Trump Losing Delegates in State After State Through Incompetence
Donald Trump’s effort to reset his campaign following defeat in Wisconsin showed no signs of paying off this weekend, as a series of technical failures by his campaign set his hopes back even further.
From Thursday to Saturday, Trump suffered setbacks in Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, South Carolina and Indiana that raise new doubts about his campaign’s preparedness for the long slog of delegate hunting as the GOP race approaches a possible contested convention. He lost the battle on two fronts. Cruz picked up 28 pledged delegates in Colorado. In the other states, rival campaigns were able to place dozens of their own loyalists in delegate spots pledged to Trump on the first ballot. This will matter if Trump fails to win a majority of delegates on the first ballot in Cleveland, as his delegates defect once party rules allow them to choose the candidate they want to nominate.
Trump’s campaign mounted a haphazard campaign for delegates in Colorado, where hundreds ran to be at large representatives in Cleveland at the state convention in Colorado Springs. The frontrunner’s advisers repeatedly instructed supporters to vote for the wrong candidates—distributing the incorrect delegate numbers to supporters. Cruz, who traveled to address the convention, swept the state’s 34 delegates on the back of a disciplined organizing effort, that included text message and video displays advertising his preferred slate.
This is a very distressing development, and I think my sentiments can best be summed up in video form.
Sad!
Patterico (86c8ed) — 4/10/2016 @ 8:34 pmIn the general election, precincts won’t walk themselves. Trump may be able to attract crowds and reporters, but when it comes to the retail politics he’s nowhere to be found.
Kevin M (25bbee) — 4/10/2016 @ 8:37 pmRomney had problems in 2012 because his mobile apps for GOTV crashed repeatedly on election day. Cruz is showing that he’s got that problem well in hand, while Trymp’s people ASPIRE to crashing and burning.
Kevin M (25bbee) — 4/10/2016 @ 8:39 pmTop people, Patterico. The best. Such great people working for Trump, your head would spin.
Yuge.
Simon Jester (324897) — 4/10/2016 @ 8:44 pmall for naught turd crud the d.c. madam’s lawyer is about to “out” tranny loving turd crud. by the way new jersey is about to kick turd crud off the ballot for not being a natural born citizen. actually he isn’t even a citizen as his mother registered to vote in canadian elections.
loni (603615) — 4/10/2016 @ 8:47 pmYou missed Washington
http://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/video/team-trump-2-days-late-asking-supporters-to-become-delegates/vi-BBrwKD6?refvid=BBroAMl
Steve57 (de44e6) — 4/10/2016 @ 8:49 pmOh, no, Steve! You mean to tell me that the smartest guy in the room, with top people—the best—didn’t bother to read the rules again?
Simon Jester (324897) — 4/10/2016 @ 8:50 pmHe’s just really going to have the best people. Really, the best. And they’ll win. They’ll win so much you’ll get tired of them winning. And if they lose, they’ll whine. Oh man, how they’ll whine. They’ll whine and whine and whine.
Patterico (86c8ed) — 4/10/2016 @ 8:52 pmMeanwhile, in Virginia:
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/10/2016 @ 8:59 pmTrump claims the primaries on both sides are corrupt, but that “it’s worse on the Republican side“:
He blames everyone but himself — always.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/10/2016 @ 9:08 pmReading is hard, Beldar.
Simon Jester (324897) — 4/10/2016 @ 9:14 pmSJ @7, what’s even weirder is they obviously read the rules. They got the time, day and date right. The deadline was 10:00 a.m. Wednesday April 6th.
They just didn’t seem to see anything with waiting until Friday April 8th to send the reminder about the Wednesday deadline that they clearly knew about?!?!!
Failing to read the rules would at least be an explanation. We’re looking at incompetence on such a mammoth scale it defies all explanation. Apparently nobody in the Trump campaign knows that Wednesday come before Friday. Or that 6 comes before 8.
Steve57 (de44e6) — 4/10/2016 @ 9:18 pmThe impotent petulance of a querulous old man.
nk (9faaca) — 4/10/2016 @ 9:18 pm* anything wrong with waiting…
Steve57 (de44e6) — 4/10/2016 @ 9:19 pmnk, I recently watched an old video of Trump being interviewed by Oprah Winfrey. I think there is something wrong with him, mentally, based on that.
Sure, I could be wrong.
But look at the small things he could do to improve his supposed goal, that he overlooks or forgets.
Hmmm.
Simon Jester (324897) — 4/10/2016 @ 9:27 pm“Incompetence” has more than one meaning, Simon.
nk (9faaca) — 4/10/2016 @ 9:42 pmBut Heidi Cruz works for Goldy Saks!
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/10/2016 @ 9:46 pmWhat a world, nk.
Simon Jester (324897) — 4/10/2016 @ 10:10 pmI guess, having watched what happened to my father, I’m still in the place where losing one’s marbles makes me very sad.
I hate bluster and vulgarity, but I guess that can happen as faculties diminish.
Simon Jester (324897) — 4/10/2016 @ 10:11 pmNot to rain on anybody’s parade but word is Teams Trump and Kasich worked together to shut out Team Cruz in Michigan. H/t Redstate
Catseye (74d1bf) — 4/10/2016 @ 10:14 pmThe headline on Drudge is in red letters and proclaims:
The headline links to this story:
But as the report goes on to note, this isn’t news.
Regardless of what you think the Colorado GOP’s decision, they made this decision in August of last year. Apparently they never bound their delegates to support the winner of what have been in the past non-binding straw polls. At least they haven’t bound them for the past several presidential primaries. For this cycle the RNC changed the national rules to require binding caucuses, so the state GOP voted to forego caucuses or a primary altogether. According to the state GOP chairman that complies ith the national rules; if they don’t want to hold binding caucuses or a primary they don’t have to hold any popular vote at all.
I thought it was a mistake as it was obvious even then there was an anti-establishment mood and this decision reeks of establishment, but the way I looked at it is it was a decision for the Republicans of Colorado to work out. If the GOP voters there had a problem with their delegates being unbound they should have made a stink years ago. But if they don’t have a problem with their state delegation being unbound I don’t see
the point in having the voters involved at all. Because they can’t decide anything. The delegates can and have ignored the results and voted for whomever they wanted anyway. Such as Ron Paul in 2012. So what’s really the point of having the voters involved at all?
But back to the topic at hand; Trump’s competence or rather lack thereof. Why is Trump blowing a gasket now? Did it escape him entirely that the state GOP decided to forego any sort of primary vote last August? Did it escape him entirely that Colorado didn’t have caucuses or a primary in March? Did it escape him entirely that the state GOP just went straight to the delegate allocation as scheduled this past weekend?
Nobody else was surprised by this except Trump. Because it was no secret. It was in the papers. Last year it was in the news.
Can no one in the Trump organization read a newspaper? Did he even have an organization in Colorado?
How does a decision by a state party committee slip by a candidate who isn’t in a coma?
Steve57 (de44e6) — 4/10/2016 @ 10:48 pmTrump has so poisoned the well with his petulant antics and poor sportsmanship (I won’t even mention other flaky aspects of him), and Cruz will be seen unfairly by many supporters of Trump as a conniving spoiler, that it seems the Republican Party is edging closer to needing an alternative candidate.
John Kasich, perhaps?
Hell, no.
Paul Ryan?
Sheesh.
But we’re entering desperate times, so I personally don’t rule anything out right now—except I would *never* vote for any candidate in November put forth by the Democrat Party.
Mark (0f444a) — 4/10/2016 @ 11:15 pmEvery single quote from the delegates that I’ve seen say all the heavy lifting was done by Kasich supporters. Trump’s organization was a non-factor.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/09/politics/michigan-republican-delegates-ted-cruz-donald-trump-john-kasich/index.html
I hear from people knowledgeable about Michigan GOP politics that the Cruz campaign never should have hired Anuzis in the first place. He may be a former state GOP chairman but he does not have a good record or a good reputation. Rather, his record is one of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, losing races that should have been in the bag. They say making a deal with the Kasich campaign and then trying to double-cross them to take all the seats sounds exactly like something Azunis would do.
If Azunis didn’t try to overreach then Cruz and Kasich would have blocked Trump out. But Azunis got greedy, blew it, and needs to be fired.
It’s a rare episode of incompetence for the Cruz campaign. But the Trumpsters didn’t demonstrate any actual competence. They were just what was left to work with after Azunis tried to screw the Kasich people.
Steve57 (de44e6) — 4/10/2016 @ 11:16 pmAnd old Teddy is harvardtrash! Don’t these people realize!?!?!?!?
Patrick Henry, the 2nd (ddead1) — 4/10/2016 @ 11:33 pmIf Trump isn’t nominated, the Republican ticket will come in third place or maybe even fourth place in the presidential election.
By the way, speaking of predictions, Patterico had a prediction thread for what Obama would do during his presidency way back when he was elected. Someone should dig that up and see if anyone was a Nostradamus.
jcurtis (deff4c) — 4/10/2016 @ 11:38 pmSays the man who predicts that, if he doesn’t get his way the GOP will finish out the election behind such notable alternatives as the Peace and Freedom Party.
Bill H (dcdd7b) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:01 amIs it Trump’s “incompetence” or GOPe corruption that’s taking Trump’s delegates?
creeper (71053f) — 4/11/2016 @ 1:50 amIt’s the fact that so few people want to see a casino operator and a semi-pro in the White House.
nk (9faaca) — 4/11/2016 @ 2:04 amCorruption! Lol. Trump is a walking mass of maggot-infested putrefaction.
nk (9faaca) — 4/11/2016 @ 2:07 amSteve57 at #23 is about right. Maybe a shade harsh on Mr. Anuzis, and no credit for Scott Hagerstrom, but yeah, pretty much.
Luke Stywalker (c5ba82) — 4/11/2016 @ 4:09 amCorruption? You mean like in CO where they “ambushed” Trump by totes changing the rules “in secret?” Poor Trump, how could he react to such treachery since the CO GOP only announced it to the world a mere eight months in advance and the Denver Post wrote about the change only a few times.
I think the best way to keep a secret from Trump is to write about it in a newspaper. Which. Is. NOT! FAIR! Only cheaters like “Lyin’ Ted” read newspapers. Or the state GOP delegate selection rules, which are usually available online.
So, creeper, by what kind of wizardry did GOP cause the Trump WA state organization to send out its email “invitiation” to potential Trump delegates on Friday 8 April, helpfully reminding them to file their paperwork by the 10:00 a.m.
Steve57 (de44e6) — 4/11/2016 @ 5:01 am* So, creeper, by what kind of wizardry did GOP cause the Trump WA state organization to send out its email “invitiation” to potential Trump delegates on Friday 8 April, helpfully reminding them to file their paperwork by the 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday 6 April?
That’s some powerful “corruption” right there.
Steve57 (de44e6) — 4/11/2016 @ 5:02 amA guess,
MD back in Philly!!! (f9371b) — 4/11/2016 @ 5:13 amIt has become my perception that the legal system in the US, especially in civil proceedings, is largely dependent on having the money to keep paying your lawyers to grind your opponents into the ground, even if they are right.
Now that Trump is in a situation where that doesn’t work so well, he is at a bit of a loss to learn the rules to a new game.
looks like the colorado Rs just goldy sackied themselves out of a ton of votes in november
happyfeet (831175) — 4/11/2016 @ 5:28 amHe will hire TOP PEOPLE! TOP!
Rorschach (6fc5f7) — 4/11/2016 @ 5:51 am#20.
urbanleftbehind (206edd) — 4/11/2016 @ 5:57 amKasich might figure it’s a better get waiting on a 70 year old to croak then a 46 year old – though He d make assassination insurance par excellence for the Ted, a kind of Uncle Joe Plugs. He might even have advance knowledge of a Trump dementia situation.
In 2008, obuma basically cleaned hillary’s clock in similar fashion –
Joe - From Texas (debac0) — 4/11/2016 @ 6:38 amSometime during the summer, Trump’s going to invite his followers down to Guyana for a big tent strategy meeting and a little relaxation. The free drinks will be on The Mr Donald! (LOL)
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/11/2016 @ 7:06 amthere’s a strange one in the jungle
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/11/2016 @ 7:09 amThe twisted mind revealed, and he thinks it’s funny.
ropelight (0adb4e) — 4/11/2016 @ 7:21 amNot unlike the twisted minds who thought battery on a woman not only okay but she deserved it. Because she acted all reporter-y
Patrick Henry, the 2nd (ddead1) — 4/11/2016 @ 7:24 amCome on Mr happyfeet and ropelight, you guys have already drunk the Kool-Aid!
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/11/2016 @ 7:31 amWe’re all sipping the Kool-Aid. The next President was elected on January 15, 2014 in Davos, Switzerland. This is all for show. And a cheap production at that. More money will be spent on toilet paper advertising than on this election.
nk (9faaca) — 4/11/2016 @ 7:51 amThis about sums it up.
http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/cruz-sweeps-colorado-trump-campaign-issues-error-filled-ballots-n553586
You Trump fan bois go ahead and blame GOP “corruption” or global warming or the phase of the moon all you want. Trump and his campaign are just incredibly incompetent.
Steve57 (de44e6) — 4/11/2016 @ 7:56 ami switchered to crystal light
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/11/2016 @ 7:58 amI’m guessing that enough Republicans will be lost by their either staying home or voting for a non-Republican on the ballot in November should either Trump (most certainly) or Cruz be the party’s nominee, that the election will, by default, go to the Democrat. I don’t see how that is going to be avoided.
Not sure what strategy can be used to get around that other than the Republican Party coming up with an alternative candidate. But that other candidate also runs the risk of alienating both Cruz and Trump supporters and getting an even smaller share of registered Republican voters.
I doubt there are enough independents to make up the difference (although I hope I’m wrong).
Catch 22.
Mark (0f444a) — 4/11/2016 @ 8:20 amTrump is still up 2 million votes over Cruz and a couple of hundred delegates – it will be interesting to see how the Cruzies try to compel the Trump, Rubio and Kasich supporters to pretty please pull for Ted. Like Ted and Obama I suspect those supporters will tout their ability to be the smartest person in the room and know what is good for the rest of the crowd. Just because Ted saying “Constitution” gives his Cruzies the Big “O” does not mean everyone else feels the tingle.
spokanebob (1aaf2a) — 4/11/2016 @ 8:27 amNothing says “smartest guy in the room” like someone who misses the deadline in the Colorado primary.
Or talking about judges “signing” something into law.
And you say “Al Quds forces,” and I say “The Kurds.”
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/11/2016 @ 8:54 amI have to agree with the songwriting Gershwin boys; let’s call the whole thing off.
yes yes that tingle is very elusive
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/11/2016 @ 8:56 amIn a decreasingly competent world, there is something truly exhilarating about watching the Cruz campaign in action. At every turn, Cruz demonstrates why he and he alone is fit for our highest office.
How in the world is Shorty going to make America great again, when he can’t figure out how to win a single delegate in Colorado? After seven years with a big-talking incompetent in the White House, you would think that voters would have had enough.
I can hear it now. Can’t you? “My heart was in the right place for supporting Trump.”
ThOR (a52560) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:10 am#41, PH-2, accusations of battery ring exceedingly hollow when the so-called ‘victim’ blatently lies about being pulled to the ground when the video tape shows no such thing ever happened.
It looks like a set-up, straight up. Michelle Fields has made the same sort of ‘poor me’ accusations previously. Yet, you’re quick to impune anyone who refuses to swallow her self-aggrandizing fable.
The video tape proves she a liar. So, what darkly irrational impulse compels you to tout a lie to cover for the insanely twisted mind of a filthy cockroach?
ropelight (0adb4e) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:20 amthe tingle is strong with this one Master Ted
Considering that Obama did much the same thing to get nominated in 2008 puts Ted in fine company
spokanebob (e86321) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:24 amropelight,
Corey said he never touched her. So did The Mr Donald.
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:27 amThe videotape proves they both lied. We already have a liar in the White House. We don’t need another one.
I so enjoy watching all these tough guys on the internet.
What I would enjoy watching is any one of these people talk this way in person, in front of Steve57 or nk. Or Patterico.
And may I remind you all that, when it comes to being all tough, just maybe Bill Maher is not your best spokesperson? Just sayin’.
Simon Jester (c8876d) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:28 amTrump’s campaign manager steered an aggressively intrusive reporter away from a presidential candidate as he was leaving a campaign event. Michelle Fields lied about the severity of the way she was prevented from obstructing Trump’s departure. She’s a liar and so is the WaPo Fagin lurking in the background who is cheek by jowl with this election’s cycle’s Tawana Brawley.
ropelight (0adb4e) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:45 amropelight,
Corey and The Mr Donald said he never touched her.
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:51 amThe videotape shows that he did.
He’s a lying liar.
Sad!
This is why Trump and his supporters will lose. They are so desperate and angry that they will say and do anything to win.
DRJ (15874d) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:55 amMaher knows assault when he commits it…
Colonel Haiku (d54e37) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:00 amhe incident was “like the Zapruder film, if nothing had happened”
zing!
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:08 am*the* incident i mean
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:08 amYeah, there is a bit of history from Mr. Maher, isn’t there?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izlS15orhP0
Simon Jester (c8876d) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:09 amnope no history
but there IS lunch to look forward to
i think i’m a do orange roughies
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:12 amhappyfeet, I’m unsurprised that you are a Bill Mahr fan.
Bill Mahr’s opinion counts for exactly no more than yours, mine, or anyone else’s. The only reason to cite him here is if you think he’s especially wise.
He’s not, but somehow, I’m not too surprised to find that you’re a Bill Mahr fan.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:13 am*Maher, whatever. (He’s really not worth the attention required to spell his name correctly.)
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:15 amHere’s a clue, Mr. Feet:
Even Trump has figured out that his pooch Lewandowski has well and truly screwed himself, and Trump — on the Field incident most obviously, but far more consequently just because he’s a complete amateur who has never had any business being in charge of a serious presidential campaign (or anything else more complicated than a lemonade stand).
Now Trump has his new manager, Paul Manafort — acquired in a mid-season trade from Vladimir Putin — to save the day. As a loyal Trumpkin, you’re supposed to stop talking about Fields now. Ditto Heidi Cruz.
Get with the program, happyfeet: Mr. Trump has already repudiated himself (without apologizing) on these points, so you need to find other things to babble about, in my humble opinion.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:18 am(Putin got a player to be named later. This should concern us.)
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:19 amnot a fan of Mr. Maher i just hadn’t hear that michelle had said this was the worst thing that had happened to her since her dad dies
oh my goodness that’s a remarkable statement
i’m a little bit amused a little bit flabbergasted and a little disgusted
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:19 amsince her dad *died* i mean
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:21 amMr happyfeet, are you going to make lunch great again?
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:22 amFor me, it’s a roasted pork loin with course ground mustard and sherry vinegar, served with early Spring Vegetable Cobbler. Bon appetit!
ropelight (0adb4e) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:24 amyes yes it seems like people don’t know that jewel will steam and season fishes for you while you wait!
it’s so healthy and so good and for not a lot of money at all i just bring rice and vegetables and bam I’m he who is eating mindfully and conscientiously
check me out
it’s my new thing and i always get extra for to take home
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:25 amok Mr. ropelight wins but i still feel very good about my fishes
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:25 amShe was obliged to quit her job, and even if she can find comparable employment it will be under the radically transformed circumstances in which she is a national story. She’s forever lost her privacy, her status as a private person. Lewandowski yanked her hard enough to bruise her, but also to jerk her out of that entire life.
Since then, she’s been continuously abused and insulted, cursed and reviled, by indecent people like you. She’s had to move to escape lunatic, dangerous Trumpkins, who daily blacken her reputation and threaten her safety.
It’s very tempting — indeed, I almost hit “submit comment” — by wishing that something just as nice should happen to someone you love. But no, that would be dropping to your level. I’m glad I didn’t. Instead:
I hope nothing comparable ever happens to anyone you love, happyfeet.
There. I feel better, but I’m still regretting the time I’ve wasted interacting with you. I have to remind myself over and over: You can’t shame the shameless.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:28 amFields didn’t say the battery was the worst thing that happened to her since her father’s death. She was talking about the Trump campaign’s hate and character assassination that followed it:
DRJ (15874d) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:31 amI love Michelle so much but a lot of times she has to learn things the hard way Mr. Beldar.
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:32 amShe has suffered, happyfeet, and part of the suffering is having people like you applaud it.
DRJ (15874d) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:35 amyes yes it’s very sad here is for you michelle
a-teens and puppies!
how can you not smile?
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:41 amThere is something of the sociopathic bully in this campaign, isn’t there? There are Trump supporters who are quiet about this, and then there are those who applaud actions that, as Beldar put it, would be tragic if they happened to someone the applauder loved.
Maybe we need this awful period to reveal character in our friends and neighbors.
My late father had a theory. He wondered if there were more souls than people now.
Oh, I know the math is silly, but he just couldn’t explain evil yet mundane people.
Simon Jester (c8876d) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:43 amDRJ, isn’t there an awful lot of misogyny in this, as well?
Simon Jester (c8876d) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:44 amWhile Michelle Fields has had to abandon her apartment and go into hiding in order to escape the death threats by Trump World, our friends Mr happyfeet and ropelight are enjoying a nice lunch without a care in the world…except for whether or not to sprinkle a little garlic powder and add a pinch of chives.
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:46 amTONS of misogyny i was going to point that out
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:47 amDespicable. Trumps behavior in recent weeks converted me from ABC to Never Trump.
SPQR (ba59d6) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:50 amI see the Trumpies are trotting out some new strawman alternatives to Trump. Vote for Trump or the convention will nominate Kasich! Or Ryan! Next it will be Bloomberg.
When we all know it will be Cruz on the second ballot, by a LOT.
Kevin M (25bbee) — 4/11/2016 @ 11:07 amFuck you all. I’m pro Hillary.
papertiger (c2d6da) — 4/11/2016 @ 11:19 amI guess I better learn to speak Spanish. Been putting it off for about 45 years.
papertiger (c2d6da) — 4/11/2016 @ 11:21 amNew Mexico should offer vacation retreats to acclimate the electorate to the new reality.
papertiger (c2d6da) — 4/11/2016 @ 11:28 amThey should probably charge something.
How do you get over 50% of the delegated electorate, without one vote being cast?
Colorado.
The birth of the Democratic party.
papertiger (c2d6da) — 4/11/2016 @ 11:38 amWhat do those two things have in common?
Joke’s on you.
papertiger (c2d6da) — 4/11/2016 @ 11:40 amQuestion; What do you do when your campaign misses the deadline in Colorado?
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/11/2016 @ 11:52 amAnswer: Blame everyone else!
papertiger, like most, you fail to grasp the obvious. Here are the facts you missed:
A, The straw poll in Colorado has never been binding (at least not as long as I can recall) and the RNC instituted a national rules change in August of last year that would have required it to become so, so instead of doing that, the state party decided to just spare the bother and expense of the straw poll and go with the convention picking the delegates staightaway and skip the straw poll (which meant nothing anyway), which they had always done anyway. So in reality, NOTHING CHANGED.
B, the ruel has peen in place since August of last year, this shoul dnot have been a surprise to anyone, LEAST OF ALL THE TRUMP CAMPAIGN, since it is their JOB to know the rules they have to abide by.
C, The Trump campaign is so incompetent that they missed the deadline to file for trump backed delegates by two days when they sent out the email notice reminding people to file by the sixth, on the 8th! the text of the email is proof they KNEW the date, they just didn’t bother to pay any attention to it.
So the only person Trump has to blame is himself for being too incompetent to run a campaign. anyone that incompetent should not be allowed anywhere near the oval office, not even on a tour.
Rorschach (6fc5f7) — 4/11/2016 @ 11:52 amrule, not ruel, fat fingers.
Rorschach (6fc5f7) — 4/11/2016 @ 11:53 amIvanka and Eric Trump each missed the deadline to register as Republicans for the New York primary. So they won’t be able to vote for their father.
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/11/2016 @ 11:58 amCS, really? If true, that is amazing.
Simon Jester (c8876d) — 4/11/2016 @ 11:59 amKevin M, it MIGHT be the third or fourth ballot, depends on the rules the delegates are working under. each state has a different number of ballots before they become unbound. but yes, in essence you are correct, if Trump fails to clinch it with 1237 before the convention, he might as well get on his jet and go home and sulk, because it will be over for him.
Rorschach (8ddea0) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:00 pmIt would also seem to me that one should be pleased that the Colorado GOP told the RNC to go shtup itself. Just like Trumpzilla shlonged himself. (That’s New Yorkexican.,
nk (9faaca) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:00 pmYes Simon, it is true, none of his family will be voting for him because they are all registered democrats.
Rorschach (8ddea0) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:02 pmSimon,
Yes, indeed. Can you believe it, on the heels of the Colorado deadline?
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:10 pmhttp://abcnews.go.com/Politics/donald-trumps-kids-eric-ivanka-miss-deadline-vote/story?id=38303943
http://www.politico.com/blogs/2016-gop-primary-live-updates-and-results/2016/04/trump-children-register-vote-221790
Rorschach (8ddea0) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:12 pm@ Rorschach (#91): Thanks for that informative comment! Bravo.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:15 pmMy kids are not registered Republicans. Now do you have any doubt that I’m the anti-establishment candidate?
nodald krump (9faaca) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:16 pmDe Nada Beldar..
Rorschach (6fc5f7) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:18 pmThere are a couple of Trumpkin shills who regularly scold me and other Cruz supporters, saying we’re being mean and that Ted Cruz is mean and we’d better be nicer to them or they’ll … something (not vote, vote third-party, or something; it’s vague).
Then they accuse the Colorado state GOP of being Nazis.
Shamelessness has a high correlation, apparently, with obliviousness to irony.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:20 pmIndeed.
Rorschach (6fc5f7) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:22 pmI keep waiting to see the lies he purportedly said… but when challenged they always crawl off to whatever hole they live in, or they try to change the subject…
Rorschach (8ddea0) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:23 pmhttp://hotair.com/archives/2016/04/11/trump-i-was-cheated-in-colorado-by-failing-to-follow-rules-that-were-clear-to-everyone-months-ago/
Rorschach (8ddea0) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:26 pm#103 Beldar,
The irony of their threats to go third-party or sit home and re-arrange their sock drawer on Election Day in November is that it’s predicated upon their cult hero not becoming the nominee.
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:27 pmYet at the same time, they’ve boasted for months about the inevitability of Trump becoming the nominee.
They should at least choose one narrative and stick to it.
@107 CS, EXACTLY!
Rorschach (8ddea0) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:32 pmNow, people have dug up The Mr Donald’s twitter archive from March 2012 to show where he MOCKED Rick Santorum for missing a deadline regarding delegates—can you believe it!?
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:36 pmThere’s the old saying about ‘truth being stranger than fiction.’
But I think The Mr Donald is stranger than truth and fiction. (LOL)
and another link that clarifies the history of the colorado process.
http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/433909/trump-campaign-belatedly-realizes-how-colorado-picks-its-delegates
Rorschach (6fc5f7) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:37 pmI think he is a stranger TO the truth if you ask me…
Rorschach (6fc5f7) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:42 pmAnd what of Stone’s threat to out the national delegates and publish names and room numbers with the implied intent to have them intimidated and threatened if Trump doesn’t win? How is this not bullying tactics?
Rorschach (6fc5f7) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:44 pmI think there is a rapidly increasing likelihood that the Republican convention may not turn out to be “contested” after all.
The California GOP primary is on June 7th. If it and the other primaries between then and now don’t give Trump an outright majority in pledged delegates for the first ballot, it’s also likely to be apparent by then how many of the delegates are likely to break for Cruz on the second, third, or successive ballots, based on who’s actually been selected to fill those pledged delegate slots.
I think it’s going to be obvious to Trump — and to the rest of the world — that he’s going down in flames at the convention.
So he’ll quit, well before the convention, rather than ride it out through the end on the convention floor.
Whether he just whines, or instead tries to mount a third-party bid, under this scenario the convention will be much less interesting and scary, but much better for unifying the party for the general election.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:51 pm^^^ Mind you, I’m only expressing this as an “increasing likelihood” right now. The major, and perhaps fatal, flaw in this scenario is that it relies upon Trump to be rational and observant.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 12:52 pmCruz made some further news in Colorado while he was sweeping its delegates:
This should surprise absolutely no one who knows very much about Ted Cruz; indeed, it’s exactly what I would have predicted he would say.
But this was the first occasion on which he has been this specific about this particular topic; and if one is looking for confirmation of Cruz’ intellectual consistency in boundary-drawing and adherence to federalism as part of the Rule of Law, it’s a useful data point.
Indeed, it’s an important and specific one — for purposes of persuading hysterics who’ve been convinced by the MSM and the Left that Cruz is coming for American uteri with a pitchfork or whatever: If your state wants to legalize abortion, or same-sex marriage, or marijuana, or casino gambling, or consensual sexual activity, a Cruz Administration won’t compromise its federalism views to try to force Cruz’ own values, or his home state’s values, on yours. Even if I can’t persuade someone to vote for Cruz on this basis, it’s useful — politically and otherwise — to dispel such fears.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 1:03 pmBeldar, I don’t know if he will cut and run. He SHOULD, mind you, but somehow I suspect the emperor has no clothes and none of his Psycho-phants have the balls to tell him so, so I suspect he is in for yet another rude awakening. that is what happens when you live in your own echo chamber and surround yourself with yes-men. (remind you of anyone?)
But yes, as Kevin M said earlier, if he does not manage to clinch it by the convention on the first ballot, stick a fork in him, because he is done.
Rorschach (6fc5f7) — 4/11/2016 @ 1:06 pmhttp://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/election/2016/04/10/general-james-mattis-president-movement/82806616/
This would be interesting – Trumped and OusTed would be their new handles…
spokanebob (e86321) — 4/11/2016 @ 1:07 pmBack to reality TV and initiating government shutdowns would be their well deserved futures…
General James who? Cue Bonnie Tyler singing “I’m Holding It Out For A Gyro”.
nk (9faaca) — 4/11/2016 @ 1:13 pmHis history includes a lot of plug-pullings: Trump Air, Trump Steaks, Trump Vodka, Trump Mortgage, Trump University, the Trump [Vitamin] Network, Trump casinos ….
“Trump 2016” will just be another on the list.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 1:14 pmnever happen. all this bullshit about nominating candidates that aren’t currently in the race is all bullshit. it would require a rules change in order to do so. and those rules would have to be voted on BY THE DELEGATES THEMSELVES, and they are NOT going to vote on any rules that screws their candidate’s chances, so you can forget all this crap about Ryan, and Mattis, and all the others. It just ain’t reality.
Rorschach (8ddea0) — 4/11/2016 @ 1:16 pmCLeaned version of post that got caught in the moderation net: Patterico, feel free to substitute:
Never happen. All this bull about nominating candidates that aren’t currently in the race is all bull. It would require a rules change in order to do so. and those rules would have to be voted on BY THE DELEGATES THEMSELVES, and they are NOT going to vote on any rules that screws their candidate’s chances, so you can forget all this crap about Ryan, and Mattis, and all the others. It just ain’t reality.
Rorschach (6fc5f7) — 4/11/2016 @ 1:18 pmMr. Trump is gonna do everything he can to win the delegates using his awesome trump powers and then we’ll just have to go from there. In the meantime I’d really like a glass of cabernet.
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/11/2016 @ 1:28 pmI honestly suspect those Awesome Trump Powers do not include reading comprehension, nor hiring good staff.
That bodes poorly for any serious candidate.
It’s such a YUGE problem it would make your head spin.
But he is pretty good at whining, which he seems to confusing with winning.
And suing people, places, and things.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/07/06/trump-sued-everyone-but-his-hairdresser.html
Top men. The best. All Trump University graduates, no doubt.
Simon Jester (c8876d) — 4/11/2016 @ 1:43 pmSimon, I don’t often agree with you, but on this one you are spot on.
Rorschach (8ddea0) — 4/11/2016 @ 1:48 pmI’ve never missed an election, it’s just my vote has never counted
papertiger (c2d6da) — 4/11/2016 @ 1:51 pmbeforestill.remember this papertiger, when it comes to political parties,, you do not have a 14th amendment right. political parties are private entities and can manage their affairs any way they like. don’t like it? join a different party, or start your own, or work within the party structure to change it. but don’t bellyache about being disenfranchised, because you weren’t. you hads the opportunity to go to the caucus and select your delegate just like everybody else. You chose poorly. Sucks to be you.
Rorschach (8ddea0) — 4/11/2016 @ 1:56 pmIvanka and Eric Trump’s votes won’t be counted in the New York primary. That’s hilarious.
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/11/2016 @ 1:57 pmApparently, nobody in the Trump Family Tree pays attention to deadlines.
— Hillary, I did my best. Nobody could have run a better stalking horse campaign. Nobody.
nk (9faaca) — 4/11/2016 @ 1:57 pm— You could have done better, Donald. You let Cruz shlong you.
— He cheated. Lyin’ Ted cheated. I’m going to sue!
— We’ll talk, Donald. The point now is to make your nutcases stay home in November.
— Not until I have your assurance that you’ll pay me back everything I lent to my campaign.
— I’m a Clinton, Donald. We always keep our word. Why are you laughing, Donald? Donald! Stop laughing!
— My money, Hillary. Or the deal is over.
— Ok. Meet at the park tonight. I’ll have a briefcase for you.
Mr. Trump just needs to wake up tomorrow and say ok from today on I’m a do a better job getting on top of all these tricksy delegate schemes, and I have every confidence he’ll smooth it out.
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/11/2016 @ 1:59 pmSo I missed the fact it’s always been rigged. No actually I moved on to the next. President Hillary Clinton’s prospects have just gone up.
papertiger (c2d6da) — 4/11/2016 @ 1:59 pmHillary Clinton for Prison in 2016!
Colonel Haiku (fc3e51) — 4/11/2016 @ 2:02 pmI don’t see how either Trump or Cruz wins in November since so much resentment exists between the two camps, meaning a good percentage of either group will sit out the election or, worse of all, vote for the Democrat (probably, likely Hillary). Or they’ll split the non-liberal vote with a third-party candidate listed on the ballot.
Of course, I hope something similar happens among Democrats between Hillary and Bernie, but since the left is more tolerant of crud and corruption, I don’t think the unhappiness will be as great among that crowd. Moreover, there are a lot of people out there similar to Laura Bush, who apparently favor someone as bad as Bill’s wife even though they’re full aware of just how dishonest and incompetent such people are.
I don’t trust the judgment of a significant portion of Americans, but also humans in general.
Mark (54d99c) — 4/11/2016 @ 2:05 pmI probably should throw up a Praise Allah. They’ll be monitoring.
papertiger (c2d6da) — 4/11/2016 @ 2:05 pmTrump World wants to blow it all up and burn it all down. They don’t care if Hillary gets elected President—their cult hero donated to her campaign last time she ran.
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/11/2016 @ 2:12 pm@ Mark (#131), who wrote, “I don’t see how either Trump or Cruz wins in November since so much resentment exists between the two camps ….”
Don’t despair. You’re making the mistake of thinking that the Trumpkin shills who post in comments here and elsewhere on the web are representative of Trump voters generally.
There are tons of Trump voters who’re just badly, badly mistaken in their belief and trust in him, but who are otherwise perfectly capable of recognizing the difference between Hillary Clinton and any conceivable GOP nominee. An abnormally high number of Trump supporters are political novices who’ve rarely or never voted; but many of them, having now engaged in some way, may decide to vote this time even if it’s not for Trump. In any event, they can ponder their choice between the convention on July 18th-21st and election day on November 8th. That is a long time.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 2:18 pmWhat about the “anybody but Trump” folks, Beldar?
Colonel Haiku (fc3e51) — 4/11/2016 @ 2:35 pmyou can’t stay mad at Mr. Trump he’s very charming
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/11/2016 @ 2:37 pmMany of Ted Cruz’ potential supporters at the convention will have already participated in contested state convention delegate selection processes, according to this report, and thus:
It turns out to be quite difficult to mount a hostile takeover of a major political party.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 2:39 pm“Quite difficult,” as in: You actually have to read the rules first to be any good at it.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 2:40 pmYou’re making the mistake of thinking that the Trumpkin shills who post in comments here and elsewhere on the web are representative of Trump voters generally.
Beldar, I’m basing my assumption — which I hope changes before November — not on anything said in any of these threads, but on the degree of both enthusiasm (or lack of such) and anger evident in the public in general, among Republicans in particular. That’s based on the reported comments of people who are Republican insiders (who dislike BOTH Trump and Cruz), independents similar to Laura Bush (who really despise Trump), and attitudes reflected in a whole host of blogs and online articles.
But my main doubt about the ability of any Republican to win in November is that in spite of how exhausted the US has become and how ridiculously bad and corrupt Hillary is, much less the divisive leftist she hopes to succeed, poll after poll doesn’t reflect that reality.
This election should be a cakewalk for any Republican, but so far it isn’t. That all by itself illustrates the ideologically and socially corroded nature of the US in 2016.
Mark (54d99c) — 4/11/2016 @ 2:41 pmBeldar,
You are more generous re Trump supporters than I could ever be. I don’t find them to be particularly stupid but they display a level of ignorance and lack of curiosity regarding reality which makes them more fit for steady “reality” TV viewing than participation in the electorate. The wilful blindness coupled with constant lying we see here in comments by True Believers in Forrest Trump is unusual wrt to his ROTM fans but whining by fans too ignorant and incurious to even bother trying to understand the rules which stump the lying loser is very common. They’re LIVs and they will decide the election but their “decision” will not be based upon a rational process in 2016 any more than it was in 2008 and 2012.
Rick Ballard (add7a6) — 4/11/2016 @ 2:43 pmCol. H (#135), I think some number of people who consider themselves #NeverTrump now might eventually change their minds, in his favor, if he were nevertheless to win the nomination. Many won’t, no matter what Trump says or does to try to persuade them. Other cosmic events (another major domestic terrorist attack, a Hillary indictment, etc.) could change expectations a lot. So I can’t guess how many fall into which category. Polling suggests that enough GOP voters would stay home or waste their votes on a write-in or third-party candidate, rather than vote for Trump, to put red states like Mississippi and Utah into play, so it’s a real concern.
However, I’m confident that Trump’s better campaign advisors (whomever/if-ever they may be) are already urging him to “be more presidential,” to quit Tweeting at 3am, to use a teleprompter in some more scripted speeches, and to announce some lists of potential cabinet and judicial choices, specifically in an attempt to soften some of the #NeverTrump resolve, both before and after the convention.
In other words, Trump’s new advisors are trying to reverse the Lewandowski strategy of “Let Trump be Trump.” They’re trying to repackage without completely rebranding. We’ll see how well that works, I suppose.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 2:51 pmExamples? Present your case.
papertiger (c2d6da) — 4/11/2016 @ 2:52 pm@ Rick: The comments we read here are from a tiny, tiny subset of Trump voters.
Most Trump voters aren’t remotely as motivated or dishonest as the Trumpkin shills who bother to post comments. That’s why I think there’s a useful distinction to be made between Trumpkins (the duped) and Trumpkin shills (who mimic or facilitate the con man to bring in other dupes).
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 2:54 pmWith the way his campaign messed up the deadline in Colorado, I think an argument can be made that The Mr Donald is a low information candidate.
I might suggest his children Eric and Ivanka are low information voters, but they missed the deadline to be voters.
So that means they’re merely low information. Period.
This is Trump World—making America great again!
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/11/2016 @ 2:55 pmI am a middle aged white man in California. I am a member by birth of the most unrepresented people in the country.
Don’t be wiping your dirty conscious on me.
papertiger (c2d6da) — 4/11/2016 @ 3:13 pmFurther @ Mark (#139), who also wrote,
That’s a very fair and apt distinction. I’m not sure Laura Bush considers herself an independent (although she departs from the GOP platform on some issues). But yes, I would quickly agree that either Cruz or Trump will have a lot to do to try to overcome their high negatives.
I doubt Trump can.
I believe Cruz can, however, in essentially the same ways, and for essentially the same reasons, in which Reagan was able to overcome his high negatives at this same point in 1980.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 3:13 pmAmerica won’t be great again until President Trump nominates judges to “sign” laws into law. It’ll be great!
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/11/2016 @ 3:15 pmBeldar,
You’re talking about feelers and their reaction to getting their Certificate of Egress from Trump U is going to be tied to the manner in which he chooses to make his exit. I don’t anticipate a gracious exit by the sniveling coward unless he he can find the right Trump style of medical condition to use.
Rick Ballard (add7a6) — 4/11/2016 @ 3:30 pmI’m saying “Hell No!” to Clinton and Sanders.
Colonel Haiku (fc3e51) — 4/11/2016 @ 3:49 pmLaura Bush was raised a Democrat and she remained one as a young adult. When they lived in the White House, her closest friends were Democrats, and she is, too. It’s no surprise that she would vote for Hillary instead of Trump and probably Cruz, too.
DRJ (15874d) — 4/11/2016 @ 4:08 pm8meanwhile, M8chelle spends her time watching reality shows.
DRJ (15874d) — 4/11/2016 @ 4:08 pmThat’s a shame, DRJ. I’m sorry to hear that about LB.
Colonel Haiku (fc3e51) — 4/11/2016 @ 4:14 pmi also am truly shocked to hear that the Bush Klan isn’t for realsies all that into conservatism
happyfeet (831175) — 4/11/2016 @ 4:28 pmWell, neither is Trump, so you must be shocked most of the time.
Simon Jester (c8876d) — 4/11/2016 @ 4:54 pmMr. Trump is disruptive to a system in such terrible need of disruption Mr. Jester.
that’s all i ask of him, and he delivers!
That’s so rare and special
happyfeet (831175) — 4/11/2016 @ 4:56 pmAt this point I don’t think Cruz or Trump can beat Hillary!. As Mark said: “not on anything said in any of these threads, but on the degree of both enthusiasm (or lack of such) and anger evident in the public in general, among Republicans in particular.”
Except I really don’t think “the public in general” is angry, only Republicans. I say this because democrats are such regimented, propagandized, automatons they would vote for a Golden Calf if there was a (D) after Calf. Democrats vote for a candidate based on what they can get from that candidate not whether he is the best for America. They’ve been doing that since I was a teenager. Democrat candidates connect with their constituents by telling them what they will “give” them and identifying a bogy-man to take it from. A democrat would never have as a campaign motto “Make America Great Again”, they don’t care about making America great. The democrats aren’t mad at all as a matter of fact I think they’re surprised as hell that the Republicans have ripped apart their own party when they should have won this election in a landslide after the douche Obama’s mess.
No, it’s the Republicans who are mad. As in angry and also as in crazy. The two factions of Cruz and Trump have so completely vilified and trashed each other they can never come together and that means a Hillary! victory, a leftist Supreme Court, a democrat Congress an all those wonderful things they will bring. I also think it means the end of any viable Republican Party and the beginning of one party rule in America. We’ve seen one party rule in Detroit, Chicago, Wilmington, Philly and so on. Now they can go national.
Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6) — 4/11/2016 @ 4:58 pm@ DRJ (#152): Given her age, and that Texas was a one-party Democratic state for most of her life, it’s not surprising at all that Laura Bush was raised as a Democrat. Heck, Rick Perry was the Texas campaign manager for Al Gore’s short-lived 1988 presidential campaign. We both remember those days, DRJ.
I know that the Bushes have been slow to turn to Cruz since Jeb dropped out, and Dubya and Laura in particular have remained pretty quiet even while other Bush family members have come out in favor of Cruz or even joined his campaign. Have you seen anything to suggest that Laura Bush would vote for Hillary over Cruz?
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 5:07 pmThat’s special how you use the leftist Klan in referring to the Bush family.
JD (c7bcd6) — 4/11/2016 @ 5:18 pmyet, the solon has been given a pass for the last forty years,
https://pjmedia.com/blog/lyin-biden-we-found-a-third-time-he-fought-passionately-for-biden-rule/
narciso (732bc0) — 4/11/2016 @ 5:22 pmi’m over the Bush family they wore out their welcome
and if you look at their legacy what they did on failmerica
it’s really really heinous
and they really seriously thought the failmerican momos would lap up some yummy yummy jeb jeb
this is why we need to disrupt the whole shebang
the stupid in Team R is just beyond countenance anymores
happyfeet (831175) — 4/11/2016 @ 5:29 pmNoted tactics of the Gestapo:
Noted tactics of the Cruz campaign in Colorado:
I can see how Manafort could get confused by the close similarity of these tactics. Perhaps he was distracted from paying attention to American politics while he was serving as a senior advisor to Putin crony, ousted Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovych, on how to loot and squirrel away billions from the former USSR countries.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 5:30 pmestablishment boys like Ted have a huge appetite for process and insidery shenanigans whereas Mr. Trump really just doesn’t
it’s just part of the package with both of them
happyfeet (831175) — 4/11/2016 @ 5:34 pmHere’s how hopes for an energy bill in 2016 fizzled.
praise Jesus
happyfeet (831175) — 4/11/2016 @ 5:39 pmWe’ve seen one party rule in Detroit, Chicago, Wilmington, Philly and so on.
Calls to mind an article I was reading yesterday about Venezuela and posted at zerohedge.com, a blogsite that provides economic news the MSM often avoids or ignores. There was a video posted that showed how devastated that nation has become. It has been run into the ground by ultra-liberals, starting with Hugo Chavez and continuing with his successor Nicolas Maduro.
Crime and corruption are rampant, store shelves are bare, people are lining up for things like toilet paper, assuming it’s even available. Some of that has been made much worse by factors beyond the control of even a maniacal socialist government. But just as urban areas in the US like Detroit are debacles due largely to liberalism run amok, the same is true of whole societies managed by leftists.
What caught my attention and made me think (and chortle) that ultra-liberalism in Venezuela isn’t necessarily way beyond what exists here in the US is that businesses in places like Caracas are required to post (wait for it…) signs proclaiming they’re gun-free, smoke-free zones—a mandate that apparently is rather strictly enforced.
Meanwhile, the hometown (certainly symbolically) of the current occupant of the White House:
I’m beginning to realize the only vote that will matter in the long run in much of 21st-century America is voting with one’s feet and the moving van.
Mark (54d99c) — 4/11/2016 @ 5:50 pmhere in Chicago if you go grocery shopping Sunday afternoon at my Mariano’s
there’s hardly any produce left
it’s so creepy
i’ve never seen anything like it outside of hurricanes
happyfeet (831175) — 4/11/2016 @ 5:57 pmWhen are you moving to Detroit, Mark?
JD (c7bcd6) — 4/11/2016 @ 5:58 pmSteve57 (de44e6) — 4/10/2016 @ 9:18 pm
There is an explanaton, or would be one, if….
Somebody in he Trump campaign wanted to make sure he did not win on the first ballot. Or didn’t want non-Trump delegates to lose. And of course, did not Trump a true explanation of why he got no delegates out of Colorado. Trump has got one or more disloyal people working for him. And can’t tell.
Sammy Finkelman (5a8954) — 4/11/2016 @ 5:59 pmWhen are you moving to Detroit, Mark?
Right after I vote for Hillary in November.
Mark (54d99c) — 4/11/2016 @ 6:05 pmFinkelman,that makes no sense.
Trump seems baffled by the concept that Winners Show Up.
SPQR (e4e534) — 4/11/2016 @ 6:06 pmIt’s not that I disagree with everything the Trump Campaign, or the Trump Organization, ever says. For example, I agree with this:
I hope Olbermann loses his shirt on the deal, but yeah, objectively, Trump’s right about the likely market value effects of his departure.
I say: A metaphorical pox on both of their houses! 😀
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 6:06 pmBeldar,
Two reasons: First, I ask you to trust me on this but I believe she is a Democrat and always has been. Second, I assume she shares her husband’s low opinion of Cruz.
DRJ (15874d) — 4/11/2016 @ 6:09 pmPractice for Cleveland in suburban Denver on Friday. Cruzers best be packin’ -https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/angry-trump-voters-plan-protest-212400066.html
urbanleftbehind (d3ea16) — 4/11/2016 @ 6:15 pmMr. Cruz as odious as he is he’s still so much better than nasty-assed Hillary and if Laura can’t see that then she’s not worth my time
what a dumb-bunny no wonder everybody hates her
happyfeet (831175) — 4/11/2016 @ 6:17 pmIt’s wishful thinking that gets us things like Trump.
nk (9faaca) — 4/11/2016 @ 6:17 pmHappy:
urbanleftbehind (d3ea16) — 4/11/2016 @ 6:20 pmMarianos was always overrated on produce. Terrible selection and poor quality. Par for course in retail grocery c. 2018 – 2021 if a certain tariff lover gets in.
it’s the only one i can walk to
i sold my car like a year ago almost
mostly though i shop at lunch now and schlep it home
this is going to get old very quickly
happyfeet (831175) — 4/11/2016 @ 6:21 pmat lunch I go to Jewel, which I’m kinda fond of actually even though I can’t find some favorite stuff there
i feel bad going there though cause i hate shopping at union places
happyfeet (831175) — 4/11/2016 @ 6:23 pm@ DRJ (#173), thanks for the reply, and I do indeed trust you, implicitly.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 6:38 pmSammy, I think you are on to something. Just as there were elements working against Palin within McCain’s campaign, there are elements working against Trump in his campaign. Prolly for the same reasons.
felipe (56556d) — 4/11/2016 @ 6:40 pmwell I don’t trust barry bennett, since the matter of carson’s memoir, where he seemingly allowed the lie to flourish,
narciso (732bc0) — 4/11/2016 @ 6:42 pmWe need to support The Mr Donald because he only contributed to Hillary’s presidential campaign as recently as 2008, whereas Ted Cruz never did.
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/11/2016 @ 6:51 pmwell he did do a fundraiser for mccain, a quixotic exercise, can we redirect the two minute hate,
http://dailycaller.com/2016/04/11/hillary-nods-approvingly-as-supporter-claims-gunmakers-are-turning-americans-into-terrorists-video/
narciso (732bc0) — 4/11/2016 @ 6:56 pmpeople need to understand that president pee-stank hillary is the consequence of their actions/inactions
come to Jesus people
happyfeet (831175) — 4/11/2016 @ 6:59 pmBe careful what you wish for, papertiger.
ropelight is lying. There is no other word for it.
http://money.cnn.com/2016/03/29/media/corey-lewandowski-michelle-fields-timeline/index.html
From her very first public comment on the matter Fields never once claimed she was pulled to the ground. From the start she said she kept her balance. ropelight is lying whey he accuses Fields of claiming to have been pulled to the ground. But then you can not defend Trump or his campaign without being willing to lie for him and it. Just as Lewandowski lied when he claimed he had never touched her.
This was a stupid lie.
In addition to being dishonest, the Trump campaign is disorganized and incompetent. Which, if you’re going to try to hide those facts, adds to the pressure to lie on its behalf. And the candidate’s behalf. Because before claiming “not a single camera…captured the alleged incident” they should have asked their boss about his security set-up. His own cameras captured the “alleged incident,” in addition to other reporters witnessing it.
Fields’ story has never changed. Trump’s story, his campaign’s story, and Lewandowski’s story keeps changing as they get caught in their previous pack of lies. It’s gone from “it never happened she’s making to the whole thing up” to “she started it and Lewandowski had to pull her off me.” And ropelight is willing and eager to repeat to knowingly repeat those lies.
So there’s one example for you, papertiger. Just one.
Steve57 (99e913) — 4/11/2016 @ 7:13 pmMr. ropelight has good instincts
happyfeet (831175) — 4/11/2016 @ 7:20 pm#185: Actually, Mr Trump is best chance HRC has of getting elected. And you have no data based argument to refute this. Just foot stomping and holding your breath.
Simon Jester (5fe439) — 4/11/2016 @ 7:24 pmThanks for the compliment, but are you sure you’ve got the right thread?
BTW, this post has been posted on Free Republic along with the following comment:
The comments there are worth a quick look.
ropelight (0adb4e) — 4/11/2016 @ 7:28 pm@ felipe (#181) & Sammy Finkelman (#169): If we’re looking for alternative explanations to “arrogant incompetence” to explain Trump’s delegate screw-ups, my favorite is still: Trump himself is in this as a stalking horse for Hillary.
Sitting here today, can I offer any proof of that beyond circumstances and surmise? Nope. Ever since a certain blue dress episode, the Clintons have gotten much more diligent at covering their tracks; that was the whole point of the private email server (which they thought was a great idea at the time for exactly that reason and purpose, even if they’ve been brought to have second thoughts).
Tempting though it is to let one’s mind roam down those paths, though, Occam’s Razor brings me back to Trump’s arrogant incompetence.
A question for the historically minded among us: Has there ever been a United States President who had never before held either public office or military rank?
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 7:35 pmOf course the key item will be:
steveg (fed1c9) — 4/11/2016 @ 7:43 pmDoes Donald recover and get his ground game on, or does he try to keep winging it.
My guess is he tries to turn it on now and make up for the latest foolishness.
So for now I remain agnostic as to his possibilities
Also Hanlon’s Razor.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 7:44 pmSecond, I assume she shares her husband’s low opinion of Cruz.
I can understand why Trump rubs people the wrong way, but I’m still trying to figure out the main reason Cruz does the same thing to either some of that same crowd, an overlapping portion of that group or a totally different crowd altogether.
Is it because some find him too conservative or rightwing? If so, that illustrates just how ridiculously liberal various people are today compared with Americans 40 or more years ago.
Or does his persona do the opposite of what folks like Peggy Noonan felt about a godawful politician back in 2008? If so, Cruz as a figurehead for (or the face of) conservatism will have a tougher time getting his message across.
Any Republican, and certainly a truly conservative one, in today’s age has to be almost perfect in every way possible to gain traction in this dumbed-down, debased society.
Mark (54d99c) — 4/11/2016 @ 7:55 pm@ Mark, who wrote (#193):
When I read your question, I flashed to this from Cruz’ book:
This leads me to believe that Cruz has had many occasions to ask himself the same question you’re asking.
I think he’s struck a calculated balance, though — one that weighs heavily against trying to hide or suppress the fact that he’s a brilliant, superbly-educated and -trained thinker, speaker, and writer. I don’t think he’s tried to, or will try to, reinvent himself to be more personally appealing. It would be, for him, like trying to audition for the cast of Saturday Night Live.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 8:27 pmAs he said earlier in the campaign (quoting from memory): “I may not be the guy you’d most like to have a beer with among all the candidates. But I’m the one you’d trust to drive you home.”
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 8:28 pmThe Bushes are fairly easy to understand, Mark. First, it was the worst kept secret in DC that Laura Bush “was secretly a Democrat for all intents and purposes, though it really wasn’t much of a secret.” She was also a former schoolteacher/librarian, one of the Democratic Party’s most loyal constituencies, so I don’t find it surprising that W’s first focus as President was No Child Left Behind with Ted Kennedy.
Second, W was a man of average intelligence who was willing to surround himself with intelligent people but he always made sure people knew he was boss, e.g., he made jokes at their expense and gave them humorous nicknames. That is classic West Texas machismo but Cruz was from a very different place/generation, so he was never a good fit.
DRJ (15874d) — 4/11/2016 @ 8:51 pm@ DRJ: This WaPo story explores the topic of how delegates might be influenced with swag, loot, expense payments, etc. Key paragraphs:
Sounds like basically nobody knows for sure.
As many others have noted, there are likely to be enough Trump- and Cruz-supporting delegates on the 2016 Rules Committee to achieve a sizeable working majority between them on issues on which they may have common interests (e.g., hypothetically, maintaining the current version of Rule 40, the eight-state rule). It seems unlikely to me, though, that the Trump and Cruz contingents could agree on something as controversial and novel as new financial disclosure rules for delegates. As a Cruz supporter, I’m inclined to think that such would benefit Cruz more than Trump; bluntly put, Cruz doesn’t have the personal bankroll to pay bribes that Trump could afford to pay.
But the horsetrading in previous contested conventions, in the pre-primary era, took place in an era in which secrets were dirt easy to keep, and when a few powerful individuals could commit to being able to deliver large groups of delegates in one fell swoop. This convention, by contrast, will be a media fishbowl with more than 2000 instant internet worldwide celebrities; and there are few, if any, party leaders, elected officials, or otherwise-powerful party big-shots who can make a credible promise to deliver multiple delegates to a particular candidate on command.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:05 pm@ DRJ: I wonder if Turd Blossom was one of the Bush people whom Ted Cruz annoyed during the transition.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:11 pmClearly he was, but Rove doesn’t seem to like anyone who makes him look dumb.
That’s a good link. I am concerned Trump will hand out vouchers for Trump travel/vacations that can be redeemed after the convention, provided the holder can show he voted for Trump or as Trump directed.
DRJ (15874d) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:20 pmI wrote in #197 above that “there are few, if any, party leaders, elected officials, or otherwise-powerful party big-shots who can make a credible promise to deliver multiple delegates to a particular candidate on command.”
The most significant exception to that might be Kasich, with respect to the Ohio delegation. Keeping that leverage is a more sensible explanation for why he’s staying in the race than his hope that he could parlay it into the top slot. But Trump certainly publicly dangled the Veep spot to Kasich and Rubio today, whether that’s sincere or a ruse. Rubio’s unlikely to be able to exercise any influence at all over his delegates from places like Minnesota or Puerto Rico, nor much influence over even his fellow Floridians. Asked about this tonight by Anderson Cooper at a CNN town hall, Kasich insisted that he has zero interest in being anybody’s vice president — an assertion whose credibility I immediately discount by 98%. If Trump is already close enough to a first-ballot nomination that Kasich’s Ohio delegates could put him over the top, that could be a basis for a workable deal. But I remain very optimistic that Trump ain’t going to be that close. We’ll see.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:24 pmI doubt anyone could do anything about it. Trump could simply say he wants to thank his supporters.
DRJ (15874d) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:26 pmI think Kasich would like to stop Trump but not if it helps Cruz. Instead, I think Kasich is a placeholder for an unlikely but still possible Ryan bid or to be Trump’s VP so tye GOPe can have some influence if Trump is the nominee.
DRJ (15874d) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:31 pmKasich’s town hall appearance on CNN is with his two teenaged daughters and wife, and they’re all adorable. I have developed a low tolerance for listening to him, but they’re helping.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:36 pm(Doesn’t change my opinions about him. Just helps me listen to him without grinding my teeth as much.)
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:36 pmIn a predictably nasty analysis of Ted Cruz’ chances in several specified New York congressional districts, Leftie stalwart The New Yorker acknowledges Cruz’ smart targeting in New York appearances that left most folks utterly puzzled, and concludes that “Cruz is not going to get what he deserves in New York. Instead, he might get what he wants.” For example:
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:57 pmIf that happens, watch for the Twitter meltdown! ¡Ay, caramba!
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 9:58 pm“I may not be the guy you’d most like to have a beer with among all the candidates. But I’m the one you’d trust to drive you home.”
I know there are very honest, ethical liberals and, in turn, very dishonest, unethical conservatives. But all things being equal, and if I had to bet who was less likely to scam me and more likely to do the right thing, I’d always opt out for the conservative.
First, it was the worst kept secret in DC that Laura Bush “was secretly a Democrat for all intents and purposes, though it really wasn’t much of a secret.”
I try to avoid stereotyping people based on purely superficial characteristics, but something about Laura Bush — in spite of her former profession being chock full of liberalism — made me think she was a rather sensible, down-to-earth person, meaning she generally leaned right. But even if her impulses are liberal, I could understand such a trait at least in the context of the 1950s or as recently as the 1970s. Maybe even the 1980s max. But today? In the age of Liberalism Run Amok? In the age of things like horrible Hillary and her scroungy husband and the “goddamn America” guy she hopes to replace? Nope.
That’s why I think liberalism has become similar to cancer, inserting its nasty hooks into far too much of this nation and sickening a large cross section of the populace.
Mark (19afaf) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:24 pmMeanwhile, in the latest Trumpkin birtherism nonsense, this time it’s New Jersey, from which we may have yet another ruling tomorrow. The hearing apparently didn’t go well today for the plaintiff:
Law prof Jonathan Adler previously analyzed this particular lawsuit here: He thinks this particular plaintiff — Catholic Univ. Law Prof. Victor Williams, who mounted his supposed presidential run specifically to challenge Cruz’ eligibility — might be able to satisfy standing requirements that previous tribunals have used in whole or part to throw out birther claims. But Adler remains convinced that on the merits, Cruz should win.
There’s more discussion, and a useful set of links regarding previous Trumpkin birther controversies, here.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:29 pmFor the insatiably curious, here are more fun and highly revealing details about how Colorado transpired, from Mollie Hemmingway at The Federalist. She walks through — for purposes of explanation, and for purposes of comparison and contrast — the experiences of a Trump activist and a Cruz activist who were both new to the process, starting at the precinct caucus level, and continuing to the very end of the voting process. Highly recommended if you’re curious about the relative levels of attention to detail in the Cruz and Trump campaigns.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 10:41 pmCruz tonight at a rally in San Diego:
#WhiningIsNotWinning
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/11/2016 @ 11:14 pmThat’s exactly what I wrote here last week. My district has more Republicans voting than the 16th; more than ten times as many. 3100 and change, in 2012. That’s still not very many, and we elect three delegates. 1600 votes gets all three delegates; if nobody gets 1600, then 640 votes gets one delegate. I’ll be surprised if Cruz doesn’t get at least one of the three.
Milhouse (87c499) — 4/12/2016 @ 1:25 am“Turd Blossom”. Attention internet nannies who have a problem with people calling 43 “Shrub”. “Turd Blossom” is the nickname he gave to Karl Rove.
nk (dbc370) — 4/12/2016 @ 4:58 amWhoever it will be will have the unenviable task of telling America, “the party’s over”. https://pjmedia.com/victordavishanson/next-potus-will-be-hated/
Colonel Haiku (fb10a4) — 4/12/2016 @ 5:50 amI already hate the last eight, for abandoning the Moon colonies, and I think narciso does too.
nk (dbc370) — 4/12/2016 @ 6:00 amHey, diddle diddle…
Colonel Haiku (fb10a4) — 4/12/2016 @ 6:02 amYou Walmart shoppers get the Presidents you deserve, so shut up. Kennedy and Johnson wanted to give you the Moon, but you wanted Popeil pocket fishermen. Go watch Star Wars on your Video On Demand.
nk (dbc370) — 4/12/2016 @ 6:06 amhttp://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/poll-voters-split-between-clinton-trump-hypothetical-november-matchup-n554306
enough numbers to give the cruzers and trumpkins unassailable proof to claim they are right……
spokanebob (1aaf2a) — 4/12/2016 @ 6:09 amNo, Mark. Laura Bush was raised a Democrat by politically active Democratic parents in a Texas county that hasn’t voted for a Democratic President since before she was born. They went against the local culture for decades because it was their choice. Even marrying a Republican didn’t change her politics.
It’s not the culture, it’s how she was raised. Have you factored that into your reasoning?
DRJ (15874d) — 4/12/2016 @ 6:15 amIt’s Misanthropic Tuesday!
Colonel Haiku (fb10a4) — 4/12/2016 @ 6:20 amNo, it’s signing the 1040 (and the check to the IRS) Tuesday.
nk (dbc370) — 4/12/2016 @ 6:26 amyes yes Mr. bob – Mr. Donald Trump, he stands the best chance against pee-stanky old lady
poor charmless harvardtrash ted polls so badly against her and he hasn’t been subjected to anywhere near the onslaught of negativity that Mr. Trump has survived
this is obvious to anyone who is willing to do the analysis
happyfeet (831175) — 4/12/2016 @ 6:29 amOn a recent thread, Johnny Scrum-half got grief for saying we should make the government tell us what all those taxes we pay are for. Maybe deservedly, because nobody here likes him. But what are we paying taxes for? To invade Grenada?
nk (dbc370) — 4/12/2016 @ 6:31 amPolls, Mr. Feet? Do you need schooling again on how Trump polls against Bernie and HRC?
And the negatives for Trump?
You are just a HRC supporter. Well, one that doesn’t vote. Like Trump’s own kids.
Simon Jester (5fe439) — 4/12/2016 @ 6:40 amMake teh bastards wait a couple more days, nk!
Colonel Haiku (fb10a4) — 4/12/2016 @ 6:56 amFrom what? Crystal Meth?
Random Numbers (d5cd81) — 4/12/2016 @ 7:04 amI’m beginning to feel a little more confident that Trump will not be the nominee. What a relief.
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/12/2016 @ 7:13 amI’ve lost track of all the times you Trumptards have said a state was going to kick Cruz off the ballot because he was born in Canada.
http://beta.townhall.com/tipsheet/christinerousselle/2016/04/12/new-jersey-judge-rules-ted-cruz-eligible-to-run-for-president-n2147656
And then lost in court because your ideas about the meaning of the phrase “natural born citizen” are idiotic. It simply means being a citizen from birth, no matter where in the world you’re born.
I look forward to putting you on suicide watch when the National Enquirer thingy doesn’t work out, either.
Steve57 (99e913) — 4/12/2016 @ 10:32 pmIt helps that he’s making such a big deal out of Colorado.
http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/cruz-sweeps-colorado-trump-campaign-issues-error-filled-ballots-n553586
Trump is yelling and screaming and blaming everybody but himself for getting pantsed by Cruz in Colorado. And by doing so all he’s doing is emphasizing the fact he has no one to blame but himself. Even his Colorado supporters have to admit that now that they’ve been hit in the face with his incompetence. And the voters are learning what they need to know about Trump. Despite his self-promoting BS, if he can’t put together a half-way competent operation to deal with something as straightforward as the Colorado primary there is no way this clown can handle something far more complex as the Presidency.
Steve57 (99e913) — 4/12/2016 @ 10:47 pmThis is also why Cruz will do very well in Kali. He’s had an organization in Kali up and running for a year.
Meanwhile, Trump just named state political director for Kali yesterday.
Just like in New York, there are a lot of Kali Congressional districts that don’t have many Republicans. You can win them with fewer votes than some city council elections per Cruz’s state political director Mike Schroeder. And with 172 delegates up for grabs it’s the largest haul in the country. Given the combination, it’s a high yield state in terms of how few people you have to persuade to get a bumper crop of delegates. Of course, you can’t run a statewide election. You have to have an organization capable of running 53 separate, simultaneous CD elections across the state. That’s why Cruz has been organizing there for a year. Trump, meanwhile, ignored Kali until yesterday. Then there’s this:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/unconventional-no-1-the-gops-veep-problem-183429119.html
If Trump’s man in Kali hit the ground running this morning he has 25 days to do what took Schroeder, a former chairman of the state GOP, five months to accomplish. And also eight weeks to get their act together in 53 CDs. Altogether, I’d say Trump is a day late and a dollar short. Can you believe this level of incompetence?
It’s inexplicable, but it’s par for the course for Trump (who can’t cheats at golf, by the way).
http://www.thesunchronicle.com/news/nation_world/trump-misses-delegate-deadlines/article_7c8bb955-3b09-5f7d-b190-ae86946e4a2a.html
Trump is such a clown. You can spell out the rules of the primary process for him, and you don’t change the rules on him, and give him almost a year to digest the rules, and he still can’t get his act together before it starts. Now that the primary process is essentially half over he still doesn’t have his act together. He’s just now starting to show signs that he’s interested in figuring things out, but it’s already too late.
He’ll be a disaster as President. He can’t even put together a half-way complete, let alone half-way competent, campaign organization over a year after he declared his candidacy. There’s no way he’ll figure out how to deal with Congress, foreign relations, national security, or even running the executive branch bureaucracy in four years.
He says he will. But he’s just a gasbag. He is demonstrating that in all respects he doesn’t even come close to being the Donald Trump he brags he is. You know, the one he plays on TV.
Steve57 (225587) — 4/13/2016 @ 8:08 pm