# Why Trump is running for president **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [October 16, 2024, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851 "2024-10-16T01:02:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![sunstone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunstone/32/3372_2.png) [@sunstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sunstone)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/1 "2024-10-16T01:02:25Z")
At the risk of appearing to be a conspiracy nutter, I am going to throw this out. Trump doesn’t really seem to have a platform, any actual beliefs other than his own benefits, and lately hasn’t really seemed to be interested in winning. Here is my (wild and crazy) explanation: The reason Trump wants to be President is to avoid consequences for his actions. But if he wins, and then resigns, Vance can pardon him - at least for federal crimes. We would then have Vance as President, who might be much more capable of changing policies and so forth, making Project 2025 more likely to be implemented. In the meantime, Trump can flee to some other country that will protect him from extradition. Just look at how crazy the political scene has made me! ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/2 "2024-10-16T01:10:07Z")
I think any practical reasons for running like escaping his legal difficulties or cashing in are faint motivations beside reenforcing his enormous but fragile ego. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/3 "2024-10-16T01:10:25Z")
As if Trump would EVER voluntarily relinquish power. You may recall that he tried to overthrow the government last time he had to do so. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/4 "2024-10-16T01:11:45Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > I think any practical reasons for running like escaping his legal difficulties or cashing in are faint motivations beside reenforcing his enormous but fragile ego. Where is the “^THIS” button? ---
**Author:** ![griffin1977](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/5 "2024-10-16T01:18:05Z")
> [@sunstone](#): > > Here is my (wild and crazy) explanation: > > The reason Trump wants to be President is to avoid consequences for his actions. I there is nothing remotely wild and crazy about that. Its absolutely the primary purpose of his campaign. That’s just objectively true. It’s goddamned insane and should be a bigger deal, but that’s where we are I don’t buy that he would resign mind you, there is a reasonable chance he’ll get 25th amendment-ed at some point. One key point is of course he doesn’t need a pardon, as thanks to his tame judiciary none of his federal charges reached conviction and when he walks in the oval office they all go away no questions asked. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/6 "2024-10-16T01:18:42Z")
To feed his ego, to stay out of prison, to be slathered in MAGA worship and to make money ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/7 "2024-10-16T01:27:58Z")
Maybe he likes getting shot at? Perhaps he is a thrill seeker, just daring them to pick him off! ---
**Author:** ![griffin1977](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/8 "2024-10-16T01:42:01Z")
Also remember these are serious charges if he doesn’t win next month, even with his tame judiciary he is still _probably_ going to prison for a decent stretch at some point before the 2028 election (remember the SCOTUS is unlikely to remain in his pocket all the way through 2028 if he loses). He is utterly utterly terrified of the possibility. Not just a slap on the wrist, a serious chunk of time in the slammer. Avoiding prison is absolutely his main motivation. Sure ego, enrichment and the desire to wreak revenge are factors but staying out of prison is the main reason the GOP nominee wants to be president. He barely pretends to care about policy or getting his platform made into law. ---
**Author:** ![dasmoocher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dbc845/32.png) [@dasmoocher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dasmoocher)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/9 "2024-10-16T01:59:25Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > To feed his ego, to stay out of prison, to be slathered in MAGA worship and to make money And, revenge on his “enemies”. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/10 "2024-10-16T02:26:32Z")
As said, it’s for ego and revenge more than anything. He’s not bright enough for the reason to be some clever ploy. People have been saying for years and years when he does something that makes no sense that “he can’t be that stupid, it must be part of some cunning plan” but it always turns out that yes, he really _is_ that stupid. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/11 "2024-10-16T02:32:59Z")
> [@sunstone](#): > > But if he wins, and then resigns, Vance can pardon him - at least for federal crimes. I was with you, up to this point. No way he _plans_ to relinquish power after a (unlikely, hopefully) win. If he wins, he wont need Vance to pardon him for anything. Now, at the _end_ of his term, should it have an end, then I can see your logic. ---
**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:** [October 16, 2024, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/12 "2024-10-16T02:46:33Z")
> [@griffin1977](#): > > mind you, there is a reasonable chance he’ll get 25th amendment-ed at some point. IF, (God forbid) he gets elected, I can’t see him lasting a year before he goes completely, utterly, loopy - and the party (and Vance) put him aside using the 25th. ---
**Author:** ![griffin1977](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/13 "2024-10-16T02:48:20Z")
> [@snowthx](#): > > If he wins, he wont need Vance to pardon him for anything. Now, at the _end_ of his term, should it have an end, then I can see your logic. Even then I’m not sure he’ll need it. His first act will not just be to appoint some spinless obsequious scum bag as attorney general and special prosecutor, he will also issue a pardon to himself. At that point who is even in a position to appeal the self pardon (even if Trump’s pocket SCOTUS wasn’t likely to let it stand). The scumbag MAGA prosecutor, says “Trump’s been pardoned, the people are dropping every single charge,” (and immediately sets off to prosecute Jack smith and everyone else on Trump’s long enemy list). Who has standing to appeal that? It’s not a crazy conspiracy theory it’s the obvious outcome of Trump winning next month and clearly the reason he’s standing. The fact it’s not talked about all the time in the media is shocking dereliction of duty ---
**Author:** ![griffin1977](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/14 "2024-10-16T02:53:34Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > IF, (God forbid) he gets elected, I can’t see him lasting a year before he goes completely, utterly, loopy - and the party (and Vance) put him aside using the 25th Probably but though running counter to that is the fact is his cabinet will be made of obsequious yes men entirely beholden to Trump and no one else. The GOP party are unlikely to want to take that on until it becomes in their interests to do so (as in he is so far far gone if might actually lose them the 2028 even with their efforts to combat _ahem_ voter fraud) All that’s pointless conjecture, that makes no difference in the end we are screwed if Trump wins. And he’s getting off scot free, 100% definitely “Trump gets off scot free” is the central plank of the GOP platform in 2024 even ahead of “let’s be fascist” ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/15 "2024-10-16T02:54:00Z")
> [@sunstone](#): > > Trump doesn’t really seem to have a platform, any actual beliefs other than his own benefits, and lately hasn’t really seemed to be interested in winning. Nativism is his most often stated policy proposal. He pledges mass deportation. [It polls well.](https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4885895-mass-deportation-immigration-poll/) > [@sunstone](#): > > The reason Trump wants to be President is to avoid consequences for his actions. Plausible, but he likes power. > [@sunstone](#): > > But if he wins, and then resigns, Vance can pardon him - at least for federal crimes. Vance can turn on a dime. And even if Vance goes through with a promised federal pardon, he won’t necessarily takes the outrageous steps needed to protect Trump from a state prosecution. > [@sunstone](#): > > In the meantime, Trump can flee to some other country that will protect him from extradition. This would isolate him from friends, family, and the best health care. (Progressives on this board may have a low opinion of U.S. health care, but I doubt that Trump does.) Also, he probably could not live the snowbird lifestyle where you move with the seasons. He would be stuck in heat or cold. Plus, he’d always have to worry about the local regime deciding to give him up for extradition. All and all, fleeing the country would be highly unpleasant. ---
**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:** [October 16, 2024, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/16 "2024-10-16T02:56:56Z")
> [@griffin1977](#): > > It’s not a crazy conspiracy theory it’s the obvious outcome of Trump winning next month and clearly the reason he’s standing. The fact it’s not talked about all the time in the media is shocking dereliction of duty No, it’s not a conspiracy theory at all. Trump has explicitly stated that he’s going to instruct his toadies to go after anyone and everyone on his enemies list. He’s not hiding his plans. They are out in the open. Prosecute and jail anyone who has said anything mean about him. I agree - why this is not front and center is baffling. It’s beyond mere “sanewashing” ---
**Author:** ![Locrian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/locrian/32/14146_2.png) [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/17 "2024-10-16T04:12:07Z")
He’s the idiot. He’s got fans. He lies for money, which the GOP has plenty of. Just tell him he’ll make money. He’ll sign or say whatever to get the votes for a religiously conservative country. Or worse. But he’ll make money! So… I really wonder under if he understands that he’ll really die one day. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/18 "2024-10-16T04:53:30Z")
> [@Locrian](#): > > I really wonder under if he understands that he’ll really die one day. The last words of the Roman emperor Vespasian as he was dying of dysentery were reported to be “Woe is me, I think I am becoming a god”. Trump’s final thoughts will likely be of a similar nature. ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/19 "2024-10-16T05:16:27Z")
> [@sunstone](#): > > The reason Trump wants to be President is to avoid consequences for his actions. Congratulations! You’re the 10,000,000th customer to come to this conclusion! You’ve won a lifetime supply of _Never-Trumper Street Cred™_! ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851/20 "2024-10-16T05:22:29Z")
> [@Locrian](#): > > He’s the idiot. He’s got fans. He lies for money, which the GOP has plenty of. Just tell him he’ll make money. He’ll sign or say whatever to get the votes for a religiously conservative country. Or worse. But he’ll make money! So… > > I really wonder under if he understands that he’ll really die one day. I think he’s the sort who considers making money a matter of keeping score, of showing he’s a “winner”. As far a dying goes as far as Trump is concerned nothing in the universe matters but Trump. When he dies all meaning and purpose will vanish from the universe forever. If he could make ten bucks but guarantee in the process that Earth will explode ten seconds after he dies he’d go for it since ten dollars for something of no value is an infinite profit. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-trump-is-running-for-president/1008851.md?page=2)