the masses even as it divides and agitates them. It turns us on one another, and diverts our attention from our real and common enemies. Very nefarious. I find the man to be a complete gasbag. An offensive and unrefined oaf whose presence in the Whitehouse will cost the US dearly in terms of international respect. But then, life shows us that respect ends where someone else’s needs begin. [insert Machiavelli rant here] It would be an ugly and painful process but I think in the bigger picture Trump could actually make the USA stronger and more unified. Despite him being him. The spell needs to be broken and he could do it. I honestly think he has a good grasp of the frustration felt by everyday people and that is what he’s touching. It’s not that his supporters are racist woman-haters (which he certainly appeals to), it’s that, whatever your personal tendencies are, he is slapping The Establishment in the face with a large, fetid trout. And that amuses us all. Sanders is a similar thing but has a different approach. He appeals to intellect. This is why Trump will beat him. ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/5 "2015-09-03T19:00:59Z")
> [@The Great Sun Jester](#): > > it’s that, whatever your personal tendencies are, he is slapping The Establishment in the face with a large, fetid trout. The Establishment needs that slap. Bad. Too bad Democrats are not ready to slap theirs. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/6 "2015-09-03T19:04:56Z")
As evidenced by the fact that we are? ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/7 "2015-09-03T19:08:40Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > Too bad Democrats are not ready to slap theirs. Um…there’s this one almost socialist duffer with really nutty hair who has laid a mighty siege against the Clinton palace. Some Jewish guy…? ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/8 "2015-09-03T19:09:29Z")
> [@The Great Sun Jester](#): > > Um…there’s this one almost socialist duffer with really nutty hair who has laid a mighty siege against the Clinton palace. Some Jewish guy…? … and Clinton is handily beating him in all national polls. Come back when he’s polling better than her. ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/9 "2015-09-03T19:10:31Z")
> **[Trump calls GOP's bluff](https://www.politico.com/story/2015/09/trump-will-sign-gop-loyalty-pledge-213302)** > > The front-runner says he was promised nothing in return for signing the pledge. “I just wanted fairness from the Republican Party,” Trump said. “I will be totally pledging my allegiance to the Republican Party, and the conservative principles for which it stands.” Trump tried to head-off speculation that the RNC traded something for his signature. “What did I get for signing the pledge? Absolutely nothing.” Well no, not nothing. Probably another 10% in the polls 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/10 "2015-09-03T19:11:57Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > [http://www.politico.com/story/2015/09/trump-will-sign-gop-loyalty-pledge-213302](http://www.politico.com/story/2015/09/trump-will-sign-gop-loyalty-pledge-213302) > > “I just wanted fairness from the Republican Party,” Trump said. “I will be totally pledging my allegiance to the Republican Party, and the conservative principles for which it stands.” > > Trump tried to head-off speculation that the RNC traded something for his signature. “What did I get for signing the pledge? Absolutely nothing.” > > Well no, not nothing. Probably another 10% in the polls 🙂 and what did he lose? Nothing. He can “change his mind” later due to the fact they gave someone else the nomination. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/11 "2015-09-03T19:15:39Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > … and Clinton is handily beating him in all national polls. Come back when he’s polling better than her. He’s gaining fast. 12% dip for her and 12% rise for him is all that’s left. But that’s another thread. This one’s about The Don. Sorry for the hijack. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/12 "2015-09-03T19:17:09Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > and what did he lose? Nothing. He can “change his mind” later due to the fact they gave someone else the nomination. Perhaps there is some holding back on attacks on Trump by mainstream Republicans for fear that he’d get pissed and run as a third part candidate. Never underestimate the benefit of fear. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Parker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/35a633/32.png) [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/13 "2015-09-03T19:17:19Z")
Oh man. There’s no way this ends well for the GOP. I almost feel pity for my Republican friends who will be forced to vote for Hillary in the very unlikely event Trump is nominated. Almost. ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/14 "2015-09-03T19:21:55Z")
> [@Richard\_Parker](#): > > Oh man. There’s no way this ends well for the GOP. I almost feel pity for my Republican friends who will be forced to vote for Hillary in the very unlikely event Trump is nominated. Almost. I don’t have any sympathy for any Republican who votes for Hillary for any reason whatsoever. ---
**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:** [September 3, 2015, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/15 "2015-09-03T19:35:52Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > I don’t have any sympathy for any Republican who votes for Hillary for any reason whatsoever. I will always have sympathy for you, **Terr** , no matter what you do. **iiandyiiii** cares. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/16 "2015-09-03T19:37:03Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > The Establishment needs that slap. Bad. Too bad Democrats are not ready to slap theirs. The Sanders campaign is doing that. ---
**Author:** ![Lobohan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobohan/32/79_2.png) [@Lobohan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobohan)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/17 "2015-09-03T22:21:54Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > The Establishment needs that slap. Bad. Too bad Democrats are not ready to slap theirs. Well, there is the fact that the Dems are largely for sane and correct policy. Whereas the guys slapping the GOP are for the ejection of 11 million people from the country, climate change denialism, starting a needless war with Iran, repealing the ACA and putting millions of people without health care, and economic policies that have been proven wrong by decades of GOP enactment. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/18 "2015-09-03T22:47:39Z")
I don’t see how any republican can expect Trump supporters to fall in line and vote for the eventual establishment candidate. There is no reconciling the two sides of the party. ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2015, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/19 "2015-09-03T23:35:43Z")
Trump is getting stupider every day. Again, Hugh Hewitt interviews Trump with kid gloves and knee-pads on to prevent offending Trump before Hewitt moderates the next debate. Here’s a partial transcript where Trump gets pissy that Hewitt is asking “gotcha” questions…of the “Hamas and Hezbolla: do you know who’s who?” variety > [@](#): > > HH: all right, last question, I want to go back to the beginning, because I really do disagree with you on the gotcha question thing, Donald Trump. At the debate, I may bring up Nasrallah being with Hezbollah, and al-Julani being with al-Nusra, and al-Masri being with Hamas. Do you think if I ask people to talk about those three things, and the differences, that that’s a gotcha question? > > DT: Yes, I do. I totally do. I think it’s ridiculous. > > HH: That’s interesting. I just disagree with that. I kind of figured that… > > DT: All right, I think it’s ridiculous. I’ll have, I’m a delegator. I find great people. I find absolutely great people, and I’ll find them in our armed services, and I find absolutely great people. And now on the bigger picture, like the fact that our Kurds are being treated so poorly, and would really is the one group that really would be out there fighting for us, I think, and fighting for themselves, maybe more importantly to them, I understand that. But when you start throwing around names of people and where they live and give me their address, I think it’s ridiculous, and I think it’s totally worthless. > > HH: Well, I wouldn’t do that. That’s crazy. I agree. > > DT: Well, and by the way, the names you just mentioned, they probably won’t even be there in six months or a year. > > HH: I don’t know. Nasrallah’s got such staying power. > > DT: Well, let’s see what happens. > > HH: And so I think the difference… > > DT: And you know what? In that case, first day in office, or before then, right at the day after the election, I’ll know more about it than you will ever know. That I can tell you. > > HH: Oh, I hope so. Last question, so the difference between Hezbollah and Hamas does not matter to you yet, but it will? > > DT: It will when it’s appropriate. I will know more about it than you know, and believe me, it won’t take me long. :rolleyes: Delegation is all well and good, but if you don’t know who the major players are…how can you possibly delegate when you don’t even understand…geez… :smack: This guy…words fail me for how utterly, utterly stupid this guy is. [Link to the transcript, audio link there too](http://www.hughhewitt.com/donald-trump-on-the-day-he-took-the-pledge/#more-28664) ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2015, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828/20 "2015-09-04T00:25:03Z")
> [@Lobohan](#): > > Well, there is the fact that the Dems are largely for sane and correct policy. Whereas the guys slapping the GOP are for the ejection of 11 million people from the country, climate change denialism, starting a needless war with Iran, repealing the ACA and putting millions of people without health care, and economic policies that have been proven wrong by decades of GOP enactment. Those are the moderates. They have little chance of success. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-republican-primary-campaign/729828.md?page=2)