Jeff Goldstein on Trump Supporters
Jeff Goldstein is not pleased with Trump supporters:
If you are a Trump supporter you learned nothing from this site, nothing from me, nothing from conservatism, nothing from Classical Liberalism, nothing from constitutionalism, nothing from the entrenched establishment dominance over our vote and our lives, nothing about federalism, nothing about a party system, and nothing about morality, ethics, or consistency.
. . . .
Donald Trump backed John Kerry for President. He told us Hillary Clinton would make a wonderful SoS. He believes his bravery barebacking coeds is analogous to spending time in the Hanoi Hilton. His policy positions, if you can ever pin them down, are incoherent, shallow, and often times completely at odds with one another. He’s a conspiracy theorist whose progressive attitudes are running interference for a leftist movement to nationalize state party behavior and create the conditions for a rejection of the electoral college and state autonomy. He’s anti-federalist, and to him, the most heinous person on earth is the man who — having written the 31-state amicus in Heller; having crossed to the House to help defeat the Gang of 8 amnesty bill; having beaten President Bush’s DOJ in Medellin to protect US sovereignty; having stood up and called out Mitch McConnell for his lies and GOP establishment kabuki theater; having stood for his state (and for those of us whose state reps wouldn’t) in opposition to ObamaCare; and having won two cases preserving 1A religious liberty before SCOTUS — is running against him, a man whom he’s branded a liar, an adulterer, an establishment puppet, a Trojan Horse for a New World Order, a fake Christian, and a mean person nobody likes or can work with.
Donald Trump is everything I’ve spent years condemning.
Fuck him, and fuck every last one of you who would even consider casting a vote for this gauche, tin-plated con man — no matter how much gold leaf he deploys to elevate his needy, narcissistic facade among cultists, morons, and the easily taken.
Good post. Goldstein has also done quite a good job lately on Twitter defending Cruz and attacking Trump.
Ding.
Patterico (86c8ed) — 4/13/2016 @ 10:16 pmI’m no fan of Mr. Goldstein’s rhetoric, but I appreciate his rant very much. Common cause and all that.
In other news, remember this?
http://www.c-span.org/video/?c4584262/trump-polls-show-easily-beating-hillary
Um.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2016/president/2016_presidential_race.html
Simon Jester (c30bac) — 4/13/2016 @ 10:20 pmwe know you anti trumpeters are worthless crap.
gunsmoke (fdaf9f) — 4/13/2016 @ 10:32 pmWell, that certainly put me in my place, Marshall Dillon.
Simon Jester (c30bac) — 4/13/2016 @ 10:43 pmMy favorite part:
The using of each other; true believers of every stripe always look alike . In it for what they can get, and viciously turning on each other as soon as it goes south. Which it inevitably will.
Dana (0ee61a) — 4/13/2016 @ 10:53 pmDana, I have been afraid of what is happening for some time.
Many years ago, Walter Miller, Jr. wrote a fine dystopian novel called “A Canticle for Leibowitz.” In the aftermath of a nuclear war, the survivors embraced being “simple,” as follows:
In fact, that is how folks addressed one another: simpletons.
Brrrr.
Simon Jester (c30bac) — 4/13/2016 @ 11:01 pmSimon, I loved that book. 1961 Hugo for Best Novel.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/13/2016 @ 11:24 pmIt’s a pretty important book, yes. You have fine taste, Beldar.
There is a very, very fine line between civilization and chaos. But our whole culture seems to be about this, right now:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsqJFIJ5lLs
Thanks for your thoughtful posts.
Simon Jester (c30bac) — 4/13/2016 @ 11:32 pmWho let that monkey off the chain. If you stand a safe distance from the cage it’s kind of amusing to watch him fling poop.
Why was citizen Cruz in position to do so many of these wonderful things?
Because he was Cuban. Ted had the insulation. Because the real sniveling cowards were afraid to be called racists.
Sometimes the message is more important then the messenger. Trump is no shrinking violet, or stranger to the court room. His DOJ isn’t going to be wringing their hands with worry of what Brussels thinks of us.
papertiger (c2d6da) — 4/14/2016 @ 12:03 amEnjoy Hillary, Nevertrump morons.
Old Reader (08f24c) — 4/14/2016 @ 12:07 amThe Trumpkin shills are consistently amusing with the fantasies they construct. In one (#9), Ted Cruz is supposed to be an ally of the notion that foreign governments and organizations like the European Community or the World Court should get to interfere in American internal affairs, and Donald Trump is going to save us from that:
The reason this is so very funny is because while Cruz was Texas Solicitor General, international organizations tried to use the American federal courts to enforce an International Court of Justice ruling, for the express purpose of blocking a capital murderer’s execution in Texas. In this Trumpkin shill’s dreams, The Donald will uphold the sovereignty of the American legal system. But Ted Cruz has already done that in real life, beating not only the foreign legal organizations and a zillion anti-Texas amicus curae, but also George W. Bush’s DoJ, before the United States Supreme Court in Medillin v. Texas (2008).
So what was Trump doing in 2008? Oh yeah: Writing that “Hillary Clinton would be a great president” and giving her money.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/14/2016 @ 12:23 amSimon, Leibowitz was a gift to me during the first week of a relationship with the first great love of my life, which both explains part of my fondness for it and tells you something nice about her.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/14/2016 @ 12:38 amCruz has accomplished more in his service to the country than Trump and his hicks ever will.
mg (31009b) — 4/14/2016 @ 3:24 amit’s not a contest they both have good qualities
happyfeet (831175) — 4/14/2016 @ 3:27 amLoved “Canticle”, but the Simpleton point was about technology. There’s no evidence that the ordinary simpleton didn’t try to figure out how to better his own situation.
I’d be reluctant to assign the motivations Goldstein does. Among other things, motivation is a very difficult thing to assess. One writer suggested that, given all that’s going on, who wouldn’t want to send a human wrecking ball to DC. Perhaps it’s irrational, but trying to convince a lot of folks that doing things the usual way would cure the doing of things in the usual way might be, these days, difficult.
Everybody’s got his Thing.
Kate Steinle is dead and every level of government which was involved insists they did exactly what they were supposed to do and would keep on. They didn’t laugh, I don’t think, but nobody said, “oops, our bad”.
Lois Lerner is not in jail.
Fast and Furious hasn’t ever gotten any DoJ interest. I have Mexican friends who are…annoyed, but nobody in DC is interested in the thing.
The VA response, “We’re federal employees and there’s not a G.D. thing you can do about it. So screw you.”
“”Green?” Yeah, it’s how we get the chumps fired up so the connected can get rich on nutty schemes and tax money.”
“Libya? Where?”
Michelle’s a school dietician, ffs?
Common Core makes kids innumerate and miseducated, so it’s a big deal with the educrats and DC.
Everybody’s got his own thing and whether Trump is going to fix them is not the point. Trump is a howl of frustration.
Richard Aubrey (472a6f) — 4/14/2016 @ 4:25 amCruz is the best bet to start slowing the decline, but that’s not what the howl of frustration is about.
i’m with you in rockland
happyfeet (831175) — 4/14/2016 @ 4:28 amSelf-indulgent whiny crybabies whose parents don’t understand them. The herd is in need of culling. Badly.
They go along sitting on their fat butts, and feeding their fat faces, and playing with their electronic devices with their fat fingers, for years and years and years, and then they get a hint that they might not be able to continue their self-indulgent, lazy hedonism for much longer and get all anxious, and start looking for a new daddy. Bite it, you pansies.
nk (dbc370) — 4/14/2016 @ 5:11 amnk. So those are Bernie supporters, right?
Richard Aubrey (472a6f) — 4/14/2016 @ 5:44 amHow about those whose jobs, they feel, have been unfairly disappeared one way or another. Are they in the same “fat’ category?
How about those concerned with the VA or IRS?
I suspect that we’d be better off with Cruz, but I won’t downplay the fact that the DC establishment has birthed Trump by endless fecklessness, when they’re not out deliberately screwing one or another group–bankrupt the coal industry, ex.
Cruz may be as revolutionary as Trump is presumed to be, but he has a good haircut, speaks in measured tones, and, so, looks superficially like all the rest.
The rhetorical over the top is interesting today and will be until November 2 when one will realize it’s the last night before making what some say is the most important choice in generations.
At least Goldstein concedes all his efforts have been grossly ineffective and, inter alia, resulting in the conditions we see today. All the huffing has been for naught since 1988. Goldstein is the Henry Clay of the day, he’d rather be right than win. He’s left with the convictions of his losses.
If the choice is between an Obama that will build the wall and an Obama that will not which would you stay home muttering slogans from the hood?
cedarhill (aac1ab) — 4/14/2016 @ 5:47 amRichard, a great number of Trump supporters remind me of Bernie supporters. Much of their expressed “frustration” translates to “safe space” and “comfort zone”.
On the issues, I personally whine endlessly here about the loss of our manufacturing capacity. The VA has been fustercluck for as long as I can remember. I know vets who carry private insurance and only use the VA for their prescriptions because it’s so bad. And who on Earth likes the IRS?
I don’t trust Trump to deliver on any of these things. I trust him to be totally untrustworthy and self-seeking, and I could have forgiven him even that, if he were not exploiting the worst instincts of people. Anger and resentment instead of “let’s get to work and fix this” like Cruz.
nk (dbc370) — 4/14/2016 @ 6:06 amOh, Richard:
Nope. It was not about technology at all. Miller was schooled in theology.
Besides, hanging people isn’t generally the best way to improve one’s situation. The Simpletons were about revenge, and thoughtless anger, and fear.
I think you knew that, though.
Simon Jester (c30bac) — 4/14/2016 @ 6:07 amGlad to see Jeff cited over here. It’s been a long time.
He’s right. But I don’t think it will matter.
At this point, I expect Cruz to win the nomination on the 3rd ballot. We will see if Trump fans stay home.
NJRob (a07d2e) — 4/14/2016 @ 6:10 amMr. Trump is off to the races
happyfeet (831175) — 4/14/2016 @ 6:15 amEvery time A Canticle For Leibowitz is mentioned, I’m reminded of Bored Of The Rings. I’ve told you why.
“Aye,” said Legolam, “the river is under a spell, for it is named after the fair elf-maid Nesselrode who had the hots for Menthol, God of After-Dinner Drinks. But the evil Oxydol, Goddess of Quick Tricks and Small Slams, appeared to her in the shape of a five-iron and told her that Menthol was two-timing with the Princess Phisohex, daughter of King Sano. At this Nesselrode became wroth and swore a great oath to kick Phisohex in the gut and get her mother, Cinerama, Goddess of Short-Term Loans, to turn Menthol into an erector set. But Menthol got wind of the plot and came to Nesselrode in the guise of a refrigerator, turned her into a river, and went west to sell encyclopedias. Even now, in the spring, the river softly cries, ‘Menthol, Menthol, you are one wazoo. One day I’m the elf next door and then poof I’m a river. You stink.’ And the wind answers, ‘Phooey.'”
“A sad story,” said Frito. “Is it true?”
nk (dbc370) — 4/14/2016 @ 6:32 am“No,” said Legolam.
#22 Cruz supporters have already emphatically stated they will not vote for Trump. Why would Trump supporters be any different if Cruz is the nominee? Why should they?
spokanebob (6797b5) — 4/14/2016 @ 6:48 amGoldwater sequel is more likely than either winning in the general.
Everything dies, baby, it’s a fact
nk (dbc370) — 4/14/2016 @ 6:51 amAnd maybe now’s the GOP’s turn at that
It won’t be nice and it won’t be pretty
Done in by a clown from Atlantic City
Is whining and throwing a temper tantrum really going to change people’s minds? Yes it can be frustrated when you are unable to convince people with logic and reason, but a hissy fit is not going to accomplish anything positive, and it just encourages people to become more entrenched in their support.
Amazed_476 (5b5799) — 4/14/2016 @ 6:57 amOh, screw Goldstein. It really shouldn’t be this difficult. People are voting for Trump because the alternatives are so distasteful. If the GOP establishment hadn’t thumbed its nose and demonized their underlings it might be different. But it’s not.
So screw Goldstein. He should be mad at the GOP leadership for causing this.
yaddamaster (da3f36) — 4/14/2016 @ 6:58 amnk, I just realized that if you take the punctuation out of BOTR, it kind of sounds like Mr. Feet.
Simon Jester (2708f4) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:02 amBecause Cruz actually walks the walk. He’s stood up and fought when it mattered. At the time Trump was busy donating to the Gang of 8.
njrob (caf399) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:02 amYadda,
If you consider Cruz to be too distasteful to support, you might need to reevaluate your premises.
njrob (caf399) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:04 amGoldstein’s wrong, I’ve learned quite a bit from him. In years past his was an intelligent voice of reason and insight. He espoused strong conservative values and fought against the collectivist agenda, exposing it’s shortcomings and warning against it’s dangerous consequences. Then along came the current election cycle, and like so many other previously rational voices his degenerated into a shrill cacophonous denunciation of Trump’s supporters.
Behind his silly you have learned nothing from… rant are the juvenile assumptions that he has something of value to teach; that Trump’s supporters have failed to bow down to his exalted wisdom; and that some undiagnosed character flaw prevents Trump supporters from recognizing the revealed wisdom of Ted Cruz’s apotheosis. And that makes Goldstein mad, when he yelled Charge! he expected the rank and file to follow his instructions, gladly and with enthusiasm.
Then a funny thing happened: conservatives lined up to support Donald Trump in direct violation of what amounted to direct orders from self-appointed opinion leaders. The dirty ingrates were refusing to obey legitimate authority – treason!
In his anger and in his pain Goldstein fails to grasp the origin of his presumptuous assertions is rooted in the very intolerance he has condemned the left for exhibiting and which he now implicitly embraces. (Like we see here everyday.) The ends justify the means.
Democracy is a messy business. Give the people an opportunity to vote their preferences and they’re likely to do just that in spite of the best recommendations from Mr Goldstein and his ilk. My vote is mine and I’ll use it to support the candidate of my choice, not yours.
Goldstein and all the other totalitarians like him can kiss my red, white, and blue Rebel rear end.
ropelight (a88c88) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:06 amI just listened to someone on Hewitt’s podcast who was doing an unintentionally great Trump impression. The caller was VERY upset with the rules. It even turned into gradeschool profanity, plus going after Cruz’s wife, and berating Cruz for being so establishment.
Hewitt kept asking the fellow how he would change the rules, the process, and what the outcomes would be. The guy just repeated himself, slogan style. Getting angrier and angrier. Again, like Trump.
But here is the thing. If the situations were reversed, and Trump was using the rules (published, well known rules) as Cruz is now…why, the same people would be crowing how “smart” Trump was. Right?
So it’s not about fairness. It’s not about rules. It’s about wanting what you want, and shouting down those who disagree. It’s a freakishly accurate mirror image of BHO.
BHO in a goatee in the MIrror Universe = DJT?
If changes need to be made, let’s make them. But not on the fly. And let’s consider the ramifications, especially the unlikely ones. For example, my understanding is that some of the RNC rules were set up to prevent folks like Cruz from doing well. That created an opening for Trump.
Again, I detest that elections are about emotion. I know it always has been.
But this huckster is a mess.
Simon Jester (2708f4) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:09 amHeh. happyfeet, have you read Bored Of The Rings?
nk (dbc370) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:12 amnk:
I agree. (As usual.)
DRJ (15874d) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:17 amGoldstein is 100% correct, but the question is what type of gut reaction does he have for all the Americans who voted for the current occupant of the White House — who is more popular or at least less unpopular than the person he followed in 2008 — and are gearing up to vote for the Democrat who hopes to succeed him? I don’t know if there is as much disgust and anger over the prevailing assumption that the election in November is Hillary’s to lose, regardless which Republican is on the ballot, and as much alarm over the likelihood that both Trump and Cruz, for various (and mainly different) reasons, are facing a no-win situation.
If this nation weren’t on an indefinite downhill trajectory, the vote in November would be Cruz’s to lose—or a guaranteed win for any candidate chosen by the Republicans. But it isn’t, and that’s what non-liberals had better start focusing their attention on.
If Ted Cruz can tap into the purely social, non-political dynamics that made people like Peggy Noonan swoon in 2008 — and probably is a big reason the leftist horror now in the White House gets more traction than he deserves — then he has a running chance.
Mark (16bc93) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:18 amI haven’t
happyfeet (436c81) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:19 amI don’t believe Jeff came close to expressing the level of contempt for Trumpkins which Trump displays on a daily basis. Mr. Murder on 5th Avenue doesn’t let a moment pass without spitting on the suckers he is defrauding, secure in the knowledge he has set the emotional hook deep enough that it won’t be thrown. Those concerned about sobbing Trumpkins sitting out the general might want to give some consideration to the numbers of non-Trump voters who have responded to the con man by driving participation in the primary to very high levels.
Rick Ballard (ba6813) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:21 amHillary! Clinton for Prison in 2016.
Colonel Haiku (384e8e) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:25 am#38, RB, I’ve seen no indication that Democrats are crossing over and voting for Ted Cruz – like they are for Donald Trump.
ropelight (a88c88) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:31 am“WHY WOULD MEN EVER VOTE FOR HILLARY? Hillary Clinton laughs at idea of letting men into her cabinet.
Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton is so down with the idea of a matriarchy that she laughed at the notion of letting a man into her presidential cabinet.
During an interview with Newsday, Clinton was asked if there would be “gender parity” in her cabinet. Clinton responded: “Sure, absolutely, because I sure would love to reach that.”
But when asked a follow-up question by Newsday’s Lane Filler about whether she would “at least let one man” into her cabinet, Clinton laughed and said: “I’m still considering that.”
OK, I get it. This was a joke, and if I had been there I probably would have laughed. We as a society need to chill on this kind of stuff and not be so sensitive when it comes to obvious jokes like this. . . .
The issue here — and the reason I’m writing this when I generally think we should lay off politicians who tell dumb jokes — is the double standard. If a male candidate had this exact same exchange about a woman being in his cabinet (and wasn’t joking, but simply stating that he would be looking at resumes and considering the best person for the job — regardless of gender), he would be excoriated.
Case in point: When former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney discussed his quest to ensure qualified women were hired in his administration as Massachusetts governor, he was lambasted because he said he had “binders full of women”, referring to resumes. Romney was specifically talking about making sure he included women in his administration, and he was made fun of and accused of sexism.
Now here we are, with a female presidential candidate joking about the possibility of excluding a sex from her candidate, and laughter’s had all around.
In another follow-up question, Newsday editor Rita Ciolli asked Clinton if she had “a list” of women she was considering for positions. Her colleague Filler jokingly added: “Binders?” And all three laughed once again.
So when Romney suggested hiring more women, he was a sexist, but when Clinton suggests not hiring men, she’s a comedian?
Dems get a pass, Republicans get mocked and excoriated, because the press is a bunch of Democratic operatives with bylines. And that goes double — if that’s even possible — for the press’s female members.”
http://pjmedia.com/instapundit/231381/
Colonel Haiku (384e8e) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:33 amhappyfeet, check your email (it might take a few minutes, they say five) for a message from Amazon.
nk (dbc370) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:34 amSimon Jester:
I think that’s absolutely right. Good point.
DRJ (15874d) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:37 amThis is not just another simple political disagreement. This is a chasm. I would say that the party is split but for the most part the people backing Trump never were of the party. The rank-and-file base supports Ted Cruz.
I think that, when this is all over, there will be no reconciliation. Go. Join Pat Buchanan and such and wander in the wilderness for a few decades until you are willing to work within a party system again.
Kevin M (25bbee) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:37 am#40 ropelight,
Democrats crossing-over to vote for Trump in the primaries are doing so because they want to face Trump in the general election.
It’s the 2016 version of Limbaugh’s “Operation Chaos.”
He has terrible negative ratings, especially among women, Americans, and people. And I hear that Martians don’t even like him.
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:38 am#44… No, Kevin, it must be torched, burned to ashes, to save it. What… you didn’t get the memo?!?!
Colonel Haiku (384e8e) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:50 amropelight,
Trump is turning out voters (especially Democrats) and Cruz is also turning out voters, but his are Republicans who will also turn out for him in the general election. For example: Iowa, Kansas, and Wisconsin. Plus Texas and others, but if I add more links it will push this comment into the filter so I’ll let you Google them if you want.
DRJ (15874d) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:53 amropelight 32,
You say that Goldstein taught you a lot but he has nothing to teach. You follow that by saying Goldstein is angry that angry Trump voters like you don’t listen to him — which you say means totalitarian authority figures at blogs you voluntarily choose to read are telling you what to think and do. Thus, blog hosts expressing their opinions has now become the opposite of democracy to you.
Now I see why you don’t care about Trump’s contradictions but please try to consider why the rest of us do.
DRJ (15874d) — 4/14/2016 @ 8:10 amthanks Mr. nk! I will read next… I’m stuck on some not very well-written book about a frozen submarine and I think there maybe was zombies earlier in the book but i forgot
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/14/2016 @ 8:16 amDe nada.
nk (dbc370) — 4/14/2016 @ 8:20 amI’ve read one survey that indicates more Trump supporters (who are registered Republicans) will vote for Cruz if he ends up on the ballot than the other way around. But there is an overlap of Republicans who won’t vote for either candidate, and unless that changes, the odds are against the next president being anything but a Democrat (and I mean a fully registered one, not a chameleon like Trump).
I can’t figure out why any person with some common sense doesn’t feel very skittish about Trump and, if he or she currently supports him, does so with great trepidation and a willingness to accept strong criticism of Trump. IOW, even his supporters should sense there’s something off about Trump.
In turn, I can’t figure out the main reason some Republicans (including certain reported insiders, or what’s labeled the party elite) are against Cruz. Is it his ideology or persona, or both? If it’s the former, then he’ll have a tough time in the general election, since America is more idiotically left-leaning than ever before. If it’s both, then it’s almost a guarantee that enough independents and, naturally, devout liberals are going to have no trouble snubbing Cruz’s name on the ballot and automatically giving the election to Hillary.
What a mess.
Mark (16bc93) — 4/14/2016 @ 8:21 amCruz is picking up some of the Rubio delegates. This report says Oklahoma, Minnesota and Louisiana laws release delegates to vote on the first ballot if the candidate is no longer in the race.
DRJ (15874d) — 4/14/2016 @ 8:25 amThe establishment fears Cruz because he will actually change things, Mark.
DRJ (15874d) — 4/14/2016 @ 8:30 amAn epic Tour de Force, that will result in zero self-reflection amongst the Trumpkins.
JD (34f761) — 4/14/2016 @ 8:45 amThey only wrote that book to make money.
Chuck Bartowski (8489f0) — 4/14/2016 @ 8:54 am#47, DRJ, your argument might make sense if Cruz was ahead but he’s losing the popular vote and the delegate count. Trump is winning and your double talk is absolute nonsense.
Additionally, at #48, it isn’t the opinions of blog hosts or commenters that offend me, it’s the presumption that because I read and comment on (this) blogs that I’m obligated to bow to their superior wisdom, individual or collective. To allow them to think for me, and to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous insult for the mortal sin of disagreement. That’s how petty dictators operate and I’m having none of it.
ropelight (a88c88) — 4/14/2016 @ 9:01 amwrt Canticle: Simpletons were about the technology and the technocrats they blamed for the catastrophe. Fine. But that didn’t mean they were against knowledge and critical thinking, at least as to how to run their farms or flocks. And that eventually means…technology.
Richard Aubrey (472a6f) — 4/14/2016 @ 9:02 amThe part at the end about euthanizing a child is the most agonizing picture of the issue I’ve ever seen.
Ropelight,
Trump has turned out a lot of democrats, that’s why he has been crushed in almost every closed primary. Democrats really want Trump to be the GOP nominee. But among republicans, Trump is far behind. That is why Trump is losing the primary. And yes, he is losing and at this point it’s unlikely he will be the nominee. Part of politics is working with people, and Trump has instead dug a hole and kept digging. At this point most delegates are afraid of a Trump presidency and some wouldn’t vote for him versus a democrat.
This is how Trump handles disagreement, and losing. The more Trump loses, the nastier his slings and arrows, and they begin to go after family or make cowardly tabloid sex scandal lies.
I agree that this is how a petty dictator would operate.
Say what you will about bloggers, but Trump’s the guy running for president and I think the standard should be quite a bit higher for him.
Dustin (2a8be7) — 4/14/2016 @ 9:13 amThe irony of whining and crying about petty dictators while supporting an aggressive dictatorial asshat is classic.
JD (38f19f) — 4/14/2016 @ 9:15 amBlogs are private property. Jeff told the Trumpkins infesting his comments that their utter drivel was an abuse of his property. A blog proprietor choosing to assert his property rights has nothing to do with public rights. There is nothing barring any Trumpkin from setting up a Trumpkin drivel blog and howling to his heart’s content.
Rick Ballard (a1ac8a) — 4/14/2016 @ 9:19 am#56 Ropelight….Trump was winning when he faced a divided field but now that it is down to two (and Kasich), he is losing.
Abby Normal (bd0430) — 4/14/2016 @ 9:20 amThe prospects of turning the tide on the second or third ballot in Cleveland is looking good.
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/14/2016 @ 9:23 amJeff really nailed it.
Yadda master, your comment is hysterical and shows you have no clue about what Jeff has been writing for a decade and a half.
SPQR (20e9f5) — 4/14/2016 @ 9:32 amCruz is the guy who has actually stood up to the establishment in practice, not just in promises during campaigns, where it’s easy. Cruz is a breath of fresh air to folks who have followed politics closely and are angry about the establishment’s many betrayals.
Trump has actually bought off establishment politicians, so you should be mad at him for helping them run your country. For some reason Trump gets a pass for this from you guys.
Dustin (2a8be7) — 4/14/2016 @ 9:41 amI agree that this is how a petty dictator would operate.
This Donald, not one of the greats. Chavez without the subtlety. Sad!
@theRealKhomeini
JP (bd5dd9) — 4/14/2016 @ 9:51 amSo time tested Conservatives like Duncan Hunter and Jeff Sessions are of no value for supporting Mr. Trump.Moreover, Tom Cotton in his voice against The Corker- Cardin amendment must be not heard while Mr. Cruz in his role with this travesty should be.
mike191 (4c004d) — 4/14/2016 @ 9:57 amThey only wrote that book to make money.
Chuck Bartowski (8489f0) — 4/14/2016 @ 8:54 am
Heh! They say that in the foreword. “Fill in the blanks. A ______ and his _______ are soon _______.” That book is funny from cover to cover, even the frontispiece and blurbs.
nk (dbc370) — 4/14/2016 @ 10:01 am#66 mike191,
That’s actually Congressman Duncan Hunter JUNIOR who endorsed Trump—not the same Duncan Hunter (Sr) who ran for President in 2008.
Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 4/14/2016 @ 10:04 amJunior has “inherited” his father’s Congressional seat, which is east of San Diego, pretty close to the Mexico border. I don’t know if Sr has endorsed anyone yet.
Post68: You are correct with Senior vs, Junior.However, the premise remains the same based on the declarations of Mr. Jeff Goldstein.
mike191 (4c004d) — 4/14/2016 @ 10:27 amSo, you’re throwing in the towel? You’ve finally come around to the general position that Trump ain’t taking it?
Bill H (dcdd7b) — 4/14/2016 @ 10:46 amBill,
Old Reader is not a US Citizen and cannot vote here. His promise to push Hillary on us is idle.
Dustin (2a8be7) — 4/14/2016 @ 10:57 amYah, I know. I just wanted to pretzel the stupid bast**d.
Bill H (dcdd7b) — 4/14/2016 @ 11:02 ammike,
Trump’s record is crystal clear. He’s as conservative as his good friends Anthony Weiner and Harry Reid. He has defended hiring illegals and he ships jobs off to China. Particularly on immigration there is no justification to support him unless you are an open borders guy. Unfortunately Sessions has lost his reputation over this.
Trump does that to people. Uses them up. You don’t see a lot of people who did business with him over the years praising how honest he is.
Dustin (2a8be7) — 4/14/2016 @ 11:02 amMr. Trump will be just fine as president especially compared to what the pee-stanky old woman would do and how food stamp’s done.
I for one am looking forward to not having a filthy weirdo socialist in the white house.
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/14/2016 @ 11:09 am#74 is funny. Do I need to post the polls again?
Trump is the surest way for HRC to win. I suspect you know that.
Simon Jester (2708f4) — 4/14/2016 @ 12:16 pmI figured you would get the joke, nk. I read that book way back in 1979, and I agree: it’s hysterical.
Chuck Bartowski (8489f0) — 4/14/2016 @ 12:18 pmi do not think your poll data is very compelling Mr. Jester
i hate to say that but it’s true
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/14/2016 @ 12:22 pmDRJ, thanks for that link (#53). I think its author, and you, are right: Those closest to the core of the amorphous but real “GOP establishment” agree with Jimmy Carter’s assessment that Trump is “malleable” — that he can be accommodated through “business as usual” favors and trades. There will be some changes in optics and branding, but they’re confident that Trump won’t destroy the system that he (1) claims to be railing against now but (2) has always been an eager participant in as a purchaser of the political influence people like the Clintons and their GOP establishment counterparts regularly sell.
Democrat and Republican establishment powerhouses hear Cruz promise to abolish the IRS and they loudly insist, “That’s crazy talk, it could never be done!” When previous candidates have made comparably bold campaign promises, the establishment people haven’t ever needed to take them seriously. So they’d be much relieved if only Trump could finally clench the nomination and eliminate the very real threat that a Cruz presidency would pose to their entrenched status quo.
Beldar (fa637a) — 4/14/2016 @ 12:24 pmUm. Are you holding your breath again?
Let’s look at those polls you don’t find compelling.
Pay special attention to how Mighty Trump does against a flipping communist.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2016/president/2016_presidential_race.html
Now, just like your Daddy Trump, you will immediately say that other people….so just stop.
Focus on Trump versus Clinton. Trump versus Sanders. Just those. Trump has had more airplay than anyone in this season, and his negatives are sky high.
Good old George Orwell put it best:
You can stamp your little tiny feet now, to match your breath holding.
But facts are facts.
I’m sure HRC is happy with your position.
Simon Jester (2708f4) — 4/14/2016 @ 12:37 pmMr. Trump will beat Hillary and make America great again
but Ted Cruz, he will not win, he will never make America great again cause he will lose
and that saddens me
but hopefully everything starts coming into focus for you and other people soon for so we can all get on the same page
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/14/2016 @ 12:48 pmYou are turning blue and stomping your foot again.
Snuffle snuffle.
Simon Jester (c8876d) — 4/14/2016 @ 1:59 pmnono i made a cheese plate with a mild irish cheddar and some of this
that relish is really special
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/14/2016 @ 2:02 pmNo, he has a good chance of nomination. But the nevertrumpers have probably lost this election by poisoning enough of the base against Trump. If it’s Cruz, of course he will lose. And don’t be surprised when his Canadian birth suddenly becomes a story in MSM if he does win nomination.
Old Reader (08f24c) — 4/14/2016 @ 2:09 pmUnlike your candidate, I’m actually even a natural born citizen.
Old Reader (08f24c) — 4/14/2016 @ 2:10 pmTed Cruz is as natural born citizen as Trump is.
Born, naturally to a US Citizen.
Natural Born Citizen.
The rest is ignorant and likely bigoted.
Rodney King's Spirit (db6706) — 4/14/2016 @ 2:20 pmSo a person who is born in France, to a Frenchmen and US citizen, and lives in France during his formative years, is a “natural born citizen” for purposes of the Constitution? That interpretation would pretty much eviscerate the purpose of the clause–which was to avoid those with divided loyalty.
Old Reader (08f24c) — 4/14/2016 @ 3:43 pmThis is the first post Jeff has done in, like a year, other than one were he asked for donations for a video game. I guess he’s been active on Twitter but I don’t do that. I’ve been a commenter at PW for ten years, and agree with him and his commenters on about 98% of everything not Trump. I was one of only a very few Trump supporters commenting there, and was for the most part respectfull in my opinions unless attacked personally first. Regardless all that, he s told me to fuck off, so I have. I’m left with the strong vibe of SJW’s hating on anyone not believing in everything they do, shouting down any dissenting opinions, and needing their safe space. Fine, it’s his place.
As for why I support Trump, I’m a single issue voter this time around. Immigration. Simply put, I have more faith that Trump will bring back jobs to Americans than Cruz. You can tell me I’m crazy and being conned, but I have rational reasons for thinking that. Maybe later, this comment will probably be too long already. I don’t want any freebies or handouts or goodies, I just want jobs for Americans and national policy favoring Americans instead of foreigners again.
Yes I think Cruz has a better grip on the finer points of constitutionalism, and 10 years ago he would have been the no brainer pick, but today, due to the open borders policy basically practiced by both parties (despite the R lip service), we don’t have the luxury of time to discuss crap like abortion or ethanol, we are being invaded and are a heartbeat away from losing our nation, and the constitution will be forgotten altogether and meaningless unless we stop this mass immigration nonsense.
Having said all that, I’ll happily vote for Cruz if he’s the nominee, but being crapped on and abused by Cruzers like Goldstein are making that conviction harder every day. I mean, if ya’ll are determined I am your enemy, I can be that too..
LBascom (3f8db9) — 4/14/2016 @ 4:02 pmExcept that isn’t what Cruz did, Old Liar. So, you are a liar.
JD (34f761) — 4/14/2016 @ 4:34 pmWhat state are you in? Last time I asked you freaked out. Christoph, the racist who has been banned and whom I think you are, is not an American citizen.
Trump fans toss out the birther stuff to change the subject so that’s what I figured you’d do. Judges have settled the matter, so you’re wrong thanks.
Dustin (2a8be7) — 4/14/2016 @ 4:44 pmJudges have not “settled” the matter, moron.
Old Reader (08f24c) — 4/14/2016 @ 5:19 pmTrump is the guy the DEMOCRAT establishment sent forth. He is hardly going to rescue the Republicans from their mistakes; that is not his goal. If anything it is a false flag to fool the easily fooled into letting Hillary win.
Republicans who really want to stick to the establishment are, and have been, supporting Ted Cruz.
Kevin M (25bbee) — 4/14/2016 @ 5:25 pmSo who is this Christoph character? It’s interesting, Dustin, you called him on it, and he went to calling you a “moron.”
Hmmm.
Simon Jester (2708f4) — 4/14/2016 @ 5:34 pmtoo meta
happyfeet (0093c8) — 4/14/2016 @ 5:43 pmNot sure if already noted, but an interesting take on a few fronts…
http://pjmedia.com/instapundit/231498/
Colonel Haiku (2601c0) — 4/14/2016 @ 5:44 pm“Christoph, the racist who has been banned and whom I think you are, is not an American citizen.”
I was thinking one might look for how he spells certain words, but then remembered we have a few Americans who post who suffer from that affectation. No names shall be mentioned, they know who they are… fuhgeddaboudit.
Colonel Haiku (2601c0) — 4/14/2016 @ 5:50 pmChristoph has been banned from here under his original moniker, and then under a metric ton of socks. He’s not a white supremacist, he says, while also saying we have to protect our own (meaning white people). And he’s huge on washing Trump’s feet with his tears and drying them with his hair, just like ropelight, papertiger, old liar, happyfascist.
Luke 7:38
John Hitchcock (ebc02c) — 4/14/2016 @ 5:57 pmI’m an ass, guilty of of the similar insult Trump hand his supporters have similarly placed on others undeserved…
The horrid nature of some Trump folks is no different than some who vociferously oppose. This fact is not absolution, but rather a warning.
I’m sorry and should have known better if conscience is any guide.
pieter (ec44a2) — 4/14/2016 @ 8:10 pmI can’t believe you guys are quoting “Bored of the Rings” and aren’t repeating the inscription on the inside of the magic dingus:
Grundig blaupunkt luger frug
Watusi snarfnote wazoo!
Nixon dirksen nasahist
Rebozo boogaloo.
This Ring and no other was made by the Elves
David, infamous sockpuppet (12a5ec) — 4/15/2016 @ 2:49 amWho’d pawn their own mother to get it themselves.
Ruler of creeper, mortal and scallop,
This is a sleeper that packs quite a wallop.
If broken or busted it cannot be remade.
If found, send to Sorhed. (The postage is prepaid.)
Jeff Goldstein:
What’s that? I heard of a Texas case, but that involved somebody who was a citizen of Mexico.
Sammy Finkelman (366297) — 4/15/2016 @ 8:18 amSounds like some of us missed a very entertaining CNN cat fight between Sanders & Cinton last eve… and CNN has started to trot out disgruntled Trump “Apprentice” contestants on air.
What an election cycle!
Colonel Haiku (384e8e) — 4/15/2016 @ 8:22 amYes, that’s the case. Got a problem with Goldstein’s characterization of it?
Milhouse (87c499) — 4/15/2016 @ 9:01 amYes, it was in Texas. Mexican National by the name of Medellin was tried and convicted of capitol murder, one of his appeals was that he was not informed that he could contact the Mexican Consulate, as if he is entitled to being told that. Cruz was the lawyer that argued against overturning the sentence. (he won by the way.)
Rorschach (6fc5f7) — 4/15/2016 @ 9:47 amI’m pretty sure the murder did not take place inside the Capitol (note the capital; it’s a proper noun). There are always plenty of witnesses there.
Milhouse (87c499) — 4/15/2016 @ 12:18 pmThat. Was. Pure. Comedy. Genius. Milhouse.
Colonel Haiku (384e8e) — 4/15/2016 @ 12:23 pmCruz was on CNBC with Joe Kernan talking about the economy and a host of other topics. It lasts 46 minutes but it’s worth watching.
DRJ (15874d) — 4/15/2016 @ 12:46 pmThat interview would make me vote for Cruz by itself. If Trump said the same things and could answer those questions as easily as Cruz did, I would vote for him, too.
DRJ (15874d) — 4/15/2016 @ 12:49 pmit’d be nice if Mr. Trump were as smart as Mr. Cruz but that’s just not in the cards is it
nope.
That’s not the real world we live in.
We have to deal with things as they are.
happyfeet (a037ad) — 4/15/2016 @ 1:44 pmBen Carson plays the race card to complain about Colorado’s election rules by comparing these rules to Jim Crow. Despicable!
http://hotair.com/archives/2016/04/15/ben-carson-on-colorados-rules-the-jim-crow-era-had-rules-too-you-know/
Tony (ff2fe4) — 4/15/2016 @ 2:31 pm