Patterico's Pontifications

4/14/2016

Press Conference by State’s Attorney Rejecting Lewandowski Case: Weak

Filed under: General — Patterico @ 6:03 pm



Here it is:

I’m generally reluctant to criticize a decision by a district attorney or state’s attorney, without access to all the information they had. That said, just based on the statement made by the Democrat state’s attorney, I think this is weak. The idea that the Big Defense was going to be something that the suspect (Lewandowski) had already publicly denied — touching Fields because he had to defend Donald J. Trump from Big Bad Michelle Fields — I think is self-evidently absurd.

That said, I can’t get too wound up over this.

I am interested by the fact that they didn’t talk to anyone from the Secret Service; that Lewandowski’s legal team drafted an apology to Fields; and that the state’s attorney says there is no reasonable doubt that Lewandowski grabbed Fields.

In other words, Lewandowski lied.

But we all knew that.

P.S. In the video above, they make reference to a surveillance video that they were all planning to watch, that supposedly has audio. I can’t find it. If anyone can direct me to that, please let me know.

452 Responses to “Press Conference by State’s Attorney Rejecting Lewandowski Case: Weak”

  1. Ding.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  2. Remember when the initial defense out forth by the short fingered Trumpkins was that it never happened, and that since she hadn’t filed a police report, it proved nothing happened? From there, their defenses and lies spiraled.

    JD (34f761)

  3. going forward Lewandowski should tell the truth more better

    he learned a hard lesson, but he can bounce back from this

    happyfeet (831175)

  4. Let’s assume Corey remembered touching her and therefore lied when he said he never touched her. So what? Fields started the whole thing by lying about what happened to her–saying that Corey tried to pull her to the ground and that she was “shaken” by the incident (video confirms her facial expression did not even change). We also know that the bruises were on her lower arm even though the video shows Corey grabbing her in the upper arm.

    As to Corey’s defense of others defense:

    Fields was told to leave area. She did but then returned when the SS agent turned his back. She was being waved back by two agents immediately before Corey grabbed her.

    Fields was weirdly close to Trump, even touched him.

    Fields has penetrated the SS screen.

    Finally, when are you and Beldar going to admit this is not a case of prosecutorial discretion. What the DA said is that he could not legally and ethically bring proceed with charges because the defense of others argument is a good one (and therefore there was not a reasonable likelihood of getting a conviction).

    Stop acting like hacks, you’re not fooling anybody.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  5. it never happened

    What Fields claimed happened, didn’t happen. That is true.

    Maybe Corey lied on twitter, maybe he meant to deny what she claimed happened, maybe he didn’t remember what happened given that it was no big deal and hardly resembled what she stated happened.

    Doesn’t change the fact Fields lied about what had happened and that Corey was perfectly justified in removing her outside the SS security bubble under the circumstances.

    You guys have looked like fools all along but the refusal to acknowledge reality on this is astounding.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  6. Please, give it up.This was a POS case form the word go.You can hate Trump all you want, but to think this nonsense was going anywhere was wishful thinking. it was garbage.

    Bugg (3ae93d)

  7. Old Liar continues to tell brazen lies. She never claimed to have been pulled to the ground. Again with your phantom Secret Service nonsense. These are precisely the lies I previously referenced.

    JD (38f19f)

  8. JD, do you have reading comprehension problems? She said she was he tried to pull her to ground, look it up. She said this multiple times in different ways–that he tried to pull her to the ground.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  9. well actual eye witnesses differed,

    Police in Jupiter, Florida released video of their interview with Michael Spellman on Thursday, along with a more formal statement that he wrote immediately afterward.

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3540520/No-charges-Trump-campaign-manager-reporter-battery-case-investigators-say-reacting-touched-Trump-did-needed-do.html#ixzz45r91R1MS
    Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

    narciso (732bc0)

  10. No, she did not. Others that either witnessed it, or her boyfriend may have said that, she did not. You are making that up.

    JD (38f19f)

  11. Trump acknowledged the question, but before he could answer I was jolted backwards. Someone had grabbed me tightly by the arm and yanked me down. I almost fell to the ground, but was able to maintain my balance. Nonetheless, I was shaken.

    The Washington Post’s Ben Terris immediately remarked that it was Trump’s campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, who aggressively tried to pull me to the ground. I quickly turned around and saw Lewandowski and Trump exiting the building together. No apology. No explanation for why he did this.

    That’s from her own damn article she wrote when she still worked for Brietbart.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  12. Did you read what you copied and pasted ? She was relaying what someone else said they witnessed. Good Allah.

    JD (38f19f)

  13. JD, I can see why you call yourself a simpleton.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  14. There is NO WAY I am voting for Michelle Fields for President!

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  15. totes feel you

    happyfeet (831175)

  16. JD, I can see why you call yourself a simpleton.
    Old Reader (08f24c) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:13 pm

    From where your head is, you can only see Trump’s colon.

    nk (dbc370)

  17. More Fields from same piece:

    Even if Trump was done taking questions, Lewandowski would be out of line. Campaign managers aren’t supposed to try to forcefully throw reporters to the ground, no matter the circumstance.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  18. Old Liar – go back to your white supremacy BS, your fear of brown people, isolationist BS, and the rest of your nonsense. You are beclowning yourself.

    JD (38f19f)

  19. Campaign managers aren’t supposed to grab reporters either. It’s really quite simple. But you approve, because it was done on behalf of your idol.

    JD (38f19f)

  20. JD, so I prove you are completely wrong and you respond with insults. Stay classy.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  21. You proved you are an imbecile and dishonest.

    JD (38f19f)

  22. By dishonest you mean provide you of incontrovertible proof that Michelle Fields did in fact, several times, accuse Corey of trying to forcefully throw her to the ground. Is that what you mean by dishonest?

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  23. There is NO WAY I am voting for Michelle Fields for President!

    Patterico (86c8ed) — 4/14/2016 @ 7:15 pm

    Why would you? She’s a whore! And not just a whore, but a whore who attempted to do her job. The worst kind!

    Dana (0ee61a)

  24. Only because you are too dense, and too in the tank to give a rip about the actual facts. Your act is tiresome.

    JD (38f19f)

  25. Even if Trump was done taking questions, Lewandowski would be out of line. Campaign managers aren’t supposed to try to forcefully throw reporters to the ground, no matter the circumstance.

    Is it really so hard to admit you are wrong, JD? What the heck is wrong with you nevertrumpers.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  26. Repeating what others witnessed. Regardless, he had no business putting his hands on her. He had zero authority to do so, not within job description, inappropriate. It was silly from the outset. But you don’t give a shlt about that. It was silly on all parties. But your side chose to lie lie lie at every turn.

    JD (38f19f)

  27. Only because you are too dense, and too in the tank to give a rip about the actual facts. Your act is tiresome.

    This is rich. Review: I say that MF claimed Corey tried to throw her to the ground. You deny this is true. I show that MF did in fact claim Corey tried to aggressively throw her to the ground. You call me a dishonest moron that doesn’t care about the facts. Again, what the heck is wrong with you that you can’t just admit you’re wrong on this?

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  28. Regardless, he had no business putting his hands on her.

    Democrat DA disagrees. From press release: “Mr. Lewandowski has a reasonable hypothesis of innocence. There is insufficient evidence to rebut these defenses.”

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  29. Because you aren’t participating in good faith, and I do not accept your underlying premise. The reporter and her boyfriend set the original narrative on this, as you documented. At every point from there on, you and your ilk have lied.

    JD (38f19f)

  30. What the DA said does not give rise to the ability of people to go around grabbing and pulling other people. Period. That they choose to not prosecute it because it wasn’t that big of a deal is something completely different.

    JD (38f19f)

  31. Do you really think that DA green-lighted Corey to go around grabbing and pulling anyone her wants to?

    JD (38f19f)

  32. I e wasted enough of my life responding to your drivel. I know better than to engage with white supremacist asshats.

    JD (38f19f)

  33. I unfortunately saw this on Fox News.

    Way, way, too much time spent on this nonsense.
    Fields appeared to me to use a bit of hyperbole to describe the episode, nonetheless, she was grabbed and her momentum suddenly shifted away from Trump.
    Lewandowski and Trump lied about what didn’t not happen.
    The idea that Lewandowski had to act to protect Trump in the stead of the Secret Service is ridiculous, ludicrous, and ridicule worthy. If that was the case, the Secret Service agent needs to be fired yesterday.

    A brief non-committal apology (“sorry the incident happened, but the Q and A was over”) would have made it all a non-event, but apparently they couldn’t tolerate being that honest when everyone saw what happened.
    Which in my mind puts L and Trump into the pathological liar category,
    pathological liars don’t gt my vote.
    If it comes down to 2 pathological liars…well, lets hope that it doesn’t.

    MD back in Philly (f9371b)

  34. Sad you can’t admit a simple mistake. It happens. Michelle made some ridiculous claims that weren’t supported by the evidence.

    Corey’s categorical denial makes sense in light of these claims. Let’s say somebody says you beat the heck out of your wife. You respond, “I have never touched my wife!” That’s only a lie if you refuse to understand how people speak. It’s obviously a lie that the defendant has never touched his wife, but we all know he means that he never touched her in an abusive way.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  35. What MD said.

    JD (38f19f)

  36. I think the bottom line has nothing to do with ‘who said what’ or what can be proved in court. The state’s attorney wanted no part of what would become a three-ring circus with clowns jumpong ut of little cars, lion tamers, scantily clad ladies standing on galloping horses — the whole shiterree.,

    They also saw countless news agencies in the street and jury selection that would extend beyond the actual election, just looking for 12 who could be believed when they said they had no idea what this case was about or who any of the people involved were. The state’s attorney was not up for that.

    Some of the best decisions we make are those where we decide not to do something. Someone said that once, and I think they are correct.

    Gramps (39f97a)

  37. Corey’s categorical denial, IMO, is a bunch of dishonest crap. I am not a paid campaign consultant, and I just demonstrated what would have resolved this before it started, without them (L+T) having to lie.

    MD back in Philly (f9371b)

  38. What MD said. Again.

    JD (38f19f)

  39. Apology business is a red herring. She, Shapiro, Weinstein all went public accusing the campaign of thuggery. Not how you go about seeking an apology.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  40. That comment is hysterically ironic.

    Simon Jester (78ebb2)

  41. Back to denying he put his hand on her. Lol

    JD (38f19f)

  42. I e wasted enough of my life responding to your drivel. I know better than to engage with white supremacist asshats.

    I favor restricted immigration as to bring down the percent of foreign born, for cultural and economic reasons. I guess that makes most Americans–of all colors–white supremacists.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  43. What a coincidence that Trump talked about an eye for an eye right now, on the same day the DA from his neighborhood made a statement that helps his campaign.

    DRJ (15874d)

  44. No, Old Reader, that makes you a white supremacist. Own it.

    DRJ (15874d)

  45. DRJ – and in doing so, shows he knows next to nothing about the teachings of Jesus and the Bible.

    JD (38f19f)

  46. No, most Americans don’t subscribe to those theories. As DRJ aptly noted, own it.

    JD (38f19f)

  47. No, Old Reader, that makes you a white supremacist. Own it.

    I guess my Indian, Japanese, and Mexican friends with similar views are all “white supremacists” too?

    Question for you open borders shills–how much is too much? How many foreigners have to enter the United States before you think it’s time to call it quits.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  48. Polls are tricky, of course, but the restrictionists far outnumber the expansinists. A whopping 7% of Americans support increased immigration.

    In terms of purely legal immigration, 45% of Americans want less legal immigration, compared to 17 percent that want more.

    All of them white supremacists, I’m sure.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  49. Then where would have Trump found two of his three wives?

    nk (dbc370)

  50. On what kind of visa was Melania btween 1996 when she came to New York and 2001 when she got her green card?

    nk (dbc370)

  51. I want to secure our borders but I also believe in legal immigration. For me, it isn’t about brown or white or any color, it’s about legal vs illegal.

    DRJ (15874d)

  52. Old Liar is lying. Again. Opposing his white supremacist views in no way means advocacy of open borders.

    JD (38f19f)

  53. Race traitor!

    nk (dbc370)

  54. My beautiful brown skinned daughters think you are an effin moron, Old Liar.

    JD (38f19f)

  55. Another trick you Cruzbots have pulled from the SWJ side of the asile–yell racist when you are exposed as fools and blowhards. I am not a racist, a white supremacist, or anything like that. I want less immigration for sound cultural and economic reasons. That’s not racism.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  56. Because you are scared of the brown and yellow people. Own it.

    JD (38f19f)

  57. JD, I am happy you have a beautiful family. But the fact that your children are non-white doesn’t mean America is better with more immigration. That’s leftist, feelings-win-the-argument sort of stuff. You should know better.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  58. Because you are scared of the brown and yellow people. Own it.

    Ladies and gentlemen, the “conservative” response to proposing less immigration.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  59. Don’t try to transfer your guilt of noxious views onto me.

    JD (38f19f)

  60. JD, I was merely pointing out that yelling “racist” to immigration restriction policy is not a logical argument, something we conservatives have traditionally tried to advance. Rather, that’s a leftist social justice warrior approach (e.g., calling Hillary a racist for her past comments on “super predators” and given her support of the 1996 crime bill).

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  61. There has not been an “IMMIGRATION” issue in this country for years.
    Leftards and morons try to steer the narrative to “COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION POLICY” HOW SPECIAL,
    We have upwards of 12 milllllllllion people IN OUR NATION ILLLLLLEGALLLLLLY.

    THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. I don’t care if the person who is here ILLLLLEGALLLLY is brown, pink, green or TRANSGENDERED. The issue is our sovereignty and our nations SECURITY.
    I for one, will not discuss, debate or be baited into a conversation that I am not interested in.
    OUR BORDERS, specifically our SOUTHERN BORDER must be secured, and those who are here ILLEGALLY must not be permitted to PROFIT from their ILLEGAL STATUS. Maybe then we can talk.

    GUS (30b6bd)

  62. Maybe you should take a f@cking moment to figure out what my views are. We know yours run to the Spencer end of the spectrum.

    JD (38f19f)

  63. You and I do not inhabit any “we”‘space.

    JD (38f19f)

  64. I also believe in legal immigration.

    DRJ (15874d) — 4/14/2016 @ 8:11 pm

    What a statement of nothingness. So if politicians had enough votes to bring the poorest billion of earth’s starving inhabitants to the United States, you would believe in and support it because it would be “legal”?

    jcurtis (deff4c)

  65. What a statement of nothingness. So if politicians had enough votes to

    Are you as insane as your badgerheaded casino-owning skirt-chasing baboon? How do you think a democracy works except through “enough votes” scheisskopf? By fiat of the Leader? Or by whining, insults and accusations of cheating by spoiled brats who don’t get their way?

    nk (dbc370)

  66. This was another case of ambulance-chasing or I’ll-sue-sue-sue! idiocy, which, ironically enough, is something that Trump — with his gold-plated lawyers at his beck and call — isn’t exactly reticent to be guilty of.

    As for immigration and charges of discrimination, when the folks who cry “racism” the loudest (eg, the super-liberal couple in the White House, and the schools they’ve sent their precious daughters to, and the communities they love to socialize in, reside in and will probably retire to) are no longer guilty of voting with their feet (and the moving van) in a way that makes a mockery of their supposed tolerance and love of diversity, that will be the day pigs fly.

    Mark (16bc93)

  67. Mark. Once upon a time, there was SOME semblance OF HONESTY and some morality.
    OBAMA changed all that. Bill Clinton and his COMPLETE LACK OF ANY MORAL COMPASS changed AMERICA forever.

    GUS (30b6bd)

  68. NK, are you trying to miss the point of his post? I’m not trying to be mean but the quality of the debate here is very low. Beldar puts in the effort but he’s usually wrong, though he tries to make up for lack of substance by an unmatched pedantic blowhard. But at least he usually addresses the substance of the post. The rest of you change the subject or chortle about something juvenile.

    To say you’re for “legal” immigration is a “nothing statement” because that can mean any level of immigration. I’ve tried to elicit what you open borders advocates think is too much but you can’t even say that. We are about 20% foreign born right now. At what point is too much? Should we just invite the whole world and see how it works out? What’s your immigration plan, NK? My plan is skill and point-based immigration with low levels of immigration. I know it’s easier to be snide and crack jokes, but why the consistent refusal to engage on the issues?

    Pro-tip to most of the commenters here. None of us know it all. You can learn from other people. No shame in admitting mistakes. At the end of the day, we probably agree on a lot of things. Try to post accordingly.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  69. Speaking of pompous (but by no means pedantic!) blowhards…

    Leviticus (c8fdf0)

  70. My plan is to vote for a President of superior intellect and impeccable character and not a casino-owning skirt-chasing demented old baboon.

    nk (dbc370)

  71. Anyone not named Old Liar is for open borders. WTF

    JD (38f19f)

  72. I demand an apology for slandered baboons everywhere, or sue I will!

    Yoda (feee21)

  73. I’m sorry, Yoda. And MD is upset at me too for slandering badgers.

    nk (dbc370)

  74. Trump is Eddie Haskell.

    mg (31009b)

  75. No, Old Reader, that makes you a white supremacist. Own it.
    DRJ (15874d) — 4/14/2016 @ 8:00 pm

    This for me, is when this blog died. I have nothing but respect for DRJ that goes back over 10 years. But the animosity that ha repaced what used to be such reasoned dialogue means I won’t be back. Nor will I be missed, but this was the only place where I ever commented. I fear for our Republic…

    Gazzer (7e51c1)

  76. Howdy Gowdy is about to help elect a democrat. And I though Issa sucked.

    mg (31009b)

  77. The only person slower than the republican party is Jordon Speith. Pathetically slow and dense.

    mg (31009b)

  78. #2 Remember when the initial defense out forth by the short fingered Trumpkins was that it never happened, and that since she hadn’t filed a police report, it proved nothing happened? From there, their defenses and lies spiraled.

    Let me re-write …

    Remember when the initial reason set forth by the short fingered Bushies was that WMD existed, and that since the weapons were never found, it did not disprove they really did exist? From there, their defenses and lies spiraled.

    Rodney King's Spirit (db6706)

  79. there was no reason for to have a press conference weak or otherwise

    happyfeet (831175)

  80. HHere’s your phony WMDs Rodney:

    https://youtu.be/bBRJeXSFBls

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6)

  81. Yes, yes I am, nk,
    But I do forgive you.

    Just don’t start singing the praises of armadillos, or you will really be trying my patience…

    MD back in Philly!!! (f9371b)

  82. Megalopyge opercularis (big-ass caterpillars)?

    nk (dbc370)

  83. Thanks for that, Hoagie.
    Sometimes I wonder what the point is of discussing anything, when even the most pertinent information is withheld, the facts are obscured, and lies are accepted as accepted truth.

    The whole world is under the sway of the evil one,
    but not forever.

    MD back in Philly!!! (f9371b)

  84. Hoagie, to gloss over context is to lie.

    To insist on WMD Threat as described by Bush or to insist on a crime as described by Michele Fields IN LGHT OF FACTS NOW KNOWN is to lie.

    Liar.

    Rodney King's Spirit (db6706)

  85. Folks get it wrong in the heat of battle and that is ok but when total view clarifies and you are wrong ….. U r wrong.

    Saddam did not have WMD in any way meaningful enough to justify the marketing of the war as proposed by Bush. Don’t think Bush lied either. He was wrong just like Obola is wrong for throwing away that victory and fomenting Isis.

    Rodney King's Spirit (db6706)

  86. yes yes CIA pooftertrash were too busy watching gay porn and eating those darling rice krispie treats decorated with skittles to actually get good intelligence for idiot loser Bullhorn Bush

    happyfeet (831175)

  87. #2 Remember when the initial defense out forth by the short fingered Trumpkins was that it never happened, and that since she hadn’t filed a police report, it proved nothing happened? From there, their defenses and lies spiraled.

    Let me re-write …

    Remember when the initial reason set forth by the short fingered Bushies was that WMD existed, and that since the weapons were never found, it did not disprove they really did exist? From there, their defenses and lies spiraled.

    Rodney King’s Spirit (db6706) — 4/15/2016 @ 4:24 am

    In formal logic terms this is a textbook example of Ignoratio Elenchi.

    Are you still insisting that Lewandoski never grabbed Fields, or not?

    Gerald A (945582)

  88. Gerald A: Are you claiming that HE ever said that? Or are you just taking words that someone else said, and injecting those in a very poor straw man attack?

    prowlerguy (fa36d8)

  89. I’m beginning to think that the Cruz supporters here are just fine with people sneaking past the SS detail after being told twice to leave and then getting so close to Trump that they are able to take him by the arm. Because they want someone to kill Trump, because that is the only way to keep their GOP lapdog from losing so badly that any shenanigans that give him the nomination will taint his candidacy beyond all repair. After all, if a presidential candidate is willing to over-ride the clear will of his own party members, what will he be willing to do when only considering the general electorate?

    prowlerguy (fa36d8)

  90. they want someone to kill Trump

    Wow, dude. Shouldn’t even dignify this with a response, but if you’re sincere and not just trolling you are severely paranoid.

    the clear will of his own party members,

    Why don’t you look at how Trump has been crushed in closed primaries. When you talk about just Republicans I don’t think Trump would even be in the top two candidates, let alone even close to winning. It’s democrats who have put him over the top… until lately. Ever since it became a two man race, and ever since the Trump campaign roughed up that reporter, he hasn’t been winning much anywhere. So no, Trump isn’t the pick the GOP wants by any stretch, which is why he won’t be the nominee.

    Dustin (2a8be7)

  91. roughed up lol

    happyfeet (831175)

  92. I will make a prediction. Once the Democratic National Committee (that’s the organization behind Hillary for you Trumpkins) is convinced that Trump will not get the nomination, it will give orders to the media to stop giving free publicity to Trump. Using the airtime instead for positive publicity for the Cankle With The Cackle and negative publicity for Cruz. And Trump will get apoplexy and start tweeting pictures of his … err hands.

    nk (dbc370)

  93. Lies, dam*ed lies, and statistics,
    and lies of omission…
    Not a mere lie, not a statistic, not an omission…
    that leaves one category left, prowlerguy

    No one here has ever said anything to the effect that it is ok to ignore the instructions of the secret service.
    What we have said is that it is laughable to suggest that a campaign official should be in a situation where it is he/she who needs to take protective measures of the candidate while the secret service agent is oblivious. If that was the case, the agent/s involved need to be fired and replaced.

    MD back in Philly!!! (f9371b)

  94. Gerald A: Are you claiming that HE ever said that? Or are you just taking words that someone else said, and injecting those in a very poor straw man attack?

    prowlerguy (fa36d8) — 4/15/2016 @ 5:59 am

    I don’t know if he ever said that, but the fallacy is the same either way.

    Gerald A (945582)

  95. OT, sorry. Was at U of P all week for lung transplant tests. I did good. Met my surgeons who, if I’m accepted will be the guys doing the operation, Dr’s Bermudez and Cantu. Nice guys between them have over 400 transplants under their belt. So things are moving along, I should know within the month then I’ll be placed on the wait list. At that point a call could come at any time. Thank God, this is really beating up my wife. Poor lady was pushing 200lbs of Hoagie all over U of P all week in a Wheelchair. These ornamental’s are tough. It’s hard being a trophy husband in a wheelchair.

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6)

  96. MD – their story alternates between it didn’t happen, secret service knew of no incident, to SS ordered her and her alone away multiple times and Corey and the SS saved Trump from a potential pen bomber

    JD (38f19f)

  97. All my best wishes, Hoagie.

    BTW, in Korea don’t the guys carry the girls? Or is that only when they’re dating?

    nk (dbc370)

  98. This for me, is when this blog died. I have nothing but respect for DRJ that goes back over 10 years. But the animosity that ha repaced what used to be such reasoned dialogue means I won’t be back. Nor will I be missed, but this was the only place where I ever commented. I fear for our Republic…

    Your observation reminds me of the way the left, for whatever reason, has been getting into bed with Islamism and its adherents in spite of the generally reactionary and socially rightwing, if you will, nature of that theology and the culture its followers tend to nurture.

    My disdain of the left throughout the Western World is the reason why I admit to not being quite as disgusted and alarmed by Islamofascism as I’d otherwise or should be. That’s because we face a situation that’s analogous to the classic victim of spousal abuse (often a woman) getting verbally and physically beaten by the other spouse, in which the victim — for purely emotional and not financial reasons—the latter at least being somewhat of an understandable excuse — keeps going back for seconds. After awhile the only response that remains is one of total exasperation and pity full of disdain.

    I too fear for this nation and the civilized world.

    Mark (16bc93)

  99. ikes i missed that about Mr. Gazzer

    Mr. Gazzer it’s a rough patch is all bet

    i think i’m a listen to some Howard Jones this weekend I should check and see if he’s in me cloud

    happyfeet (a037ad)

  100. is all *I* bet i mean

    happyfeet (a037ad)

  101. yay lung transplant!

    happyfeet (a037ad)

  102. Was at U of P all week for lung transplant tests. I did good.

    That really is the best sh*t I’ve heard all week, Rev. Good going.

    Bill H (dcdd7b)

  103. nk,

    The media have, IMO, achieved their main objective and are already reducing free time for the buffoon. There will be a bit of pot banging over the results in the NE Blue Hell cesspits which he has absolutely no hope of carrying but the GOP is heading to Cleveland in precisely the shape which media worked very hard to achieve. Trump is on the platter, ready for carving.

    Rick Ballard (a55d80)

  104. Michelle Fields joins the notorious company of Tawana Brawley and Anita Hill.

    ropelight (9c81a7)

  105. #85, Gerald

    When folks start using latin, I know they have lost.

    Fact is I could care less if he grabbed her by the arm or not. What I care about is if he assaulted her as she alleged and he did not.

    And I am curious who lied to the Cops b/c it seems Lewandowski did not lie TO THE COPS whereas if Fields stuck with her Briebart “testi-money” then she did. Why is she not arrested??? Oh that is right, “Victims” feelings are sacrosanct but other freedom being put at risk is unimportant. Hello Officer WIlson from Ferguson!!!!!!!!!!!

    Folks here are going ON and ON about how he first said I don’t know her / touch her as if it matter a beans worth. The video shows what happened, who cares about the “eyewitnesses. Frankly if that is the extent of his “knowing her and touching her” — I would probably have reacted same as Lewandowski to the outrageous lie that I assaulted a women. He might be wrong on the details but completely right in the context of being charged with a crime. Crime? RUFKM?

    That event for any normal human being (man or women) is not memorable … unless you are a psychotic loser trolling for money/fame or fugazy righteous indignation. Michelle Fields and #nevertrumpsters are right in that camp.

    Rodney King's Spirit (db6706)

  106. Rodney King,

    You’re being disingenous about “assault.”
    The allegation is one of battery—not assault.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  107. MD back in Philly!!! (f9371b) — 4/15/2016 @ 6:58 am

    it is laughable to suggest that a campaign official should be in a situation where it is he/she who needs to take protective measures of the candidate while the secret service agent is oblivious. If that was the case, the agent/s involved need to be fired and replaced.

    The legal defense that the district attorney said Corey Lewandwski could have was not that it was actually necessary for him to get Michelle Fields away from Donald Trump, but rather, that the Secret Service had a policy of keeping a candidate inside a “protective bubble” (it should be noted this means people would get searched for weapons or vetted for friendliness) and Corey Lewandowski, as campaign manager, might consider that to be within the parameters of his job; and she was going, or could be considered to be going, where she wasn’t supposed to be going. The Secret Service, of course, did nothing, because she was already cleared to be next to Donald Trump.

    It was, however, close enough to the things the Secret Service does, and close enough to Corey’s job responsibilities, to arguably be within his rights and a legal defense to battery. To find him guilty, the DA would have to prove it was not done for any such legitimate purpose.

    Sammy Finkelman (366297)

  108. OT: For those who would enjoy reading something substantive on the Cruz and Trump campaigns, rather than this endless exchange of lies, half-truths, and exasperated attempts to inject facts into the argument, I recommend this article on Energy and Climate policies:

    http://news.heartland.org/newspaper-article/2016/04/12/cruz-trump-go-record-climate-energy

    Both candidates are headed in the right direction, but I prefer Cruz’s responses overall.

    BobStewartatHome (7b7fb2)

  109. And for what it’s worth, the issue isn’t about the details of the event, nor is it about whether a crime was (or wasn’t) committed. This issue is the Trump campaign’s response to the event. And that is undeniably inappropriate.

    BobStewartatHome (7b7fb2)

  110. Dear Hoagie #93. You are in my and my family’s prayers. Truly.

    Simon Jester (2708f4)

  111. The issue, not “This issue ..”

    BobStewartatHome (7b7fb2)

  112. Megalopyge opercularis. That’s Greek and Latin. It means big-ass caterpillar. Which is what Trump has on his head.

    Ignoratio Elenchi. That’s Latin and Greek. It means “squirrel” as in “look over there” which is the BS that RKS has been favoring us with. And could also be a little furry animal that Trump has on his head.

    nk (dbc370)

  113. By the by, Rodney King’s Spirit, its come out now that the CIA has been using various intel contacts and bribes to purchase leftover WMD storehouses in Iraq for the past ten years or so. It was intentionally not reported so that the sources wouldn’t dry up and would still take bribes. But the munitions people who had to blow it up knew.

    Please take some time to google it, change your opinion if you like. I realize the standard method is to move the goalposts here with ‘those weren’t WMDs!’ And ‘it was just mustard gas!’ And ‘ there wasn’t enough!’

    But really, the one time the CIA does something decent for ten plus years and keeps it mostly secret, you might want to acknowledge it.

    luagha (a2af50)

  114. #85, Gerald

    When folks start using latin, I know they have lost.

    Rodney King’s Spirit (db6706) — 4/15/2016 @ 8:39 am

    You made some kind of connection between Bush/WMD’s and this incident. I still can’t figure out what the connection is.

    Gerald A (945582)

  115. Not to be argumentative or anything.

    Gerald A (945582)

  116. #2 Remember when the initial defense out forth by the short fingered Trumpkins was that it never happened, and that since she hadn’t filed a police report, it proved nothing happened? From there, their defenses and lies spiraled.

    Let me re-write …

    Remember when the initial reason set forth by the short fingered Bushies was that WMD existed, and that since the weapons were never found, it did not disprove they really did exist? From there, their defenses and lies spiraled.

    The difference is that the first version is what actually happened, while your rewrite is a filthy lie. Other than that, sure.

    Milhouse (87c499)

  117. Hoagie, my best wishes also. I saw your link to the WMD video, and you sounded fit, feisty, and on target. And RKS is full of it. The soldiers that were injured in these events were awarded Purple Hearts which “disappeared” when some piece of crap in the Pentagon decided they needed to hush up the whole thing. This had a grave effect on the care available to the injured men.

    Here’s a geometry challenge. Get out a piece of paper and a pencil, and with no other aids prove (with some rigor) that the sum of the angles inside a triangle are 180 degrees.

    I recently learned that the progressive movement intentionally degraded math teaching beginning in the 1920s, reasoning that the proles had no need for algebra, geometry, and trigonometry since their fate was to work in an assembly line. This basic outlook has gotten worse in the last 20 years. With the advent of hand calculators, our elites geniuses concluded that the kids didn’t need to learn arithmetic either. And we wonder why so many of our kids can’t find challenging work.

    BobStewartatHome (7b7fb2)

  118. You made some kind of connection between Bush/WMD’s and this incident.

    I believe it was to cite the way lots of liberals dealt with the Iraq war based on not necessarily their hatred for that military initiative as much as that it was led by George Bush—I bet if the leftist now in the Oval Office had done the exact same thing to Saddam Hussein, the cries of “war monger!!!” and “you lie about WMD!!” would have been muted to non-existent. So for ideological/partisan reasons, they liked characterizing the situation to make one side look worse or more guilty (or guilty, period) than it actually was.

    Mark (1c327a)

  119. To insist on WMD Threat as described by Bush […]
    Saddam did not have WMD in any way meaningful enough to justify the marketing of the war as proposed by Bush.

    More lies. (1) Bush did not claim that Hussein actually had a stockpile of ready-to-use WMDs, and his arguments for the invasion did not rest on such a claim at all.

    Milhouse (87c499)

  120. I’m beginning to think that the Cruz supporters here are just fine with people sneaking past the SS detail after being told twice to leave and then getting so close to Trump that they are able to take him by the arm

    Um, yes, it’s a free country, and anyone has the right to go anywhere they like. The SS do not have the authority to give anyone orders. Nor did they give Fields any orders. The whole claim that they did is a giant Trump lie.

    Milhouse (87c499)

  121. I think he believes that based on his past comments, Gazzer. I hope you do not believe I am painting everyone who supports Trump with that broad brush because I’m not.

    DRJ (15874d)

  122. red and yellow black and white they are precious in his sight Donald loves the little children of the whirl

    happyfeet (a037ad)

  123. “Why don’t you look at how Trump has been crushed in closed primaries.”
    Math is never a strong suit for the Cruzites. To date, there have been only been 5 closed primaries. Just 5. Of those, Trump has won the last 2, FL & AZ. Cruz won ID and OK. And of those 5 primaries, Trump got 200 delegates. Cruz got 53. And this will only get worse for Cruz, since NY, CT, DE, MD, and PA are all closed primaries, and all have Trump with commanding leads. Where is that “crushing” going on at? Perhaps just in your head.

    And the only primary where Trump has been “crushed” by Cruz was TX, which was….OPEN.

    So what exactly did you mean by your “fact”?

    It would be more fair to say that Teddie has excelled mainly in closed caucuses, where party apparatchiks load the deck for the GOP bosses, and the people who are registered as Republican have no real voice.

    prowlerguy (fa36d8)

  124. “So no, Trump isn’t the pick the GOP wants by any stretch, which is why he won’t be the nominee.”
    There it is. Finally, a Cruzite admits the truth. The PARTY (as opposed to the voters) don’t want Trump. And because they control the rules, they can make it happen. They can cancel primaries in states (like CO did), they can refuse to seat delegates at the convention, and they can change any rule they like to ensure Trump does not get the nomination. In fact, he could have 1237+ and still he won’t get the nomination.

    Here is the sad thing for the Cruzites. Once the rules committee changes rule 40, Cruz will find himself shoved aside for more “pliable” candidate despite Cruz drawing just enough delegates away (by any means necessary) from Trump to force the contested convention in the first place. I just don’t want to hear you crying THEN about how unfair it is. It is the path you chose, so instead of actually getting a majority of delegates, you opted for a free-for-all where you count on delegates ignoring those who voted in the primaries.

    prowlerguy (fa36d8)

  125. Gerald A @ : Now you are just putting up links at random, because if you belive that your statement, which apparently you can’t support

    Are you still insisting that Lewandoski never grabbed Fields, or not?

    is somehow related to what you claim is a non-sequiter, then you don’t understand logic at all.

    But glad to see you admit that once again, a Cruz supporter will lie and make up things from whole cloth to attempt to score points.

    prowlerguy (fa36d8)

  126. prowlerguy, it sounds like you’re getting nervous about the prospect of losing on the second ballot in Cleveland. I don’t blame you. Trump has high negative ratings with women, men, people, and voters. He wouldn’t be able to win the general election.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  127. MD back in Philly @ 91: You just didn’t give it enough time. Milhouse made a liar out of you @118.

    prowlerguy (fa36d8)

  128. I just don’t want to hear you crying THEN about how unfair it is.

    And I don’t want you singing “Bess, You Is My Woman Now” out on the sidewalk at 1:00 in the morning, prowlerguy. Nothing like knocking down strawmen, eh? The one who snivels about unfair is a casino-owner with a big poisonous orange caterpillar on his head.

    nk (dbc370)

  129. Sad but not surprised the prosecutor didn’t charge. I agree that its weak, and to me that sounds like a political decision was made not to deal with this.

    Fields was battered- was it a terrible battery? No, but he should have been charged and tried. I think the lack of apology demonstrates his lack of regret, and could conceivably encourage worse actions in the future.

    Note that there were two Secret Service agents next to Trump, and neither did anything about Fields. They didn’t even say “stand back”. Lewandoski nearly pushed an agent out of the way to get to her.

    But I guess its okay to grab women violently because TRUMP.

    Patrick Henry, the 2nd (ddead1)

  130. Jcurtis and Old Reader,

    We are not at risk from legal immigrants, which are just over a million people a year. The risk is from illegal immigration. IMO we can absorb even more legal immigrants if we secured our borders.

    DRJ (15874d)

  131. Milhouse made a liar out of you @118.

    Your parents made a liar out of you when they conceived you. Or an idiot who can’t read. More likely both.

    nk (dbc370)

  132. Cruz Supporter @ 124. I think that is a given. Once the party bosses have free reign, then there is no way Trump get the Republican nomination. In fact, I’m not even sure that 1237 would have assured him the nomination, as I already described. If you had 1/10 of the intelligence you think you do, YOU would be worried that all the back-door, under the table pledges of support your guy thinks he has will melt away when the big guns start working the delegates over. Delegates are, to a person, party loyalists who will do what they are told. Unless you are willing to concede that Cruz is just another DC insider with the full support of the DC establishment, then you should be very worried about being the RNC’s used tampon in Cleveland.

    prowlerguy (fa36d8)

  133. “No one here has ever said anything to the effect that it is ok to ignore the instructions of the secret service.” sayeth MD.

    “Um, yes, it’s a free country, and anyone has the right to go anywhere they like. The SS do not have the authority to give anyone orders.” sayeth Milhouse.

    And you think *I’M* the one who can’t read, nk? Simpleton.

    prowlerguy (fa36d8)

  134. If Trumpkins were not given to paranoid fantasy, they would not be Trumpkins. Anyway, the President was picked in Davos in 2014, like I told you. This is just all for show.

    nk (dbc370)

  135. Yes, you’re the one who can’t read. Not even numbers. When did MD say what he said and when did Milhouse say what he said?

    nk (dbc370)

  136. I’m w #73. This place sucks now that the #nevertrump-ers hog the microphone 24-7. You’ve completely lost your minds, and I’m not sticking around anymore. Into the dustbin of internet history you go, along with Charles Johnson. I just hope Ace doesn’t go full retard, or else I’ll have a whole lot of free time on my hands. Time that used to be spent on blogs like this. Maybe it’s for the best – I’m teaching myself to play piano and can use the extra time. Peace out, bitches.

    Navin R Johnson (5e5e48)

  137. That’s why I said “You just didn’t give it enough time.” Did you miss that? I know, you think you have scored a Clintonian victory, by looking at the tense of the verb and grinding on what the meaning of the word is is. Sadly, I noticed and acknowledged that Milhouse’s post came after MD’s, thus neutering your pathetic attempt to emulate your hero’s husband, BJC. Go back to HuffPo, you leftist twit.

    prowlerguy (fa36d8)

  138. Old Reader,

    I believe I confused you and your comments with another commenter who endorsed white supremacy. It does not make you a white supremacist to want to restrict immigration. I apologize.

    DRJ (15874d)

  139. Prowlerguy, give it a rest. #91 and #118 do not make Doc a liar. I rather doubt the Secret Service agents would be bound by an oath of silence if they spotted something that didn’t look right. They are not there to provide expert testimony after the fact.

    Your sort of “conversation” is dragging this blog into the gutter. The moderator needs to wake up and take appropriate action.

    BobStewartatHome (7b7fb2)

  140. Trump Disorganization strikes again in Nebraska. Remedial Politics 101 at Trump U must have been rather shallow.

    Rick Ballard (a55d80)

  141. “It does not make you [Old Reader] a white supremacist to want to restrict immigration.”

    – DRJ

    True. It just makes you a xenophobe, with a utility belt full of dog whistles.

    Leviticus (efada1)

  142. When you get into talking about “the browning of America,” then we can start to contemplate the “white supremacist” tag.

    Leviticus (efada1)

  143. “We are not at risk from legal immigrants, which are just over a million people a year. The risk is from illegal immigration. IMO we can absorb even more legal immigrants if we secured our borders.”

    DRJ (15874d) — 4/15/2016 @ 10:13 am

    Agreed! In fact, we’d want to encourage LEGAL immigration. To simplify things, think of America as it should be… a fairly exclusive club. We have far too many people here who have either never paid for membership or are so far behind with their dues they should have been kicked out long ago. We don’t need any more of that lot!

    Colonel Haiku (384e8e)

  144. BobStewartatHome: MD made an assertion that NOBODY here had said the SS can’t order someone to move away from someone under their protection. Left implied was that to claim anyone here would say such a thing was outside the bounds. Otherwise, why say it? Less than 2.5 hours later, Milhouse said what MD claimed nobody said. I guess the phrase “made a liar out of you” isn’t something that is universal. My bad. I guess those bubbles are pretty thick for the Cruz lovers. However, the phrase does not mean “At the time you said X, you knew X was not true, therefore you are a liar”. What is means is “You made claim X, and subsequent events have made your claim no longer true.”

    But yeah, I’m the one that needs to be banned, not those calling others white supremacists, racists, bringing parents into the mix, etc. Those are all hunky dory with you. I notice you have never raised your righteous voice against John Hitchcock either, who has elevated discourse here with such awesome rhetorical flourishes as these (among countless others)

    No, dirtbag, I saw all your crap.

    Trump Idolator

    And none of his idolators, such as the ones here, have any redeeming value, either….And they will never receive forgiveness from me. This is personal.

    That sort of “conversation” is, based on your actions here, just to your liking. Desire to silence dissenting voices. Just like a good totalitarian and progressive.

    prowlerguy (fa36d8)

  145. randy ted cruz is falling like a tranny hooker in the polls. I guess the picture of ted wearing a dress didn’t help!

    gunsmoke (56e649)

  146. Hey, how about one of you Cruz guys tell us again how Trump gets KILLED in closed primaries? Please? It’s so funny when you do it, over and over again. We need some hoary old chestnuts to roast.

    prowlerguy (fa36d8)

  147. Hoagie,
    I’m back in Philly and just down 611 from you.

    MD back in Philly!!! (f9371b)

  148. 140-We have far too many exclusive club illegal club grass mowers, trap rakers and caddies taking jobs from American kids.
    A few private clubs would fold if they hired legal citizens.

    mg (31009b)

  149. ” Desire to silence dissenting voices. Just like a good totalitarian and progressive.”

    Lololololololololololol. You just described Trump.

    JD (38f19f)

  150. 145… yes, but this club isn’t a country club, mg.

    Colonel Haiku (384e8e)

  151. Lololololololololololol. You just described Trump.

    Probably, JD, but he also described the entire democrat political apparatus, democrat party members and democrat voters so keep your eye on the prize. You do realize that if either of those two old commies on the democrat ticket wins the first post after Jan. 20, 2017 will be if a “new” interpretation of the Second Amendment or The Net Neutrality Act will be enacted first.

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6)

  152. Agreed! In fact, we’d want to encourage LEGAL immigration.

    Why, Colonel?

    True. It just makes you a xenophobe, with a utility belt full of dog whistles. Levidicus.

    And you just whipped out “xenophobe” from your “shut up or you’re a racist” quiver so you’re even.

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6)

  153. Hoagie – Trump might do the same thing, after he gets done wiping his toupee with the 1st Amendment.

    JD (38f19f)

  154. a clean toupee is a happy toupee

    happyfeet (a037ad)

  155. Caterpillars of unusual size?

    steveg (fed1c9)

  156. @ Hoagie, the Trophy Husband (#93), hang in there. When they see you posting, tell the nurses you’re keeping in touch with your fan club — and that you’re just logging on to prune the hecklers. Best of health to you!

    Beldar (fa637a)

  157. @ BobStewartatHome (#106), thanks for that link.

    Re Fields/Lewandowski, we’re at — and long past — the point at which nothing new is being contributed by anyone.

    Regarding trolls and shills:

    It’s all I can do to resist the impulse to comment with links to previous comments on this blog in order to correct some Trumpkin shill as he’s reciting (or cutting and pasting) Trump-as-Victim Meme-o’-the-Day Nos. 153, 159, 166 & 170. That effort, if I invested it, would only stimulate them and cause them to continue posting their excited excretions. So often, the best thing to do is just to keep scrolling, and to trust in the wisdom of the non-Trumpkin-shill commenters here to resist the Trumpkin shills’ nonsense (typically a bad-faith argument they pick by wilfully misrepresenting something I’ve said or written already). I refuse to give the shills any power over me, and that includes the power of summoning me simply by misrepresenting me or things I’ve written.

    Regarding comments #41 (by a Trumpkin shill) and #43 (by my friend DRJ) above in particular, however: I simply want to be on record expressing my full agreement with comment #43 and support for its author.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  158. Here’s the latest from DC Whispers 4/15/16

    Is The Colorado GOP Primary Scandal To Blame For Ted Cruz’s Poll #’s Collapse?

    Last night Ted Cruz spoke to a largely indifferent New York audience at a state GOP fundraiser that took place in a storied hotel once owned and refurbished by Donald Trump. Likely far worse than speaking to a gathering of people who, according to various reports, merely talked over the Republican Senator, was a brand new Fox News poll that showed Mr. Cruz’s national support dropping by double-digits as GOP rival Donald Trump surged to all time highs in support among Republican voters.

    Is the still-ongoing Colorado primary scandal to blame for Mr. Cruz’s sudden collapse? A drop of 11-points in one month for a candidate is significant to say the least.

    Add to that the fact Trump then improved his standing by an additional four points month over month, and the Cruz campaign is looking at a net loss to Trump of 15 points over just thirty days. A further heartburn-inducing statistic for Team Cruz is Trump is winning a majority among those Republicans who consider themselves “very conservative” the very group the Cruz campaign needs in order to have any hope of further primary success…

    ropelight (9c81a7)

  159. Hahahaha there is no “Colorado primary scandal” you feckless shill.

    Leviticus (efada1)

  160. The only Colorado scandal is that Trump didn’t bother to do the work required to win.

    JD (38f19f)

  161. Regarding comments #41 (by a Trumpkin shill) and #43 (by my friend DRJ) above in particular, however: I simply want to be on record expressing my full agreement with comment #43 and support for its author.

    Except,


    Old Reader,

    I believe I confused you and your comments with another commenter who endorsed white supremacy. It does not make you a white supremacist to want to restrict immigration. I apologize.
    DRJ (15874d) — 4/15/2016 @ 11:24 am

    Gazzer (7e51c1)

  162. Then what are all those grassroots people doing protesting in from of the Colorado state capitol?

    From The Coloradoan:

    DENVER — Supporters of Donald Trump will be demonstrating against the Colorado Republican party’s presidential nominating process Friday.

    Backers have planned a rally at the state capitol at 3 p.m. They are protesting the convoluted procedure that led Ted Cruz to sweep all the state’s 34 delegates last weekend. Trump has criticized the Colorado process as “rigged” and promoted the protest on Twitter.

    ropelight (9c81a7)

  163. Trump is trying to turn his Colorado loss into a win by reframing it as the result of party hacks disenfranchising voters.
    If he pulls that trick off…

    steveg (fed1c9)

  164. @ Gazzer (#158): Thanks, I hadn’t caught up to that when I posted #154.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  165. Re #159: Typical of Trumpkins to show up to protest after the process is over instead of showing up to vote at the lowest-level caucuses to choose convention delegates. And typical of a Trumpkin shill to pretend that a handful of whiners proves the whining is justified.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  166. Greta has a Twitter poll going on now. The question: Are the delegate rules rigged?

    Yes 85%
    No 15%

    ropelight (9c81a7)

  167. Then what are all those grassroots people doing protesting in from of the Colorado state capitol?

    Most of them are ignorant fools who believe Trump’s lies, while some are dishonest people who know their claims are lies.

    Milhouse (87c499)

  168. Sounds about like what the GOPe said about the TEA Party protesters. Do you think they don’t bathe regularly and refuse to pick up their own trash?

    ropelight (9c81a7)

  169. Trump — and his shills — have no credible answer when asked: What prevented you from doing exactly the same things that the Cruz campaign and Cruz supporters actually did in Colorado to participate in the process?

    Trump — and his shills — have no credible answer when asked: Whatever your objections to the Colorado GOP’s processes are, why did you wait until you had lost before voicing them?

    Beldar (fa637a)

  170. I distinctly remember posting comments here at Patterico.com when Cruz won the votes to secure the first delegates in the initial Colorado congressional-district-wide conventions. I remember posting comments from the Trump campaign confirming that he was not going to show up at the statewide convention. This took weeks to play out, but Trump and the Trumpkins didn’t breathe a word about the process, or make any claims that it was unfair or that they were being cheated.

    Indeed, I remember one of the Trumpkin shills here, even after the state convention, insisting that the Trump campaign had decided they didn’t need any delegates from Colorado because they’d just wrapped up a deal with Rubio to get his delegates (as if Rubio could do that).

    This is just hugely commical. Talk about your hive brains ….

    Beldar (fa637a)

  171. *comical … funny typo

    Beldar (fa637a)

  172. It’s also funny to hear Trumpkins pretend some equivalency between Trump and the Tea Party movement. On Larry King’s show in 2009, Trump praised Obama (“He’s totally a champion”), and then said: “I don’t march with the Tea Party.” He admitted that “they have a good point” in complaining that the federal government is “pissing away” money; but he supported TARP and Obama’s 2009 stimulus give-away, and he regularly supported and financed “establishment” GOP candidates against Tea Party primary challengers.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  173. Trump claims he is brilliant and makes great deals with all kinds of people. It is a great embarrassment to admit oversight of fundamentals of the process.

    In the aftermath, all of the smoke and hubbub will probably just turn into voter discouragement and fewer people voting.

    I think low voter turnout of a disgusted public plays into the hand of the Clinton/Dem SEIU/ACORN turn out the vote apparatus.

    MD back in Philly (f9371b)

  174. #166,

    Answer to #1: I’m a registered Independent, live in Florida, and don’t vote in Colorado.

    Answer to #2: I didn’t know the Colorado Republican party had disenfranchised voters and that Crooked Cruz and his band of deceivers was in cahoots with the GOP establishment.

    ropelight (9c81a7)

  175. reasons why I had reservations about him, but eyes on target,

    http://hotair.com/archives/2016/04/15/hillary-hey-we-did-a-great-deal-to-help-the-libyan-people/

    narciso (732bc0)

  176. Is there any reason in the world to believe the Trump Disorganization is capable of performing any better in the general than it did in Colorado or Wyoming or Indiana? What we are seeing is a revelation of his lie regarding “self-funding” coupled with his lie about “hiring the best”.

    The cheap lying fraud is playing for more free media with the Colorado nonsense but it can only impress True Believer Trumpkins.

    Rick Ballard (a55d80)

  177. well no I imagine the colorado gop electorate is heavily evangelical, advantage cruz, so it was an easy layup, which the state party bungled in an attempt of the zenith of # nevertrump,
    the general is more working class unaffiliated voters,

    narciso (732bc0)

  178. That’s pure bullshit, Narciso. The lying fraud isn’t putting any money or effort into delegate selection in California either. Is it because of the amazingly strong evangelical element in California or is it just that he doesn’t possess the minimal competence necessary to do more than whine and lie? Why did he close up shop in Florida and Ohio if he is actually running for President?

    Rick Ballard (a55d80)

  179. The Trumpkin shill who tried (#171) to answer my questions above (#166) gets zero points for reading comprehension. The questions were phrased in the collective, to “Trump and his shills.”

    While I appreciate this particular shill’s candor in self-identifying, his personal excuse — that he lives in Florida — hardly excuses Trump, the Trump campaign, or any Coloradan who now complains that “there was no vote” from explaining why they didn’t show up, prepared and in adequate numbers to compete, at the Colorado precinct caucuses. Nothing except indolence, incompetence, and a massive sense of entitlement can explain that failure, and nothing can excuse it.

    This shill’s attempt to answer the second question — regarding why Trump and his campaign and their shills never complained about the Colorado process before he lost there — also fails completely. The process never changed. If there was anything unfair about it, it’s been unfair for months. “I didn’t know” is the same as “I didn’t bother to find out.”

    Zero points. Grade F. No re-exam allowed.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  180. Agreed! In fact, we’d want to encourage LEGAL immigration.

    Why, Colonel?

    Why? Because we need the educated, talented LEGAL immigrants. Our law needs to be enforced. People that come here are not supposed to be on the dole, they will either support themselves or be supported by their sponsors. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but much of our Millenial population wouldn’t know hard work if they tripped over it, let alone have the sort of education that will be required in a globalized employment environment.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  181. Trump thinks he’s entitled to a gimme putt — from the middle fairway.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  182. #171 ropelight admitted he’s not even a Republican. What a shocker. (LOL)

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  183. and the top men have picked maverick and mittens, one who threw the match in 2008, and the other did nearly as poorly in 2012, although one has to take into account, the schmidt’s the stevens, the wallaces who encourage that course of action,

    need we revisit how my own governor luthor and his side kick, mercy graves, bondi behaved in the sanford matter,

    narciso (732bc0)

  184. I don’t know who had talked about Cruz’s interview on CNBC (Squawk Box), but that was so impressive. That is the guy we need as our next POTUS. Wow!

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  185. I didn’t know the Colorado Republican party had disenfranchised voters and that Crooked Cruz and his band of deceivers was in cahoots with the GOP establishment.

    ropelight (9c81a7) — 4/15/2016 @ 5:02 pm

    I didn’t know that either. In fact I still don’t.

    Do you just parrot the line of the day from Trumpland? That’s really a rhetorical question.

    Gerald A (7c7ffb)

  186. such is the nature of narratives,

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHuhw7QUxH0

    narciso (732bc0)

  187. Regarding the hoardes of Trump voters supposedly protesting in Colorado because they were disenfranched:

    Reality check outside the state capitol building.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  188. Mr happyfeet admits he doesn’t vote, and ropelight admits he’s not even a registered Republican. Eric and Ivanka Trump aren’t registered Republicans, either. And in Colorado, apparently none of Trump’s true blue supporters bothered to figure out the whole primary day thing.

    How does Trump World expect to be organized enough to win on the second ballot in Cleveland?

    One thing’s certain…The Mr Donald doesn’t seem to appeal to a whole lot of registered Republicans! (LOL)

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  189. Col. H (#181): Is this the Cruz interview on on Squawk Box you were referencing? Watching now myself ….

    Beldar (fa637a)

  190. well how many loosely affiliated conservatives, didn’t vote last time, partially because the irs had the tea party’s auxiliaries in a hammer lock,

    narciso (732bc0)

  191. @ CS: I knew he wasn’t a Republican, but I was surprised he admitted to being a shill.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  192. Beldar @184. How many of them do you think are paid actors hired by Trump?

    No, ropelight, it is not baseless. It is documented that when Trump started out, he had hired actors to cheer for him at his speeches. One story and there are others. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/donald-trump-campaign-offered-actors-803161

    nk (dbc370)

  193. I’m w #73. This place sucks now that the #nevertrump-ers hog the microphone 24-7. You’ve completely lost your minds, and I’m not sticking around anymore. Into the dustbin of internet history you go, along with Charles Johnson. I just hope Ace doesn’t go full retard, or else I’ll have a whole lot of free time on my hands. Time that used to be spent on blogs like this. Maybe it’s for the best – I’m teaching myself to play piano and can use the extra time. Peace out, bitches.

    You say this like it’s a bad thing that you’re leaving. Trust me, I see it as anything but. Bye now.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  194. #184, Bledar, well at least you can’t accuse Trump of astroturfing the event.

    ropelight (9c81a7)

  195. I have no specific reason to believe that Old Reader is Christoph, who indeed is a white supremacist. I agree with DRJ that wanting to restrict illegal immigration does not make someone a white supremacist — which should be obvious, since I am on record wanting to restrict illegal immigration, and so is my preferred candidate Ted Cruz.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  196. Patterico, you will want to watch that Cruz Squawk Box interview. At 11:40, for example, he gives a straight answer to the question of whether he thinks having a minimum wage — any minimum wage — is a good idea.

    It’s just such a joy to listen to someone who has substantive, responsive answers on serious questions. He’s learned political arts to soften the presentation when he gives a principled answer that he knows is politically controversial. But it’s all thought through and consistent.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  197. OT, sorry. Was at U of P all week for lung transplant tests. I did good. Met my surgeons who, if I’m accepted will be the guys doing the operation, Dr’s Bermudez and Cantu. Nice guys between them have over 400 transplants under their belt. So things are moving along, I should know within the month then I’ll be placed on the wait list. At that point a call could come at any time. Thank God, this is really beating up my wife. Poor lady was pushing 200lbs of Hoagie all over U of P all week in a Wheelchair. These ornamental’s are tough. It’s hard being a trophy husband in a wheelchair.

    Good luck, Hoagie.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  198. This for me, is when this blog died. I have nothing but respect for DRJ that goes back over 10 years. But the animosity that ha repaced what used to be such reasoned dialogue means I won’t be back. Nor will I be missed, but this was the only place where I ever commented. I fear for our Republic…

    Gazzer,

    You would be missed if you meant that. I hope you don’t.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  199. it’s good, the problem is kernan, is the only one who has a clue of what he’s talking about, quick and sorkin, at least two chimps, and luckily harwood wasn’t in on the parlee,

    narciso (732bc0)

  200. well it’s mostly overwrought, if we can’t figure that like rhodan or ghidra, red queen and doc brown are the real enemy, that doesn’t seem to have been the reigning leadership’s attitude either after minneapolis or tampa,

    narciso (732bc0)

  201. Patterico, Navin Johnson at #134 is giving you the courtesy of his observations. Consider it the tip of an iceburg. The toxic environment for Trump supporters here has become beyond onerous, the howling mob is trying to drive out opposing views. That’s unhealthy for your blog. I’ve seen good blogs poisoned by inattentive hosts and it goes downhill quickly.

    ropelight (9c81a7)

  202. I’m not going to say it’s gotten as ridiculous as this,
    http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2016/04/15/sharon'-stone-donald-trumps-horrible-campaign-based-fear-lead-another-holocaust/

    but quite nearly, I don’t see the need to go all donald sutherland from body snatchers, the 70s edition,

    narciso (732bc0)

  203. Was she wearing underwear when she said that?

    nk (dbc370)

  204. no it’s more in the vein of the short lived agent x series, where she played a vice president,

    narciso (732bc0)

  205. I should clarify: It isn’t the hosts who poison their blogs, it’s allowing vicious commenters to create a self-reinforcing feedback loop that amplifies itself and grows more intolerant and more narrowly focused on enforcing uniformity by stamping out heretics. It’s akin to religious intolerance.

    ropelight (9c81a7)

  206. the folks who hired greenwald, and scahill, (and fired taibbi, so they have some sense)
    http://www.politico.com/blogs/2016-gop-primary-live-updates-and-results/2016/04/pierre-omidyar-donation-anti-trump-pac-222034

    narciso (732bc0)

  207. I think Old Reader is Christoph.

    DRJ (15874d)

  208. #199 ropelight,

    In regards to #134 Navin Johnson, I think the inherent obstacle that Trump Fans will encounter at any blog is that The Mr Donald doesn’t pontificate specific policies, outside of building a wall.
    So his loyal foot soldiers can’t really advocate for his candidacy other than to say that he’s going to make America great again or make great deals with other countries. Or claim to be a victim of Karl Rove’s (and His Magic Whiteboard) collaboration with some guys in a smoke-filled lounge when in fact, Trump has spent the past several decades sitting in those lounges.

    That’s why you guys are forced to spend so much time talking about birth certificates, Megyn Kelly’s unfair questions, and Heidi Cruz’s job at Goldman Sachs—because Trump really hasn’t provided you guys with the requisite policy platform to persuade other voters with.
    I know sometimes you guys try to do the “But Donald’s an outsider who speaks for the little guy!” routine, but a billionaire who flies around on a private jet and boasts of buying favors from politicians is hardly an outsider who understands the challenges facing the soccer mom in Peoria who clips coupons from the Sunday paper.

    A primary process is about highlighting policies and making the case for electability in the general election. Many of us feel that Trump World has succeeded at neither.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  209. does it matter, they let perry pollute this place, and his droppings are self evident, cristoph had certain tics that were telltale, that don’t seem obvious here,

    narciso (732bc0)

  210. Old Whoever has the Christoph passive-aggressive approach with the smarminess of Art Deco coming through once in a while. Even money on either one for me.

    nk (dbc370)

  211. We’re all familiar — from pop culture if not from hearing it in church (although it was part of my own ceremony in 1986) — with this from the marriage liturgy of many churches and faiths:

    “If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now; or else for ever hold your peace.

    Trump could never have shown any just cause for why the Colorado system shouldn’t have gone forward exactly as it did. But even if we pretend otherwise, and we indulge him for purposes of argument in the fiction that he might have some valid criticism of how they ran things in Colorado, there’s absolutely no doubt that he waited until the whole thing was over before he chose to complain.

    Now he, and his Trumpkins, would forever “hold their peace” on this issue — if they were decent, responsible, and honorable adults.

    But we know how seriously Trump takes marriage vows. Why would he take seriously any question of public honor?

    Beldar (fa637a)

  212. if we can’t figure that like rhodan or ghidra, red queen and doc brown are the real enemy

    That’s why I don’t feel like I have a dog in this fight.

    Even though the anti-Trump observations (generally from the pro-Cruz folks) are almost always accurate, while the anti-Cruz observations (generally from the pro-Trump folks) leave me mainly puzzled — unless such wariness is based on a sense that Cruz is the type of person who won’t impress all those voters who love admiring the crease of a politician’s pants—ie, the Peggy Noonans of America — I don’t feel passionate enough to argue for or against either of the two camps.

    The one group of Republicans or non-liberals, however, who I don’t care for and do want to rebut are the ones who say if their favorite nominee isn’t on the ballot, they’ll be voting for Hideous Hillary. I wouldn’t even be quite as irked by such Repubs/non-liberals if they instead said they’ll be voting for Socialist Sanders.

    Mark (16bc93)

  213. the world is on fire, volodya is on the mark, scouting new territory westward of donetsk, new islamist supercells, (the tornado parallel is intentional) are emerging all throughout western europe, and in sympathetic zones in the states, the irs is earning the legendary opprobrium one had for tax collectors in ancient days,

    narciso (732bc0)

  214. 187… Yes, Beldar, that be the one. Outstanding!

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  215. I should clarify: It isn’t the hosts who poison their blogs, it’s allowing vicious commenters to create a self-reinforcing feedback loop that amplifies itself and grows more intolerant and more narrowly focused on enforcing uniformity by stamping out heretics. It’s akin to religious intolerance.

    I used to fight against this when the commentariat would attack leftists. I more or less gave up, and frankly many of the leftists (not all, you good guys know who you are, and so do we) ended up disappointing me anyway (see: SEK, for example). Now there is a bit of a herd mentality against the Trump supporters, so it’s an unusual situation seeing that right-on-right action. That said, you have chosen to back a particularly heinous guy, and you’re gonna take lumps for that — from others and from me. You’re a long-time commenter and I try to remember that when you frustrate me, and I would prefer to see others do the same. But Trumpism corrupts, and backing a guy like that forces you into some indefensible positions. You’re gonna get bloodied for it and to some extent you deserve it, and should defend yourself without whining. If the invective becomes undeserved, let me know. I still feel a certain loyalty to you, mixed with disappointment at your choice to support the most ghastly buffoon imaginable.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  216. As for Navin or whatever — the bottom line is that I am not going to moderate my criticism of Trump to keep up my numbers. I say what I say. Either you respect that or you don’t. If you don’t — and I’m addressing the readership here generally, and not any one person — you can leave, and that’s probably best for all concerned. It really is.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  217. when men of faith, and respect for the constitution were attacked early on, by the likes of this publication, http://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/ben-carson-book#.tvz7oOOvm, yes trump dropped the last anvil,

    narciso (732bc0)

  218. they deride farage, lepen wilders, kept de vere out of the belgian govt, prevented stockwell day, from toppling the liberals, it doesn’t matter the outward trappings, the global establishment from dc to london to belgium acts much the same way,

    narciso (732bc0)

  219. It would sure help if in defending Trump, the Trumpkins weren’t the nasty lying asshats that they perpetually whine about.

    JD (34f761)

  220. I believe I confused you and your comments with another commenter who endorsed white supremacy. It does not make you a white supremacist to want to restrict immigration. I apologize.

    Thank you. Several commenters keep repeating that I am some banned troll but that is not the case. Maybe it’s unimaginable to them lots of people disagree.

    Why? Because we need the educated, talented LEGAL immigrants. Our law needs to be enforced.

    But our law does not favor talented, educated legal immigration. So there’s that.

    There’s also the fact that we are at historic highs for percent of foreign born. How many is too many? At what point would you say it is enough?

    It’s not that I don’t want legal immigration but I want it at such a level that the percent of foreign born decreases to more manageable levels. You have to realize we are at historic highs now, despite having a PC culture that is much worse at assimilating foreign cultures and despite the rise of the welfare state on which immigrants disproportionately rely.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  221. well as delmore schwartz said ‘just because you[re paranoid, doesn’t mean they are not out to get you’ the same was true with libby or rove, or conrad black, the choice of target matters little, it’s the statement it makes,

    narciso (732bc0)

  222. Patterico, I’ve chosen to back a qualified candidate for the presidency, one I believe is the best man for the job. He’s leading in the combined popular vote and in bound delegates, he espouses policy positions I strongly favor. If I have to take lumps for my choice then so be it. I call ’em like I see ’em and I’m not easily deterred.

    I’m sorry you don’t see Trump’s virtues, but you’re entitled to your own choices, and I won’t criticize you for disagreeing with me. I’ve been commenting here since I followed you from Oh, That Liberal Media years ago. I’m also feel a loyalty to you.

    ropelight (9c81a7)

  223. having made my point, ropelight, in the 60s and 70s, the US govt strove to prevent emigres from gathering in any one enclave, plus, the oil markets had taken a dive in the late 60s,
    and hence alberta was a reasonable place after the esso induced panic, cruz may have some fault, but his status is not one,

    narciso (732bc0)

  224. OT, sorry. Was at U of P all week for lung transplant tests. I did good. Met my surgeons who, if I’m accepted will be the guys doing the operation, Dr’s Bermudez and Cantu. Nice guys between them have over 400 transplants under their belt. So things are moving along, I should know within the month then I’ll be placed on the wait list. At that point a call could come at any time. Thank God, this is really beating up my wife. Poor lady was pushing 200lbs of Hoagie all over U of P all week in a Wheelchair. These ornamental’s are tough. It’s hard being a trophy husband in a wheelchair.

    Hoagie,

    My prayers for a successful outcome. And soon. Also, keep on handling your burden of being a trophy husband with such grace and aplomb. Your wife is a saint!

    Dana (0ee61a)

  225. You say this like it’s a bad thing that you’re leaving. Trust me, I see it as anything but. Bye now.

    This says it all. You’d prefer an echo chamber of Trump hating to actually engaging on the issues or trying to understand where others are coming from. I have said many times before, I definitely understand why a conservative would support Cruz. But I do not understand the insanity and utter desperation displayed in opposing Trump. The Michelle Fields incident is the perfect example, just a total lack of perspective and common sense.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  226. Popular vote. Lol. Cue algore.

    JD (34f761)

  227. OT, sorry. Was at U of P all week for lung transplant tests. I did good. Met my surgeons who, if I’m accepted will be the guys doing the operation, Dr’s Bermudez and Cantu. Nice guys between them have over 400 transplants under their belt. So things are moving along, I should know within the month then I’ll be placed on the wait list. At that point a call could come at any time. Thank God, this is really beating up my wife. Poor lady was pushing 200lbs of Hoagie all over U of P all week in a Wheelchair. These ornamental’s are tough. It’s hard being a trophy husband in a wheelchair.

    I don’t know you except recognizing your handle but thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Stay strong and godspeed.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  228. Old Liar – explain to us the appeal of Trump to an actual conservative. Is it his support of universal healthcare? His donations
    To the Clintons, Pelosi, Weiner, etc? Is it his disdain for the 1st Amendment? His lavish praise of Obama and Clinton? His isolationist price-increasing fear of free trade? His faux Christianity?

    JD (34f761)

  229. Touré once tweeted out that Trump is a liberals absurdist caricature of a conservative. Trump isn’t one, so he is trying to mimic that which he thinks w Conservative would do, or say.

    JD (34f761)

  230. This says it all. You’d prefer an echo chamber of Trump hating to actually engaging on the issues or trying to understand where others are coming from. I have said many times before, I definitely understand why a conservative would support Cruz. But I do not understand the insanity and utter desperation displayed in opposing Trump. The Michelle Fields incident is the perfect example, just a total lack of perspective and common sense.

    It’s not insanity or desperation. It’s a clear-eyed rejection of a candidate so bad that he makes a bad Hollywood Republican villain look reasonable.

    The Michelle Fields incident? I am perfectly comfortable with my position. Which is, in case you have forgotten:

    I think it’s a very minor incident that should not lead to jail time. Perhaps community service and a fine. But you do not get to lay hands on someone and bruise them because they’re asking your boss a challenging question. The case is a slam dunk that he did that.

    The real issue here is not the minor battery, but the smearing of Fields, the lies, and the new set of lies to cover up the old lies.

    The Fields incident is a perfect encapsulation of the Trumpian methodology: lie, smear, rinse, repeat, and count on suckers to ignore your bullshit and attack the critics.

    I do not apologize for ONE SECOND for calling Trump and Lewandowski on their obvious lies and smear jobs. You should feel shame for defending it but Trumpeters aren’t generally known for intellectual honesty or ability to feel shame.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  231. There are exceptions, but support for Donald Trump is a pretty damned good way to separate people I want to associate with from people I don’t. It’s actually quite amazing how well it works. Something about defending stupidity, dishonesty, and thuggery tends to make people less attractive companions in my eyes. Something about opposing all that makes me gain newfound respect for people.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  232. Hear him, hear him.

    SPQR (a3a747)

  233. and yet there was reasonable doubt in this case, manafort’s ties to volodya are much more disconcerting then lewandowski, and he in turn shows the influence of roger stone, perhaps a necessary iago, but still a disturbing character,

    narciso (732bc0)

  234. I see there’s some back and forth on the CO convention.

    It’s true that some of the outrage over CO has been overwrought. But they are right that the current system disenfranchises a huge segment of voters and favors party regulars and those with the time to put into it.

    It’s not exactly true all CO caucus-goers were even represented on the question. Delegates were often chosen in caucuses without discussing who they supported, unless the precinct insisted on it. These precinct delegates then went to county conventions who then voted on the state delegates. Again, why not hold the straw poll at the caucus? Because CO GOP knew Trump stood a better chance and they did not want that.

    Motives. CO has not always had this system. That is a lie. From 88-04 the state had a primary system. In 08 and 12 the state had a non-binding caucus straw poll. The RNC, however, changed the rules and said that if you hold a vote (or caucus) the vote must be binding. By the time the CO GOP cancelled the vote, Trump was the frontrunner. It is obvious the establishment opposed Trump–there are numerous comments by Chairman House and others that make clear they did not support Trump then or today. It’s obvious the cancelling of the vote was a way to disenfranchise Trump supporters. That was the intent along as their post-victory tweet made clear.

    Hey, politics is a dirty game. Always has been. But don’t act surprised when you get called out on championing and relying on the least democratic system the RNC currently permits, even though their stated goal is for primaries to be as inclusive and representative as possible. Not only is the CO Convention bad from a perspective of representative democracy, it is also bad party politics. To a grow a party you need to include as many people in crucial decisions as possible and make members feel like their voice is heard (that’s why the RNC’s stated goal is for these contests to be inclusive and representative, which CO’s system clearly is not). CO is filling up with liberals already due to the “legal” pot regime, and now they have alienated a good number of the regulars. This will be felt in November and beyond.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  235. Liar

    JD (34f761)

  236. Someone who doesn’t bother to show up to vote has not been disenfranchised. It’s not like the Colorado GOP precinct caucuses were a national secret.

    The Dems adore using that word — “disenfranchised.” The very first awareness I ever had of Ted Cruz dates back to the briefs he wrote, as Solicitor General of Texas, in the 2003 Texas redistricting litigation before a three-judge panel and then before the SCOTUS. The Dems use that word to mean, “I didn’t get what I want, so my vote was stolen.” So, too, Trump and Trumpkin shills use the word in precisely that same sense.

    Sad!

    Beldar (fa637a)

  237. After claiming some of the discussion about CO is overwrought, Old Liar then goes on a rambling conspiracy theory that is completely overwrought, to explain away Trump’s unwillingness to do the work to earn the delegates. Everyone played under the same rules. Only some people didn’t want to actually have to do the work. It’s really quite that simple.

    JD (34f761)

  238. the basilisk had a more uneven stare, au revoir for now,

    narciso (732bc0)

  239. If Team Trump won’t do the necessary wrangling to win Colorado in April, how the hell can we depend upon them to do it in October and early November?

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  240. Appeal of Trump as an actual conservative?

    What is a conservative? I suppose we probably have a different view of this. I have rejected the neocon view of foreign policy. I don’t care whether you label that liberal or paleocon or whatever. It’s the right approach in my opinion. I believe Trump’s opposition to Iraq was genuine and correct, I believe Trump’s analysis of the Libya, Syria, and Egypt interventions is similar on point (though it’s true he supported, on the record, the Libya intervention).

    On trade, Trump is right that we need to reduce our trade deficits, which over time sap the country of its productive capacity (its wealth). Cheap goods and consumption today and tomorrow comes at a steep price.

    On immigration, Trump is right that we need to secure our borders and enforce the law. He is actually for some sort of amnesty but only after this takes place. That is a reasonable and moral position, much more so than Cruz who now claims he wants to permanently deport all illegals (after giving them soccer balls and teddy bears in 2013).

    In general, I trust Trump to put America and Americans first. I can’t say the same for Cruz who has a history of supporting policies that hurt the American worker (5X H1b visas, supporting TPP, etc).

    He is a flawed man but he has his moments. The way he stood by Corey in the Fields spectacle, a handful of masterful moments in the debates (e.g., New York Values). But, yes, he’s no movement conservative and there is reason to worry. But given the terrible track record of conservative favorites like Paul Ryan, Marco Rubio, etc., I’m willing to take my chances. On judicial appointments I think he will follow the advice of Sessions and others. These are issues Trump is not familiar with to say the least and his trusted advisors will have an impact. I have said before–I certainly don’t see him doing worse than Reagan, Bush, or Bush II as far as SCOTUS appointments. That record is one of almost total failure as far as I’m concerned.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  241. Old Liar – the time to whine and cry and complain about that process is during the process, not after you had your arse handed to you because you never got around to doing the grunt work, which led to success.

    JD (34f761)

  242. Trump didn’t oppose Iraq until now, until he claimed Bush lied us into war. This whole thing is going to be funny.

    JD (34f761)

  243. JD,

    You sound upset. Is it because your boy Cruz is now tied with Golly Gee Willickers nationally?

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  244. On trade, Trump is right that we need to reduce our trade deficits, which over time sap the country of its productive capacity (its wealth). Cheap goods and consumption today and tomorrow comes at a steep price.

    Ignorance. Pure and simple. You see the word “deficit” and clearly don’t understand what it means. I have a trade “deficit” with Costco. Costco benefits me greatly. You’re entitled to your opinion, but let’s not pretend that it has the slightest bit of merit on this issue. It doesn’t.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  245. Trump didn’t oppose Iraq until now, until he claimed Bush lied us into war. This whole thing is going to be funny.

    That’s not true. He opposed it publicly right after the invasion. O’Reilly, Hannity, Imus have all said they had arguments/discussions on the issue before invasion and Trump opposed. There is the Stern interview where he says, “Sure, I guess, but I don’t think we will have to.” Hardly a ringing endorsement.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  246. You sound upset. Is it because your boy Cruz is now tied with Golly Gee Willickers nationally?

    I think Old Reader is Christoph too. DRJ said she thinks this and I agree. The guy has Christoph’s mix of arrogance and stupidity. He’s pretending not to be Christoph, that racist piece of crap, so he doesn’t get banned. But it’s that loser Christoph, in my opinion. His opinion is worthless. He doesn’t even live here.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  247. Okay, the rest is pretty funny too. His analysis of Libya is right, except having supported it. He was for it before he was against it. How about any of the decidedly not even remotely conservative positions I mentioned, that you studiously avoided? How about not knowing what the West Bank is? How about being in favor of forcing th military to commit war crimes before d lining himself? Ditto basic issues on abortion. And Christianity?

    Never mind. We know that your shilly lying arse will find a way to make universal healthcare and supporting the Clintons out to be conservative positions. Because you are a lying shill. And your idol has the depth of a thimble full of lukewarm spit.

    JD (34f761)

  248. Suffice it to say that is hardly a tour de force of a conservative case for Trump. Because he isn’t conservative.

    JD (34f761)

  249. Is there any reason in the world to believe the Trump Disorganization is capable of performing any better in the general than it did in Colorado or Wyoming or Indiana?

    Yes, because the general election isn’t about arcane rules that are changed at the last minute when the ruling elite see that their boy is about to get shellacked. The general election is about actual voters, and Trump is cleaning Cruz’s clock when actual voters are given a chance to make their preferences known at the ballot box. Of course, Cruz acolytes much prefer the closed, backroom method of getting delegates via caucuses stacked with loyal party folks.

    prowlerguy (fa36d8)

  250. There is the Stern interview where he says, “Sure, I guess, but I don’t think we will have to.” Hardly a ringing endorsement.

    Lie. “Yeah, I guess so,” Trump responded. “I wish the first time it was done correctly.” Which, that second part is something he has lied about constantly too, claiming in recent years that Bush Sr. did it *MMMMWAH!* just right!

    Stop lying, Old Lyin’ Christoph.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  251. You sound upset, Old Lyin’ Christoph. Is that because you’re Christoph, and you get sad when you realize that you’re a white supremacist and generally a worthless waste of skin?

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  252. The Trumpkin shill who’s whining about Colorado above (#233) imputes nasty motives to Colorado state GOP party leaders. Okay, suppose that’s right. Cruz had to play on the exact same playing field that Trump did — even if that field was originally designed with the idea that it would be more favorable for some more conventional candidate. Trump and his Trumpkin shills can’t point to a single way in which they claim to have been disadvantaged in which Ted Cruz and his campaign weren’t also equally disadvantaged!

    Whine, whine, whine. #WhiningIsNotWinning

    Beldar (fa637a)

  253. Prowler likes his Narrative. And blaming others because Trump doesn’t feel compelled to do the work necessary to win

    JD (34f761)

  254. The general election is about actual voters, and Trump is cleaning Cruz’s clock when actual voters are given a chance to make their preferences known at the ballot box.

    Yeah, Cruz is still amazed at how he got his clock cleaned in Utah and Wisconsin.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  255. O’Reilly, Hannity, Imus have all said they had arguments/discussions on the issue before invasion and Trump opposed.

    Not that I would trust those blowhards, but prove it, since you’re provably lying about what Trump said on Stern. Link or GTFO.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  256. Ignorance. Pure and simple. You see the word “deficit” and clearly don’t understand what it means. I have a trade “deficit” with Costco. Costco benefits me greatly. You’re entitled to your opinion, but let’s not pretend that it has the slightest bit of merit on this issue. It doesn’t

    .

    I guess Warren Buffett is a moron, too. Or Nobel Prize winning economists. Look, from your comment I can tell you are really unprepared for a debate on free trade. It’s true that a deficit with a single country is not worrisome as long as you maintain overall trade balance or surplus (buy raw materials, make blue-ray players, and export the high value goods). But that is not the situation we find ourselves in. The U.S. runs large, persistent trade deficits. Stop and think a minute whether China would engage in “free trade” if they ran persistent trade deficits year after year.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  257. verbose, pretentious, and arrogant is no way to go through life, asshat.

    JD (34f761)

  258. a thousand skeptic hands won’t keep us from the things we plan

    happyfeet (831175)

  259. and do you feel scared?

    (i do)

    happyfeet (831175)

  260. Arguments from authority (are you actually citing Paul Krugman, Christoph?). Insult. Nonsense. Look, from your comment I can tell you’re Christoph and therefore a Canadian racist. Therefore you are not worth my time, Old Lyin’ Christoph.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  261. i have authority and i’m not arguing

    peace to you my brotha

    happyfeet (831175)

  262. verbose, pretentious, and arrogant is no way to go through life, asshat.

    Indeed. Christoph, you are a puke! You’re the lowest form of life on Earth. You are not even a human fucking being! You are nothing but an unorganized grabasstic piece of amphibian shit!

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  263. Free trade increases people’s standard of living. Americans understand that. Canadian racists may not.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  264. pretend the water is champagne and fill my glass again and again

    happyfeet (831175)

  265. The process never changed.

    Another flat out lie by Beldar.

    http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_28700919/colorado-republicans-cancel-2016-presidential-caucus-vote

    So not only did they cancel their voting well after the primary race had started, they did so four months after Trump officially entered the race and polls showed clear trends. They saw that his poll numbers were stomping the GOPe approved candidates, so they decided to not trust the voters. Putting a fire break before the big primaries at the end of April allowed them a chance to derail the Trump candidacy enough to force the contested convention.

    And while you could vote at the local caucuses by showing up (during what for actual citizens is a working day), they could only elect from a slate of delegates chosen by the party. And those delegates (who would select the delegates to the RNC convention) were not bound in any way by anything at the precinct level. And the delegates to the RNC convention are not bound to any candidate, either. They are “for Cruz” because that was the message the GOPe wanted to send: nevertrump. But they can vote for anyone they want in Cleveland, including Ryan or Kasich.

    prowlerguy (fa36d8)

  266. Because I am hard, Canadian racist, you will not like me. But the more you hate me, the more you will learn.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  267. Yeah! We need to stop and think what a Communist country that murdered 60 million of its own citizens would do! And then we need to emulate THAT! What a stupid thing to even consider saying. Holy cow, you’re an idiot.

    John Hitchcock (b9416a)

  268. Cristoph! thou art puke!

    you quelleth the trade of the free

    look at yourself

    no srsly

    you are foul

    (look at yourself)

    Americans understand that. Canadian racists may not.

    plus hockey and weird-ass pork products

    happyfeet (831175)

  269. holy cowabunga

    happyfeet (831175)

  270. But then again, Trump praised the Communist Chinese regime for their use of tanks against their own people, to crush the Democracy protest. So it doesn’t take brains to shill for a brainless wonder.

    John Hitchcock (b9416a)

  271. Old Reader,

    Whenever someone uses the term “neocon” as a pejorative, I can predict that they’re probably not doing too much rooting for Israel when Hamas or Hezbollah starts shooting rockets at them.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  272. Prowler – since Trump was already in the race at the time of that change, why didn’t he do the work to get the requisite delegates? Choosing to not do the work required only speaks to the person that chose to not do the work, and says nothing about the process.

    JD (34f761)

  273. Stefan Molyneux likes to say “neocon” and he is Canadian racist Old Reader’s hero. So there’s that.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  274. Christoph, you little scumbag! I’ve got your name! I’ve got your ass! You will not laugh! You will not cry! You will learn by the numbers. I will teach you.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  275. @ prowler (#266): You’re yanking a sentence of mine (from #177) out of context. I know that the rules were indeed changed, as your link demonstrates, by Colorado GOP officials in August 2015. I have previously linked other pieces from that same source, more recent ones, beginning with comments I made here almost a month ago, continuing on through the first pair of conventions to elect delegates from the Colorado congressional districts, and on through the state convention. I’m not lying; you’re taking my sentence out of context. My precise point is that from August 2015 through the Colorado state convention, the process never changed. Trump had exactly as much time to prepare as Cruz did, and to operate under the same rules that Cruz operated under. Nothing changed between the way the rules were revised in August 2015 and the way they were indeed implemented this month, so Trump could have complained at any time. He didn’t — not until sour grapes time. So even if Trump ever had any moral, legal, or equitable right to gripe, it expired — because he sat on it until it was too late.

    Stop whining, and stop taking my stuff out of context, please. This is the last time I’ll ask nicely.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  276. Sorry but JD’s #258

    verbose, pretentious, and arrogant is no way to go through life, asshat.

    sounded so much like a Marine Corps drill sergeant I had to go all R. Lee Ermey on Old Lyin Christoph Reader the Canadian racist.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  277. Wow, not sure what this flurry of insults is about. Because I dare link a Buffett piece on trade deficits or mention that many lettered economists worry about the effects of persistent trade imbalances. I did not expect this sort of nastiness from you.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  278. I don’t like the name Old Reader. From now on you’re Gomer Pyle.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  279. names are so stupid god i thought we were past that

    happyfeet (831175)

  280. Oh, so according to Beldar, nothing changed after their last change, so it’s OK to say “nothing has ever changed”. Why, it’s been the same for MONTHS!!

    Fact is, they DID change it. They made the change after the election cycle had started. They made the change to prevent Trump from getting any delegates from CO. As has been pointed out, they showed their true motivation when they tweeted triumphantly after the state caucus “We did it. #NeverTrump,”

    And your continued assertion that all Trump supporters had to do was show up is, again, patently false. They had to invest an entire day, all to choose a state delegate from a slate of candidates chosen by the party and who were not bound in any way once they reached the state caucus. Those delegate, comprised entirely of people selected by the party bosses, then voted on national delegates who are, again, not bound to any candidate. So explain again how Trump could hope to get even a single unbound delegate to voice support for him?

    prowlerguy (fa36d8)

  281. If Old Lyin’ Christoph has an actual argument rather than linking a Warren Buffett piece from 13 years ago saying oh my God the dollar is going to get so WEAK! then let him be a man and make his argument standing on his own two feet.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  282. So explain again how Trump could hope to get even a single unbound delegate to voice support for him?

    He can’t, because he is a loser and that’s why he lost. Winners win. Losers like Trump lose.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  283. And whine.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  284. And just so you know, JD was channeling the incompetent, pompous douche bag Dean Vernon Wormer from Animal House, not a marine drill sergeant. But it is funny that you thought that was worthy of your emulation.

    prowlerguy (fa36d8)

  285. These are the Colorado delegates. And to you, they’re gold, and you don’t get them. Why? Because to give them to you is just throwing them away. They’re for closers.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  286. So explain again how Trump could hope to get even a single unbound delegate to voice support for him?

    Err, the same way Cruz did? By 1) being a decent candidate; 2) knowing the rules; and 3) actually trying?

    nk (dbc370)

  287. I’m familiar with the line, prowlerguy, but it has always reminded me of something R. Lee Ermey would say. Plus it was a chance to have a little fun with Old Christoph.

    I’m sorry your guy lost. You can come back here on Tuesday and make fun of us when Trumpkins wins New York. And we’ll see what happens in July. One thing is for certain, though. Trump ultimately loses. He is never President. Ever.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  288. #273, JD, you and others have repeatedly blamed the victim. Trump expected the Colorado GOP to conduct an open and fair primary process. They didn’t, and Trump objected and called them out for fraud. Yet, Cruz partisans continue to turn a blind eye toward gross election manipulations and to blame the victim for not foreseeing that Colorado’s GOP leaders couldn’t be trusted to hold an honest delegate selection process. It isn’t Trump’s fault that the Colorado GOPe is corrupt.

    ropelight (9c81a7)

  289. In August 2015, with the exception of Trump’s core supporters, the entire nation — the mainstream media, most of the alternative conservative media, political leaders of both parties at both state and federal levels, from one end of the ideological spectrum to the other — was still taking Trump as a joke candidate, despite Trump’s strong national opinion polling numbers. We were wrong about that.

    But now, in Trumpkin fantasies, there was one tiny core of enlightened and stalwart GOP Establishment Bosses from Colorado, probably working out of temporary facilities in the NORAD base at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, behind those big steel blast doors. There, already in panic over polling numbers that the rest of the nation still dismissed, they huddled and plotted and schemed. And they came up with an ingenious plot to disenfranchise all Donald Trump’s potential voters in Colorado!

    Okay, again, let’s pursue that for purposes of argument. Let’s stipulate — with no proof — that the people who re-wrote the rules did so specifically to disadvantage Donald Cruz. Again I ask:

    What in these revised rules gave a break to Ted Cruz? Why weren’t Ted Cruz’ supporters equally as “disenfranchised” by them as Donald Trump’s supporters claim to have been? If the plot was to make sure that Colorado only selected delegates who’d vote for a conventional establishment Republican, why didn’t Coloradans end up electing delegates who favor John Kasich?

    Such nonsense on stilts. Such egotism! Such thin, bitter whine.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  290. Bah. “… specifically to disadvantage Donald Trump.”

    Beldar (fa637a)

  291. Old Reader wrote:” These precinct delegates then went to county conventions who then voted on the state delegates. Again, why not hold the straw poll at the caucus? Because CO GOP knew Trump stood a better chance and they did not want that.”

    Brazen lie. The straw poll was cancelled because GOP rules now prohibit polls that don’t select delegates.

    SPQR (a3a747)

  292. JD, you and others have repeatedly blamed the victim

    I can go out there tonight with the materials you got, get myself fifteen thousand votes! Tonight! In two hours! Can you? Can you? Go and do likewise! Get mad, you son of a bitches! Get mad!! You know what it takes to run for president? It takes brass balls to run for president. Go and do likewise, gents. The votes are out there, you pick them up, they’re yours. You don’t — I got no sympathy for you. You wanna go out on those caucuses tonight and close. Close! It’s yours. If not, you’re gonna be shinin’ my shoes. And you know what you’ll be sayin’, a bunch of losers sitting around in a bar: “Oh yeah, I used to be a candidate for the Republican nomination. It’s a tough racket.”

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  293. It isn’t Trump’s fault that the Colorado GOPe is corrupt.

    It is sad to see grown men crying tears like this. Grow up and compete.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  294. Ropelight, prove it.

    SPQR (a3a747)

  295. yeah Mr. R proovit like a dwoovit you mudder effer

    we’re waiting

    happyfeet (831175)

  296. #289 ropelight,

    The rules of the Colorado primary were exposed to sunlight for everyone to see, months in advance. A sharp deal-maker like The Mr Donald ought to have delegated (pun intended) some of his best and brightest men to examine the rules, and then develop a game plan accordingly. He didn’t win. He failed. He lost. He’s a loser. He should have closed the deal, but he got rolled. If he were a winner, then he would have won because that’s what winners do—they win!

    Now, if this Mr Donald guy can’t close a deal with the Colorado GOP, then why should we hire him to close a deal with Mexico, or North Korea, or Russia, or Iran…or Latvia?

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  297. It’s also a standard Democratic line, by the way, to claim that it’s racist and disenfranchising to have elections on Tuesdays, which is why so many more Democratic primaries and caucuses are on Saturdays. So it’s funny to see a Trumpkin shill use that as an excuse for why those mean-old baddie-waddies in Colowado won’t let the Twumpkins come vote, or submit a slate of Trump-favoring candidates, or whatever. Never mind that the national presidential elections — by statute — have now for many generations been held on “the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November.” Trumpkin snowflakes can’t be expected to vote on the same day of the week as everyone else!

    Beldar (fa637a)

  298. It isn’t that the Colorado GOP elite changed the rules to help Ted Cruz, that’s a straw man argument. They changed the rules to disenfranchise voters and keep delegate selection an inside process. Their deceit wasn’t at the time designed to benefit a specific candidate (with the possible exception on JEB Bush) but to make sure voters didn’t have an avenue to select delegates, they wanted to keep that for themselves.

    ropelight (9c81a7)

  299. This skanky Mr Donald guy can’t even convince his own grown children to vote for him. Naturally, they weren’t already registered as Republicans. Naturally.

    But I bet Chelsea Clinton’s already properly registered to vote in the Democrat primary for her Mommy.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  300. Trumpkin snowflakes can’t be expected to vote on the same day of the week as everyone else!

    Except here nobody voted. But you knew that.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  301. Idolatrous people are screaming that “nobody voted” except they did. In multiple caucuses. And the previous Primaries Colorado had were non-binding, until the RNC declared they had to be binding…

    John Hitchcock (b9416a)

  302. The shill now bleats (#299):

    Their [the Colorado GOP elite’s] deceit wasn’t at the time designed to benefit a specific candidate (with the possible exception on JEB Bush) but to make sure voters didn’t have an avenue to select delegates, they wanted to keep that for themselves.

    Then they did a damn poor job of it, because the actual delegates got selected by about fifty-five thousand other people who bothered to show up at the precinct caucuses. And they all won because they said they supported Cruz, and the people who showed up to vote, voted for them because they wanted to vote for delegates who would continue to support Cruz all the way up the chain.

    Again: If it was a conspiracy, it affected Cruz exactly like it affected Trump; Cruz kicked Trump’s ass anyway, without any special help, nor any hindrance that Trump didn’t also face; and no establishment candidate got a single delegate either.

    That seems like a damned dumb conspiracy from people who this same Trumpkin claims were so brilliant back in August 2015 that they, almost alone at the time of all the establishment GOP figures in the nation, recognized Trump as a serious contender.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  303. I’ll bet the Colorado GOP killed Breitbart!

    Beldar (fa637a)

  304. If Old Lyin’ Christoph has an actual argument rather than linking a Warren Buffett piece from 13 years ago saying oh my God the dollar is going to get so WEAK! then let him be a man and make his argument standing on his own two feet.

    I have previously responded and I linked you an example of criticism about trade deficits. But somehow the onus is on me to respond to the utterly empty platitudes about the virtues of free trade you learned 20 years ago in Econ101.

    If you don’t mind selling your country’s future down the tubes to boost some current consumption, well, then trade deficits are just fine. But don’t say nobody warned you when our industry and productive capacity is depleted and whatever remains is increasingly owned by foreigners.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  305. Less than 2% of CO “voted” for a delegate to the county convention, a process that took an hour or two in total Moreover, there was no requirement for these delegates to state a candidate preference and many of them did not. And even if the delegates stated who they supported they certainly were not bound to adhere to that preference. The reality of the process is considerably different than what many describe and participation was abysmal. In fact, one of the reasons CO GOP gave to cancel the straw poll was actually that they were worried about too many people participating. How anybody can pretend that wasn’t the game from the get-go is beyond me.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  306. We can’t trust Team Trump to defeat Hillary Clinton. The Mr Donald will back out of debates at the last minute, or he’ll get caught drunk-tweeting at 3AM about Chelsea’s physical appearance, or Corey will over-zealously grab some woman in an Applebee’s parking lot on a Thursday afternoon…there’s just too many wild cards with this bunch.

    And then there’s the constant crying about “No fair, Megyn Kelly asked me a question I didn’t like!” or “Hugh Hewitt asked me about the Al Quds forces—that’s a dirty trick!”

    The funny thing is that Trump and His Sycophants consider themselves to be the tough guys on stage. The world is on fire, and we need responsible mature adult leadership—not somebody who wants to “get even” with Denmark’s Minister of Tourism. (LOL)

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  307. In baseball, a pitcher needs to forget that he just gave up a home run. He needs to focus on the next batter.
    But with Team Trump, they always want to re-litigate the previous inning until next August. They just can’t put it in the rearview mirror.
    And that’s not how you go about winning a general election. It certainly isn’t the blueprint for winning Colorado, as we’ve seen.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  308. But somehow the onus is on me to respond to the utterly empty platitudes about the virtues of free trade you learned 20 years ago in Econ101.

    Don’t have to go any further than that lie-packed sentence.
    2 Timothy 2:15

    John Hitchcock (b9416a)

  309. @ CS (#308): The Trumpkin meme-of-the-day is to re-litigate Colorado, rephrasing it to be an attack on the Establishment rather than a claim that Cruz cheated, because that was polling poorly. The word has been filtered down through their friendly talking heads and media sources.

    It’s just to help fill the news cycle until next Tuesday. This is the Trumpkin chorus vamping, filling time, singing “Doo-wacka-doo wacka-do wacka-DO!” until the next act.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  310. Trump supporters,

    I’m at a loss to understand why voters like you, who are supporting a man hoping to become the next president, are so unable to make yourselves hold this candidate accountable and responsible for his actions and failures?

    Have you considered that, if you are unable to hold him accountable now – before he assumes a position of power in government – what makes you think you’ll be able to after he is in the WH and really screws up?

    Further, shouldn’t it trouble you just the slightest bit that the man you are putting your all in for, is willing to lie to your face? Not to protect you, but to cover his tracks of misstep and failure? That says to me that he doesn’t respect you nor value you or your character. He assumes you are as much of a dishonest victim as is he. He assumes that you can be played for as long and as much as it takes because he knows you won’t utter an honest negative criticism against him. Even if that were part of what it would take for him to play a straight game, do his homework, take the job requirements seriously, and stop bullshitting his way through America, you still wouldn’t do it.

    If this were a romantic relationship, you would be the needy partner who wants, relies upon, and needs the other person far more than they need you. And that puts you at a distinct disadvantage.

    I think it comes down to you, Trump supporters. You’re like a young woman with a really, really crappy self-image who is willing to debase herself just to be validated. No matter if that is done by someone sleazy and corrupt. Where did your standards go?

    Your willingness to accept, even embrace, his disrespectful treatment of you reveals not only your lack of self-respect, but worse, you have chosen to lower yourselves to his standards rather than make him live up to yours.

    Dana (0ee61a)

  311. Is Trump whining? Maybe, but opposing the ridiculous convention system as undemocratic has seemingly helped him in the polls. When people are angry at the establishment, it helps to remind them who the establishment is for. Right now that’s Cruz.

    Good night guys. I doubt I’ll be returning given the tone that persists in these comments. If you want an echo chamber of Trump hate, have at it. Best of luck and wishes to all.

    Old Reader (08f24c)

  312. I doubt I’ll be returning given the tone that persists in these comments.

    Will everyone who believes that statement please stand up?

    John Hitchcock (b9416a)

  313. #311 Old Reader,

    It sounds like you’re arguing for a centralized one-size fits all approach to the nominating process. THAT in itself is “establishmentarian.”

    The GOP is essentially a private party, and the GOP in each of the 50 states dictates the rules for its primary or caucus as it chooses. After all, that really is the spirit of federalism, isn’t it? Your team is humiliated because they failed to read the rule book in advance. So now you’re going to blame everyone else. It’s a life lesson; after you fail your driver’s test, Daddy isn’t confident about giving you the keys to his Cadillac. Sorry!

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  314. Voting is one thing Beldar. It is ludicrous to claim you can’t spare the 30 minutes it takes to vote. But we aren’t talking about voting in CO, are we? We are talking about an entire day spent in debate and discussions, only to “vote” from a slate of pre-selected party insiders.

    And there are no Cruz delegates from CO. Every single one is not bound by anything. That was the whole point of canceling the straw poll. CO did not want their delegates bound by a popular vote of registered Republicans. And they are all party loyalist, chosen by party bosses. Once Rule 40 is rewritten, we’ll see how they vote.

    And the intent of the CO Republicans was clear from their tweet: “#nevertrump”. Why would a party be so invested in ensuring the defeat of their front runner? Shouldn’t the party simply be giving the people a voice in the selection of the candidate and answering to those voters? Why change the rules specifically to handicap one candidate?

    prowlerguy (fa36d8)

  315. Re this (#311):

    When people are angry at the establishment, it helps to remind them who the establishment is for. Right now that’s Cruz.

    That depends on what one means by “helps.”

    In August 2015, neither Cruz nor Trump had any support to speak of from the establishment GOP. This dishonest Trumpkin tries, again, to shift the focus by saying, “Right now that’s Cruz.” Well, that certainly wasn’t true back when the Colorado state GOP decided on its delegate selection processes.

    So if you interpret the verb “to help” to mean, perhaps, “to confuse and blind by irrelevant and illogical bullsh*t,” or “to participate in spreading lies on behalf of Donald Trump,” then yes: Your reminder is helpful.

    If you interpret the verb “to help” to mean, instead, something like “to assist,” then no, such blather assists no one, and your reminder is misplaced.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  316. @ prowlerguy (#314), who wrote:

    We are talking about an entire day spent in debate and discussions, only to “vote” from a slate of pre-selected party insiders.

    I don’t know if your description about the relative convenience is correct or not — you’ve cited no sources, linked nothing — but I frankly don’t care. That’s up to Coloradans to evaluate for next time. It has no bearing on whether Ted Cruz earned his victory or whether Donald Cruz was cheated.

    As for limiting the delegates for whom one could potentially vote at the precinct caucuses, party leaders didn’t prevent anyone from doing that:Denver Post’s FAQ on February 27 (before the March 1 Super Tuesday precinct caucuses)(emphasis mine):

    The caucus business consists of three main tasks: select two precinct leaders to two-year terms; elect delegates and alternates to county assemblies and possibly the state convention; and vote on issue resolutions to the party platform.

    Before the delegate election, local and statewide candidates [for office] will give speeches to win delegates to vote for them at county, congressional and state conventions. Those seeking delegate status also can give a short speech to convince people to vote for them.

    My guess is they’ll change some things in Colorado for the next cycle, but that’s up to them.

    You’re correct that the Colorado delegates are not bound by Colorado state law to vote for Cruz on the first convention ballot, in contrast to, for example, Texas delegates, who are bound by a combination of Texas GOP state executive committee rules acting through Texas state law. They might be faithless. All we know is that they were sincere enough to win votes lower down the chain based on their declared support of Ted Cruz. Cruz would surely rather have a delegate who’s given his or her word, and declared his or her public loyalty — and who will be returning after the convention to live among neighbors who’ve relied upon their promises when they stood as Cruz delegates at the state caucuses and conventions — than an unwillingly bound-by-law (but first-ballot only) delegate. That’s why they’re being counted by all the media sources keeping a delegate count as being “Cruz delegates.”

    And the intent of the CO Republicans was clear from their tweet: “#nevertrump”.

    You’re imputing this to party leaders without a shred of proof, and despite their claim that it was an unauthorized Tweet that they’re continuing to investigate. I could just as fairly impute directly to Donald Trump the elbow to the face delivered to the heckler being escorted up the arena steps at a Trump rally.

    Why would a party be so invested in ensuring the defeat of their front runner? Shouldn’t the party simply be giving the people a voice in the selection of the candidate and answering to those voters? Why change the rules specifically to handicap one candidate?

    There you go again with the whining. You have not, can not, make any credible argument that the rules were changed specifically to handicap Trump; they bound Cruz to the exact same extent, and if there was un unworthy intent behind the rules, it was directed at Cruz at least to the same degree as Trump.

    The Colorado GOP leadership didn’t stop Trump in Colorado. Trump and his supporters did that all by themselves.

    You just want a coronation before the voting is done. You think the two thirds of the voting Republican public that opposes Trump ought to just hand the nomination to Trump now. Well, buckle your jockstrap, dude, and hope your guy gets to a reliable 1237 before the convention.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  317. Lemme ask you this, prowlerguy: Do you think that there’s a special portal at the Colorado GOP precinct caucuses, through which only non-Trump-supporting GOP voters in attendance got to step in order to skip the time investment, however much it was?

    Suppose the rule was: “In the room by 8:00 a.m., bathroom break at noon, no vote until 6 p.m., must have been there all day to vote.” Suppose they had to sit in kindergarten chairs all day long. Suppose they had to eat chili with beans on their hotdogs at lunch.

    How does that affect Trump supporters any differently than any other supporters, or disadvantage Trump’s campaign compared to other candidates?

    Whine whine whine. #WhiningIsNotWinning

    Beldar (fa637a)

  318. “They made the change to prevent Trump from getting any delegates from CO”

    Because they knew that Cruz could find delegates who would spend a whole day, quelle horror, bothering to show up, and they new that Trump wouldn’t do the work necessary to get his people there.

    This is all just comical. Old Liar went from the talk about CO has been overwrought, to trotting out every conspiracy theory known to man how a chance in AUG of last year was designed to trick thenTrumpkins. It is to laugh.

    JD (34f761)

  319. ” Why change the rules specifically to handicap one candidate?”

    Lie. Outright lie. The changes, almost a year ago, applied across the board. If you don’t care for the process that CO chose, move there and change the rules. But please quit lying.

    JD (34f761)

  320. The Colorado hope gutted McMillan like a trout in 2010, so hick could win in the end.

    narciso (fdc1f2)

  321. It’s Happening Again In Wyoming

    AP choosing “Trump gives up on Wyoming delegates” as the headline is indicative of the depth of the widespread conspiracy to deny Trump the delegates which he will claim as being rightfully unearned.

    Rick Ballard (a55d80)

  322. Mr. Trump is controversial but I think he’s a good choice anyway

    Mr. Cruz is unhappy about that but you know what I don’t really care

    He’s annoying and not a little controversial himself

    happyfeet (831175)

  323. Let’s face it, with all this whining by Trump World, we know that Putin would drink Donnie’s milkshake. And when Corey would go to grab Vladimir’s arm, the former KGB agent would probably whip out some kick-boxing moves resulting in some bruises on Corey’s arm.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  324. Trump Show Foiled Again In Georgia

    It’s as if the entire process is designed solely to benefit someone who understands the rules and complies with deadlines.

    Rick Ballard (a55d80)

  325. It seems like parochial state party bosses design the delegate selection process to exclude the voters in order to control candidate selection. They don’t care who you vote for as long as they can pick the candidates. Trump’s candidacy is supported by the rank and file and it’s opposed by entrenched GOPe insiders.

    Ted Cruz and the GOPe are in cahoots.

    ropelight (18f985)

  326. Jaysus, just make it stop! Am I showing my age?

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  327. The delegate selection process is the same for Trump as it is for Cruz, ropelight. However, your idol doesn’t appear to want to do the grunt work in the process, choosing to whine and cry like a little b@tch after the fact.

    JD (6aa855)

  328. #325 ropelight has uncovered one of the great conspiracies in American history. He is shining a light upon the fact that the GOP “establishment” is manipulating the primary process so that a foreign-born candidate with sympathies for Castro’s Cuba will be installed in the White House. Next year, a cabal of managing directors at Goldman Sachs will have de facto veto power over certain aspects of the federal budget.
    By next week, ropelight will reveal what really happened to Amelia Earhart!

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  329. Ropelight is doing Satan’s work. Literally. As in, he’s serving his father, the Father of Lies, by continuing his lie-filled craziness in support of a corrupt liar.

    John Hitchcock (b9416a)

  330. We’re facing a Catch 22, where regardless how things turn out, Trump — somehow, someway — is going to end up being the spoiler. So much so that, in effect, the theory that his strategy all along has been to get horrible Hillary into the White House may be accurate.

    Current polls show that among Republicans, Trump has widened his lead against Cruz. But his being on the ballot in November is a weak hand for the Republicans to play. But if Cruz is the nominee, I can easily see Trump being a brat about the whole thing and trying to sabotage Cruz and therefore swinging the election to the Democrat.

    The fact the sqishy-left-leaning, epitome-of-insider John Kasich runs better than either Cruz or Trump against Bill’s wife indicates the electorate is chock full of people who buy into the notion that liberalism is kinder and gentler, and who are a big reason the election in 2016, which should have been a cakewalk for the Republicans, remains far too close for comfort.

    redstate.com, April 15: How many times has Donald Trump falsely claimed he beats Hillary in the polls? Every time you turn around a new poll is out showing Trump getting beaten by Hillary in the general election and handily. In a head to head matchup, Hillary Clinton beats Donald Trump, 48% to 41%.
    I
    ncidentally, in this same poll, Ted Cruz is in a statistical dead heat with Hillary. John Kasich is leading Hillary by a decent margin but…it’s Kasich. Whatever.

    BTW, Kasich is lousy, full of modern-day liberal bias, and his being in the Oval Office will mean business-as-usual. But I’d hold my nose and still vote for him over pathologically dishonest, greedy and deranged Hillary.

    Pathetic. But that’s America in 2016.

    Mark (16bc93)

  331. CS, didn’t you get the memo? She was the brains behind John Wilkes Boothe and had to be eliminated before she spilled the beans.

    John Hitchcock (b9416a)

  332. Mr Hitchcock, I’d heard rumors that she was behind the Lincoln Assassination, but I guess I just turned a blind eye to it. I’d also heard she was the brains behind the assassination of James Garfield enabling that Canadian born guy (Chester Arthur) to ascend to the Presidency.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  333. #237, JD, I’ve heard the argument and I find it disingenuous. It’s a variant of blame the victim! Clearly, the Colorado GOPe arrogantly stiffed Trump supporters and perpetrated a fraud on Republican voters. Idiot claims that Trump should have seen it coming are garbage. He expected the state GOP to run a fair and open contest. They didn’t, they manipulated the process and they stiffed the front runner. So, now it’s his fault for trusting the Colorado Republican party to run an open and honest primary. I hope your bank doesn’t adopt similar methods.

    This episode is just one more example of Ted Cruz’s hypocritical approach to running for office. Rather than demonstrate integrity, he employs sneaky underhanded tactics to steal delegates. He did it to Carson, he tried it in Louisiana, he tried it in Georgia, and he did it in Colorado. The man wants to win and he doesn’t care how many little people he tramples on.

    Ted Cruz is sacrificing the integrity he earned standing up to the GOP leaders in Congress. He’s stooped to kiss the ass of the very party bosses that hate him the most. He shouldn’t be surprised when they turn on him – payback’s a bitch.

    ropelight (18f985)

  334. “Freedom, privileges, options, must constantly be exercised, even at the risk of inconvenience. Otherwise they fall into desuetude and become unfashionable, unorthodox — finally irregulationary.”
    ― Jack Vance, Emphyrio

    nk (dbc370)

  335. Clearly, the Colorado GOPe arrogantly stiffed Trump supporters and perpetrated a fraud on Republican voters.

    ropelight (18f985) — 4/16/2016 @ 9:27 am

    This is the mystery. How exactly did they “stiff” Trump supporters? Trumpers are like Goebbels. He said to just repeat something over and over.

    Gerald A (7c7ffb)

  336. The point that ropelight is missing, or not acknowledging, is that Cruz did not sit around waiting for the Colorado state GOP to hand him the delegates on a silver. And the Colorado state GOP did not hand him the delegates on a silver platter. He went there and worked for them.

    nk (dbc370)

  337. If anyone has any doubts whether Cruz should get the nod over Trump, take the time required to watch this and erase all doubt. Ropelight? I’m looking at you, Sparky… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDu2fWId8CA

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  338. If there is one thing we know about Trump, it’s that he knows human frailty and how to exploit it … but that also gives us insight into Trump the man. He calls Bush weak because he fears his own weakness. He says Cruz lies because he lies. And he calls Marco little because he is little in the places that matter to him. Trump attacks others in these specific ways because thsee are the areas where he is vulnerable.

    Therefore, what does this quote about Colorado tell us about Trump?

    The delegate rules for Colorado were announced in August. But Trump still blasted the system as “rigged,” implying that Cruz’s campaign had offered “goodies” to woo Colorado delegates.

    It tells me Trump doesn’t care about rules and that he plans to bribe the delegates.

    DRJ (15874d)

  339. TrumpShow has fully revealed the breadth and depth of the vast conspiracy by voluntary association which lies at the heart of the GOP. People willingly join and voluntarily offer their services, first at the precinct level, then at the city and county level, then at the Congressional District level and finally at the State and Federal level, supporting other people with similar outlooks and selecting those who will represent them in elective office. The entire game is rigged from the outset, granting vast power to those who willingly volunteer time and effort, earning trust through the demonstration of capability in voluntarily performing time consuming work repeatedly over relatively long periods of time.

    Is it fair TrumpShow should be denied the highest elective office in the United States simply because he has never participated in the process to the extent which would have enabled him to understand what he was attempting, based solely upon his celebrity and the willingness of media to provide him free publicity?

    It’s enough to make Kim Kardashian despair.

    Rick Ballard (a55d80)

  340. I think that is very clear, DRJ. Trump is all about “projection,” and fear.

    Honestly, think it over. If Trump was serious, and acted like a serious person, with genuine policy proposals instead of witless slogans, he would own the nomination.

    But he is just playing games, and I think doing so to help HRC.

    Simon Jester (a0c327)

  341. And I think projection works both ways. Many people are projecting their own anger onto the Trump candidacy.

    Other people just want to burn the system down.

    Both will result in a HRC presidency, Lord God help us.

    Simon Jester (a0c327)

  342. There is no victim, ropelight. Your idol chose to not do the work.

    JD (6aa855)

  343. JD, I don’t mean to repeat myself, but if the tables were turned, these same people would be crowing about how “smart” Trump was to “use the rules” to defeat a “lazy” Cruz.

    Such hypocrisy.

    Simon Jester (a0c327)

  344. Yeah, JD, that’s why JFK was assassinated. He failed to make sure his modified motorcade route didn’t take him into harm’s way. It’s also why the US Navy got caught flatfooted at Pearl Harbor, and why the 911 terrorists brought down the Twin Towers. If the victims had been paying attention and looking after their interests they’d be alive today.

    ropelight (18f985)

  345. More like “If you got a job, you wouldn’t need food stamps”.

    nk (dbc370)

  346. #344

    The GOPe killed Trump supporters?!?! I had no idea!!!

    Gerald A (be12ff)

  347. It’s not fair. We need a minimum delegate law.

    nk (dbc370)

  348. It’s not fair. We need to close the delegate gap between babbling old fools and young, energetic Senators.

    nk (dbc370)

  349. ropelight,

    Trump is not a victim. If he is, then he’s a pathetically weak man whow wold make a pathetically weak President.

    At least Cruz stands up and fights like a man and not a “pussy” — which, ironically, was another example of Trump projecting his own weakness onto his opponents.

    DRJ (15874d)

  350. I have no idea ropelght, why you and papertiger continue to allow yourselves to be drawn into this cluster***k about every move Trump does or doesn’t do. Do you guys enjoy getting called every name in the book by guys who just a few months ago were your ideological and political allies? I hope you realize that from this point forward every time one of them disagrees with you you’ll hear “remember, you were for Trump so what do you know”. Sometimes I think you guys and Old Reader are on the brink of becoming persona non grata.

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6)

  351. “he plans to bribe the delegates”

    DRJ,

    While his complete amorality and lack of ethics suggest no bar exists preventing TrumpShow from attempting to bribe or suborn delegates, I find it unlikely due to the probability such attempts by his agents would be recorded and displayed rather quickly. I’m very curious as to whether any state delegation will choose to vote via secret ballot rather than simple division. Division, either through hand count or actual “Yes to the right, No to the left” body count, is typical and a delegate from a non-Trump candidate selling out will also be standing out.

    Rick Ballard (a55d80)

  352. ropelight brings up 9/11, Pearl Harbor, and JFK’s assassination when discussing the “victim” status of billionaire Donald Trump. That’s awesome!

    The guy who will make great deals and put China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia in their place can’t even figure out how to defeat some Ted Cruz supporters in Colorado.

    (LOL)

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  353. During a campaign tour of the Apache Nation Wednesday, democratic
    presidential candidate Hilary Clinton said she had a plan to increase every
    single Native American’s income by $40,000 a year.

    Hilary refused repeated requests for details of her plan, however. She also
    told the Apaches that during her Senate career, she had voted YES 9,637
    times for every single Indian issue ever introduced.

    Before her departure, the Apache Tribe presented the Presidential candidate
    a plaque inscribed with her new Indian name, “Running Eagle.”
    After Hillary left, tribal officials explained that Running Eagle is a bird
    so full of shit it can’t fly.

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6)

  354. Yeah, Hoagie, I ask myself the same questions. But I’m stubborn enough and I’ve been commenting here for so long now that as long as Patterico puts up with me I’m not about to let halfwits and half-steppers run me off.

    I’m entitled to my own opinions and I’ll support the candidate of my choice. The unhinged mob can wet themselves or howl at the moon, I’m not going anywhere. However, it’s been educational (and disappointing) to see individuals I once respected behave in such reprehensible ways. I never appreciated the blind rage that mob mentality can generate. You’re one of the most outspoken very few who haven’t yielded to personal animosity. It shows the mark of a brave man. Thank you.

    ropelight (18f985)

  355. 353.During a campaign tour of the Apache Nation Wednesday, democratic
    presidential candidate Hilary Clinton said she had a plan to increase every
    single Native American’s income by $40,000 a year.

    Hilary refused repeated requests for details of her plan, however. She also
    told the Apaches that during her Senate career, she had voted YES 9,637
    times for every single Indian issue ever introduced.

    Before her departure, the Apache Tribe presented the Presidential candidate
    a plaque inscribed with her new Indian name, “Running Eagle.”
    After Hillary left, tribal officials explained that Running Eagle is a bird
    so full of crap it can’t fly.

    (I hope that’s better and kill the one in moderation)

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6)

  356. Trump has given up in Wyoming to concentrate on other states:

    Trump’s campaign did have some volunteers working in the state, but says it wanted to focus attention in other states like New York, where Trump is expecting a blowout next Tuesday. “It was a conscious decision,” Cobb told ABC News. “These processes just don’t work for us.”

    He isn’t a victim, he’s a loser.

    DRJ (15874d)

  357. Hoagie,

    Consider me one of the half-wits and half-steppers.

    DRJ (15874d)

  358. Also, part of the mob that is mad with blind rage. Do I have that right?

    DRJ (15874d)

  359. Trump is brilliant at this game. By continuing with personal attacks and playing the perpetual victim, he has successfully kept the conversation from anything of substance which is his weakest point of all. He cannot cogently discuss and articulate policy, therefore by continually making the personal attacks and crying foul, he provides a big enough distraction from his most basic and critical shortcoming. Further, and perhaps most importantly to him, it keeps him at the center of public attention. He doesn’t care if it’s negative or not. It’s attention.

    My question to ropelight and prowlerguy and other Trump supporters is, why would you let someone like this disrespect and debase you like this? You just seem to smart to fall for the games of a petulant child.

    Dana (0ee61a)

  360. I love how Trump Fan Boys who whoop and holler when Donnie Mobster calls Carly Fiorina “too ugly to be President,” or when he says Ted Cruz’ wife is too ugly for HIM to become President, or when he says that Megyn Kelly is “bleeding from her wherever,” all of a sudden want to adopt a Victorian code of civil discourse when people mock The Mr Donald for his bad ideas.

    In other words, people mock Trump for his ideas, whereas Team Trump mocks people for their looks.
    Yet Team Trump wants to equate the two on the scale of of being a jerk. (LOL)

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  361. Col. H (#181): Is this the Cruz interview on on Squawk Box you were referencing? Watching now myself ….

    Beldar (fa637a) — 4/15/2016 @ 6:58 pm

    I just watched that. My God, that was good.

    Bill H (dcdd7b)

  362. JRD, I’m not suggesting you or anyone else here is a half-wit or full of blind rage. I just think the invective got out of hand. Just my opinion.

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6)

  363. No, DRJ, you’re not a halfwit or a half-stepper, nor are you consumed with blind rage. But you do suffer from a lack of balance when it comes to Donald Trump and those (few) of us who prefer him to Ted Cruz. Your comments often reveal an element of pique that I would have identified as uncharacteristic prior to Trump’s ascendancy. Sometimes it exceeds the limits of pique and spills over into apparent animosity.

    ropelight (18f985)

  364. After Hillary left, tribal officials explained that Running Eagle is a bird so full of crap it can’t fly.

    LOL. If the two Democrat candidates weren’t so lousy, one an in-bred liar and amoral leftist, the other an ultra-ultra-liberal (just a bit more ideologically extreme than the Democrat he hopes to succeed and the one he’s competing against), I could easily imagine a variety of Republicans foregoing both Trump and Cruz and punching the chad next to the name whose affiliation is “D.”

    In a way, that alternative reality is bad enough—ie, even an honest, ethical dyed-in-the-wool liberal will make no less of a big mess of this nation. But that it probably will still hold true in this actual reality, come November, shows just how debased and exhausted the socio-political scene has become in the US.

    Mark (16bc93)

  365. Donald Trump hates rules except bankruptcy rules. He thinks they are great.

    DRJ (15874d)

  366. Mob mentality is worshiping at the altar of Donald Trump, a man who, 18 months ago was spending vast amounts of dollars buying politicians to stop the TEA Party and crush Conservatives. Mob mentality is spreading lies in support of the Lying Leftist Democrat Donald Trump and refusing to even examine Trump’s multi-decadal consistant past evil deeds. Mob mentality is pretending Donald Trump knows the first thing about Conservatism, foreign policy, or even how to keep a business afloat.

    In short, the Trump Idolators are the mob, running blindly after their god, and assaulting anyone who gets in their way. And there is not one single Trump Idolator on this site, or any other, that is worth a single ounce of respect. And they will get none from me. They are who will be responsible for destroying this 240 year old country.

    John Hitchcock (b9416a)

  367. Feel free to call me too emotional, ropelight. It reminds me of Trump’s debating style and why I don’t want him to win, so it only reinforces my opinion why he is ill-suited to be President.

    Do you really want a whiner and bully like Trump to control the nuclear triad (even though he doesn’t know what that is)?

    DRJ (15874d)

  368. Can you think Trump can see the nuclear triad from his penthouse balcony?

    ropelight (18f985)

  369. Damn good, Bill H!

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  370. Trump should be more informed as a New Yorker after 9-11.

    Trump acts like a Jacksonian, although I don’t believe he really is one. If he is, his information level seems about the same as Jackson’s was. He inspires emotion but he doesn’t demonstrate the principles or contemplation to be a conservative President. He would be a great Democrat, though.

    DRJ (15874d)

  371. I’m not about to let halfwits and half-steppers run me off. The unhinged mob can wet themselves or howl at the moon, I’m not going anywhere.

    ropelight (18f985) — 4/16/2016 @ 11:31 am

    There’s all these unhinged halfwits here who don’t understand that the GOPe put thousands of Trump supporters to death in Colorado.

    Gerald A (7c7ffb)

  372. This is how Trump’s children explained why they weren’t registered to vote:

    She said the two of them had been informed they had to register “a long time ago” and that’s why she wanted to make those videos educating others.

    Eric explained it was their first foray into politics and they didn’t quite realize how the system worked, but overall it’s been “a great educational process” for them.

    They knew the rules but ignored the details, proving by their own admission that they are naive, careless novices. That’s the best you can hope for with the Trump campaign.

    DRJ (15874d)

  373. So, again: if Trump quit acting like a sophomoric fool, imagine what he could accomplish? Imagine if he actually discussed policy? Imagine if he came up with sober, serious plans about what he claims are important problems facing our nation?

    Instead of braying “cheer slogans” and insulting people’s wives.

    Imagine if he said, “Of course I am willing to debate domestic and foreign policy with Senators Cruz and Kasich. Name a time and place.”

    But…he…does…not.

    Two possible reasons:

    1. He just isn’t smart enough to see the good he could do his own campaign.
    2. He doesn’t care about anything other than causing a scene.

    I really don’t see what else.

    Now, the fact that some people are quite passionate about defending him, without addressing this, suggests Trump thinks he shouldn’t have to, well, think deeply about anything.

    That’s a shame.

    To repeat myself: imagine if he didn’t act like a dithering, bragging, and vulgar thug. Look at the genuine good he could do.

    Doesn’t he care about this election?

    Personally, I think he is working for the Clintons, and is laughing at his supporters.

    But if I am wrong, that is great news. If Trump supporters are wrong, why, we will get eight years of HRC.

    Thanks, folks.

    By the way, Trump supporters: why aren’t you writing to your candidate asking these questions, and illustrating deep policy issues? I think you are just being played by Trump.

    Simon Jester (c8876d)

  374. He would be a great Democrat, though.

    You underestimate just how bad such people and their party are to make that claim. As cruddy as Trump is in various categories, he’d have to be an extremely, blatantly, absurdly bald-faced liar (ie, more than he currently is) — and pathologically so — to compete with the likes of the main Democrat candidate and the person she hopes to succeed. Moreover, he’d have to find a soft spot in his heart for the ethos of “Goddamn America, your chickens are coming home to roost!” instead of any notion about making America great again.

    DRJ, I recall your saying not too long ago that Republicans you’re acquainted with have told you they’ll vote for Hillary instead of Trump in the upcoming election. Forget about their negative take on Trump, since that at least is understandable. It’s the idea of any sane person thinking that hideous Hillary deserves even a second look, much less their vote in November, is what makes me pause. Such people’s socio-political biases and sense of proportion have to be as screwed up as Donald Trump’s.

    Mark (16bc93)

  375. You’re imputing this to party leaders without a shred of proof, and despite their claim that it was an unauthorized Tweet that they’re continuing to investigate.

    When it comes from the official verified Twitter account, then that provides the proof. Of course, they trot out the “Carlos Danger” Weiner defense: “We were hacked!!” Since it is their official, password protected account, I’d say the burden in on them to prove that they were, indeed, hacked.

    prowlerguy (fa36d8)

  376. Let the halfwits reveal themselves, as if they haven’t already.

    ropelight (18f985)

  377. Except they didn’t say they were hacked. Words matter, Trumpsters don’t.

    John Hitchcock (b9416a)

  378. If I appear angry, ropelight, it is because I was one of the people here who defended Trump’s candidacy and he disppointed me.

    I thought Trump brought a welcome willingness to speak out on previously taboo subjects but he followed it with nothing but bullying and bluster. He won’t even debate because he’s too lazy to prepare or too emotional to deal with criticism. If I’m mad, it’s because Trump is such a loser and I feel like a fool for listening to him, let alone defending him and his supporters.

    DRJ (15874d)

  379. I would be happy to debate free trade with a free trade skeptic who is honest, makes his own arguments, and forthrightly confronts mine rather than dodging them.

    Old Lyin’ Christoph ain’t that guy.

    Good night guys. I doubt I’ll be returning given the tone that persists in these comments.

    Yes you will. Perhaps under a different name, as you do. But you can’t quit us.

    Unfortunately for us.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  380. I thought he was Christoph. I’m addicted to your website, too, but people should at least be honest about who they are and what they think.

    DRJ (15874d)

  381. If Christoph were honest about who he is, he wouldn’t be able to comment here, since he was rightfully banned. I would like to retire Christoph and pull Eric Blair out of retirement.

    John Hitchcock (b9416a)

  382. 378.If I appear angry, ropelight, it is because I was one of the people here who defended Trump’s candidacy and he disppointed me.

    You think you’re the only one, DRJ? Trump was in the running for me at the beginning and I discounted him for the same reasons but I didn’t take his failures and weaknesses out on his supporters. I just decided on Scot Walker instead. When he dropped out I went with Fiorina. Now I’m for Cruz. I’m for whoever I believe to be the most conservative candidate running and that ain’t Trump. But I am hard pressed to say he’s less conservative than Kasich who is little more than a Rockefeller Republican to me. But I will not spend one word treating Trump supporters like crap so when we need their votes in November they either stay home or write in Mickey Mouse. That’s not how we win elections.

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6)

  383. Ropelight -‘explain to everyone how the evil changes didn’t apply to everyone. What prevented Trump from doing the organizing and work that others have done?

    JD (6aa855)

  384. Mark and Hoagie,

    I think Hillary would be a disaster, but Trump could be even more dangerous than Hillary. I won’t vote for either one.

    DRJ (15874d)

  385. Now he wants to call it the Trump Wall. All he thinks about is himself and his brand.

    He is as self-absorbed as Obama and I did not fall for with Obama. I’m certainly not falling for Trump.

    DRJ (15874d)

  386. My last link is video of Trump suggesting they call it the Trump Wall last August, but he apparently said it again in Syracuse today.

    DRJ (15874d)

  387. @ Hoagie (#350): “Brink”? Heh.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  388. but Trump could be even more dangerous than Hillary. I won’t vote for either one.

    My sense is that nothing would be worse and more dangerous than Hillary in the White House. But that indicates just how bad things are in 2016 because her competition, should it be Trump, is an ego-driven, impulsive blowhard who has the tactical-social sophistication of a zit-faced high-school kid. He’s damaged goods, but Hillary, as far as I’m concerned, is far more damaged.

    The question is how will things shake out before November? Many Republicans on election day will be reacting the way you are. Another set of Republicans will be the ones firmly in Trump’s camp who’ll refuse to vote for Cruz. So it comes down to the percentage of Republican or independent voters who’ll either vote for Hillary or sit out the election altogether.

    The Democrats have their Hillary camp and Sanders camp, but the sniping and discord between the two groups currently doesn’t seem as heated as it is among their counterparts in the Republican Party. Some of that is because I think the left is less principled than the right, so cutting corners and, if need be, selling one’s soul to the devil in order to further liberalism are a perfectly fine modus operandi to such people.

    Mark (16bc93)

  389. @ Mark (#373), who — in response to DRJ’s comment that “Trump would make a good Democrat” — wrote:

    You underestimate just how bad such people and their party are to make that claim. As cruddy as Trump is in various categories, he’d have to be an extremely, blatantly, absurdly bald-faced liar (ie, more than he currently is) — and pathologically so — to compete with the likes of the main Democrat candidate and the person she hopes to succeed.

    I don’t see that big a gap between Trump and Clinton, and I’m quite sure I’m not underestimating how bad the Clintons are. It would take a whole lot of improvement in Trump’s temperament and a whole lot more consistency from him on policy before I could be persuaded that he’s any better than her.

    Before this election cycle, it was inconceivable to me that I might ever vote for the Democrat in a presidential general election. I’m a fourth-generation Republican from a state that was one-party Democrat for the first three-plus decades of my own life, and the entirety of my father’s and great-grandfather’s life. (My great-grandfather moved to Texas from Tennessee as a boy during Reconstruction.)

    But if Trump gets the GOP nominee, then in my view, both major parties will be headed up by Democrats. I don’t believe Trump genuinely believes in conservative principles, and I believe that in his heart — as he has been overtly for six and a half of his seven decades on earth — Trump is a progressive Democrat, one who embraces partial birth abortion, single-payer government health care, private use of eminent domain, and (in a bit of bipartisan zeal) crony capitalism and big government in general.

    In the late 1970s and early 1980s, I was sometimes obliged to vote in the Texas Democratic primary because there weren’t any Republicans running (or if they were, they were unopposed), in which instances I simply voted for the most conservative Democrat. (That was an era when there still was such a thing, in Texas anyway.) So as between Hillary and Trump, which is the more conservative Democrat?

    If I look at their historical positions, there’s not a dime’s difference between them on policy. The only difference is that Trump is pretending to be a conservative for the moment. Which way does that even cut, though? Would I prefer a Democrat who expressly endorses the most progressive positions, or the Democrat who pretends to have embraced at least some conservative positions? What do I do when both Democrats (Trump & Hillary) are so corrupt that I can’t tell which of them might be the least-worse? Hillary’s a slightly better liar than Trump, but they both lie constantly, reflexively, systematically, and venally. His lies are more frequently careless and stupid than hers; should I prefer the obvious liar to the subtle one?

    Ours is a two-party system. Anyone who fails to vote for the least-worst presidential candidate nominated by one of those two parties is throwing his vote away. I understand that for many conservatives who share my frustration, they would rather throw away their votes than cast them for either Hillary or Trump. I don’t fault them if that’s their decision. But my current plan remains to vote for the GOP nominee, because that’s the only effective way to vote against the Dem nominee; and I think there’s a better than 50/50 chance that Trump, if he becomes the GOP nominee and somehow manages to beat Hillary, would still manage to get himself impeached within the first year of his first term.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  390. DRJ: He’s going to wait until his second term to propose the Constitutional amendment to change us from “The United States of America” to “The TRUMP ORGANIZATION-North America.” (By then we’ll have nuked Mexico and absorbed Canada via hostile corporate takeover.)

    Beldar (fa637a)

  391. Cruz has forced Trump to spend a lot of time defending his home state of New York.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  392. I think Hillary would be a disaster, but Trump could be even more dangerous than Hillary. I won’t vote for either one.
    DRJ

    DRJ, Trump is an idiot. The village idiot in the gaggle of Presidential contenders. But we’ve had idiots as President before. A lot of them in my opinion. Look at the a-hole in there now as an example. Hell, I’d venture to say perhaps most were idiots. But I really haven’t spent my life as a staunch defender of our Republic to see what is left go down the crapper with a socialist grifter like Hillary or an out and out communist like Sanders. I already now what I do with commies and it ain’t elect them.

    All I’m saying is when the smoke clears and Cruz is the candidate we need every vote we can get to beat the bad guys. That includes the Trump supporters. Now what would be your reaction if I spent six months calling you every name under the book, not just your candidate, you, and then came to you to help me win in November? A little hostile perhaps? I’ve voted for a lot of liberal Republicans I couldn’t stand including both Bushes, McCain and Romney. So what? I’d still take any of them over the options. Don’t you wish Romney had won? Sure, he’s not a real conservative in my book but compared to me few are but I still would rather have him than this Douche. But a lot of Republicans “just couldn’t pull that lever” cause Romney was a Morman, they didn’t like how he treated his dog or some phony “women in binders” crap and in the end we got it in the end.

    Trump is an idiot but he’s our idiot. We already dealt with their idiot, do we really need another? According to history you won’t be voting for a President but rather a CIIC, Chief Idiot In Charge. Think of it like that if you must but vote.

    As much a dumbass Trump is he’s not a commie, a socialist or a person who hates the United States. He may not be able to name every state but I believe he loves them and does not want to fundamentally transform them. Can you say that of Hillary of Sanders?

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6)

  393. If I’m mad, it’s because Trump is such a loser and I feel like a fool for listening to him, let alone defending him and his supporters.

    DRJ (15874d) — 4/16/2016 @ 1:06 pm

    Don’t feel bad. People are allowed to change their minds as evidence and circumstances permit. I rather liked Carson save for his bizarre reasoning on the 2nd Amendment. The strange accusation that Cruz lied about his dropping out before Florida, his endorsement of Trump AFTER Trump insinuated he was a pedo and his more recent remarks make me glad he didn’t stay in the race.

    Bill H (dcdd7b)

  394. Mr. Trump is a very fitting choice for failmerica at this point of time in its fail arc

    he backfoots the socialists and he backfoots sleazy Team R

    he backfoots the media and he backfoots the ted n heidi 700 clubbers

    all in all he is a very good choice and this is why I appreciate his participation and his good old fashioned american moxie

    happyfeet (831175)

  395. Socialist or sociopath? Go with the socialist.

    nk (dbc370)

  396. Mr. Bernie Sanders wants free stuff for you.
    Mr. The Donald wants free stuff, such as Colorado delegates, for himself.
    Advantage: Mr. Sanders

    nk (dbc370)

  397. bernie isn’t really on my radar you can tell he’s not serious cause of how he goes so easy on the nasty pee-stanky old woman

    happyfeet (831175)

  398. Ours is a two-party system. Anyone who fails to vote for the least-worst presidential candidate nominated by one of those two parties is throwing his vote away.

    Fortunately for you Beldar, you live in a state where your vote can still make a difference. I live in a state where it makes no difference at all, we will be going for Sir Hillary anyway. I’ve told people that if it comes down to Sanders/Clinton vs Trump, I’m writing in Zombie Adolf Hitler. I usually get a laugh out of that line. What they don’t realize is I’m dead serious. If I vote Trump, my vote won’t be worth the ink from the marker used to fill in the oval.

    Bill H (dcdd7b)

  399. I can see Trump taking Illinois. But it will not be with my help.

    nk (dbc370)

  400. i’m probably super busy that day but we’ll just play it by ear for now

    happyfeet (831175)

  401. At #391, Hoagie wrote: DRJ, Trump is an idiot. The village idiot in the gaggle of Presidential contenders.

    Not while John Kasich is still in the race.

    ropelight (18f985)

  402. “Trump is an idiot but he’s our idiot.”

    – Hoagie

    That’s the Trumpkin mentality in a nutshell, for sure.

    Leviticus (c8fdf0)

  403. That’s the Trumpkin mentality in a nutshell, for sure.

    Leviticus (c8fdf0) — 4/16/2016 @ 5:20 pm

    Not really a fair allusion. I see what the Rev is saying- vote for the “R”, even though it stinks like mouldy cheese on a hot day. He’s looking to change within the system, and you can’t do that with Sir Hillary extending and expanding Hope and Change.

    The one positive here is Trump is gonna piss off a lot of supporters once they find out that he’s no better or no different than Preezy 404. They’ll find out their thirst for revenge unslaked. If they think they’re unhappy now…..

    Bill H (dcdd7b)

  404. Ropelight, I hope you keep a bottle of water near you at all times because you are seriously in danger of choking on your own bullsh*t.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  405. 402.“Trump is an idiot but he’s our idiot.”

    – Hoagie

    That’s the Trumpkin mentality in a nutshell, for sure.
    Leviticus (c8fdf0) — 4/16/2016 @ 5:20 pm

    What the heck is that supposed to mean?

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6)

  406. Fortunately for you Beldar, you live in a state where your vote can still make a difference. I live in a state where it makes no difference at all, we will be going for Sir Hillary anyway.

    That is so wrong Bill H. Your vote, like everybody’s makes a difference to you. It also makes a difference to others. Whether you vote or not says exactly what you think of our Republic and who you vote for puts you on either the side of right or that of wrong. So even if you believe your vote makes no difference in how your state goes it sure makes a difference in how you show yourself to everybody. Are you defeated because your vote does not count or will you insist on your right to speak because that is what your vote is in essence, your Freedom to speak. When you say you won’t vote you are allowing the Hillary’s and Sanders’ and Trump’s of the world to shut you up.

    Are you going to let them tell you “shut up Bill H.”?

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6)

  407. Hoagie,

    Saying we have to moderate what we say to avoid alienating (Trump/McCain/Romney) supporters is the same old tired advice we’ve heard for years. I say what I believe. If that makes someone rethink their vote for Trump, fine. If it makes someone rethink their vote for Cruz, that’s fine, too.

    I was willing to vote for every single one of the GOP candidates except Huckabee and, ultimately, Trump. That includes Bush, Carson, Christie, Fiorina, Gilmore, Graham, Jindal, Kasich, Pataki, Paul, Perry, Santorum, Rubio, and Walker. Some make me happier than others but i woild have voted for any of them against Hillary. That makes me pretty flexible. If that’s not good enough for you and Mark, so be it.

    DRJ (15874d)

  408. What the heck is that supposed to mean?

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6) — 4/16/2016 @ 6:34 pm

    Rev, I think it’s since you’re looking at Trump from a different angle, he’s condemned you to damnation as an anti-Cruz blasphemer.

    Bill H (dcdd7b)

  409. And I live in Beldar’s State of Texas. I think Hillary could win Texas against Trump, perhaps easily, and that would be the end of Trump’S chances.

    DRJ (15874d)

  410. 395.Socialist or sociopath? Go with the socialist.
    nk (dbc370)

    What’s the difference? Anybody who believes he has the right through to steal the fruits of another mans labor for himself is a sociopath. A socialist just makes the state a co-conspirator.

    That’s like Chris Mathews asking Hillary the difference between a socialist and a democrat.

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6)

  411. Leviticus is saying that Trump supporters will supprt Trump no matter what he does or says. He’s right. Even Trump has said that.

    DRJ (15874d)

  412. Rev, I think it’s since you’re looking at Trump from a different angle, he’s condemned you to damnation as an anti-Cruz blasphemer.

    I hope not because that would make him an idiot. I’ve been for Cruz since shortly before Fiorina dropped out and everybody here including Levidicus knows that which is why I don’t understand the comment.

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6)

  413. 411.Leviticus is saying that Trump supporters will supprt Trump no matter what he does or says. He’s right. Even Trump has said that.

    That appears true, DRJ now what’s it got to do with me? The same could be said about that thief Hillary’s supporters or that creepy old commies supporters. Again, so what?

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6)

  414. Are you going to let them tell you “shut up Bill H.”?

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6) — 4/16/2016 @ 6:44 pm

    That’s an exceptional effort to get me to stand up and speak, Rev. The one thing I’m waiting on is the convention. If Cruz makes it to the general, it ain’t no question- I’ll vote for him with a song in my heart and a smile on my lips. The one and only reason I would vote Trump is he were the nominee- and I sure as hell won’t be happy about it. My whole thing is that California is so blue you can’t distinguish the coastline from the ocean. I don’t even need to wait to see that Sir Hillary is going to take the electoral votes here.

    Soon as dad passes away, I’m selling the house and leaving this political dump. I understand there are other states that actually respect my rights as an American citizen.

    Bill H (dcdd7b)

  415. If Trump gets the GOP nod, he’s got my vote. If someone else gets the GOP nod, I’ll vote for them. What others may do is their business. But it would take a gun to my head for me to sit out the election or to vote for Hillary.

    I won’t have that stain on my soul.

    ropelight (18f985)

  416. You may not support Trump and I’m sure Trump supporters don’t think Trump is an idiot, but I think Leviticus’ point is that they would be wiling to support Trump even if he were an idiot. They are that invested in him and his immigration/trade agenda.

    Similarly, many Republicans supported Bush in 2004 even though his intellect was challenged. We believed in him and his war on terror. When the Democrats called him an idiot, it resonated with their supporters and probably with moderate Republicans, but not with Bush supporters.

    DRJ (15874d)

  417. I won’t have that stain on my soul, either, which is why I won’t vote for Trump.

    DRJ (15874d)

  418. If Trump loses to Hillary and you didn’t vote you’ll go to your grave ashamed of yourself.

    ropelight (18f985)

  419. On the “plus” side, the Republicans may not be able to win with anyone at this point.

    DRJ (15874d)

  420. Score one for Obama. He divided the races and the country. His politics of hate and dissension worked.

    DRJ (15874d)

  421. I will go to my grave thinking about my faith, not my politics.

    DRJ (15874d)

  422. It never occurred to me that by “soul” you were talking about God. I thought you meant your conscience. I cannot vote for Trump in good conscience but that has nothing to do with my religious beliefs or my soul.

    DRJ (15874d)

  423. this is who you ride with when you vote for red queen,

    http://pjmedia.com/instapundit/231624/#respond

    narciso (732bc0)

  424. I don’t see it as a vote for Hillary. I see it as not wanting to dip my hand in either toilet bowl. Not that I think that I am all that wise, either. I will abide by the collective wisdom or folly of my fellow citizens.

    nk (dbc370)

  425. Here’s an excerpt from Patrick Howley’s article at Breitbart 4/16/16

    Trump Supporters Walk Out of Georgia Delegate Fight After Party Picks Cruz Supporter…

    Donald Trump supporters walked out of a delegate election in Georgia Saturday to protest a vote that robbed Trump of all of his slated delegates from a district that he won in the primary.

    A Cruz-Rubio alliance at the district convention in Buford, Georgia helped to knock Trump supporters out of the district’s national delegation altogether. Cruz supporters implied that Trump’s people would “embarrass” the district at the convention in Cleveland. Then things got heated…

    ropelight (18f985)

  426. I don’t see that big a gap between Trump and Clinton, and I’m quite sure I’m not underestimating how bad the Clintons are.

    The gap may not be that big, but it’s a gap nonetheless. It’s a gap that I judge as placing more negative qualities on Hillary’s side than on Trump’s. Both have their mendacious traits, but with Hillary it goes beyond the pale and enters pathological territory.

    There is also a blatantly trashy, deviant characteristic of Hillary (interwoven with that of her husband) that one ups Donald and his frat-boy, New-York-Hollywood side. Plus, I’d say that Bill’s wife is more devoutly leftwing than Donald is, more liable to shed a tear when listening to, for example, a sermon of Jeremiah Wright’s, while Trump is more likely to shake his head in disgust.

    From the point after a person has chosen to vote for Hillary, and when that same person is pointing out the failings of other candidates, even ones as flaky, ideologically amoral and unreliable as Donald Trump, he or she has zero political-philosophical credibility in my book.

    Mark (16bc93)

  427. Trump is an evil, lying bastard. To vote for him is to stain your soul.

    John Hitchcock (b9416a)

  428. Lighten up, Francis.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  429. Narciso:
    Richards didn’t even really win that 1 term, her opponent made some comment that “a rape victim should sit back and enjoy it”.
    That would be cool as hell to see Trump lose Texas due to jilted Cruzers sitting out and <5% hispanic support.

    urbanleftbehind (d3ea16)

  430. and when the new administration is treating texas like the vendee, how satisfying will that be?

    narciso (732bc0)

  431. Trump is an evil, lying bastard. To vote for him is to stain your soul.

    John Hitchcock (b9416a) — 4/16/2016 @ 8:40 pm

    I’m an atheist, John. By definition, I’m not particularly worried about my soul. A little Febreeze and it should be OK.

    Bill H (dcdd7b)

  432. Nobody’s perfect, Bill. Why, just today, I dialed my Gillette DE up to 9 thinking it was 1; marveled at the closeness of the shave but put it down to the fresh blade; and wondered how I nicked myself in five places.

    nk (dbc370)

  433. Just think of what would have happened had you pulled a Spinal Tap and dialed it to 11 🙂

    Bill H (dcdd7b)

  434. Ann Richards is a good example, narciso. She ran against a businessman who said his business experience, his willingness to say anything, and the R by his name were his qualifications to be Governor. It might work now but it didn’t work then.

    DRJ (15874d)

  435. Texas has had the appearance of a vendee (albeit a decidely self.made one) ever since its started rising back from the late 80s oil bust. What might suck is that it will look more like an LBJ wet dream form of prosperity. And that it’s California clock starts in January 2017.

    urbanleftbehind (d3ea16)

  436. It’s hard to argue with that word jumble.

    DRJ (15874d)

  437. Thank you DRJ, I thought it was me.

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6)

  438. It’s okay. I have the third launch code. We have complete access.

    papertiger (c2d6da)

  439. Good one, papertiger.

    Hope you get good news soon, Hoagie. I admire your fortitude and good attitude.

    DRJ (15874d)

  440. I’d like to hear former top echelon of the Bush administration explain their rationale behind this: http://nypost.com/2016/04/17/how-us-covered-up-saudi-role-in-911/

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  441. Thanks, DRJ. As you probably know the waiting is the hard part. But the good news is they poked, irradiated or catheterized every organ I’ve got and all are great but the lungs.

    That election in 1990 was the last time I voted in Texas, DRJ. I was living in San Antonio at the time and had restaurants on River Walk. Richards ran against a guy named Williams and I thought he was winning…..until somehow the democrats finished “counting” the votes and suddenly it was Richards 49% and Williams 47% in a miraculous “upset”. It was also the last time the democrat party of Texas had enough juice to get a dem elected (or rather appointed). After that all their governors were Republicans. But the election of Richards and living in a town that had a slimy creep like Cisneros as mayor was enough for me to sell my places, take my money and vote with my feet. Well, that and about six times what I paid for the one restaurant and building.

    Hoagie ™ (e4fcd6)

  442. The big cities are liberal. Not my favorites, either. I like the medium sized-cities and suburban areas.

    The waiting and not knowing what will happen must be hard, and transplant waiting seems like it would be especially hard. I helped a friend with a liver transplant. He was bumped down on the list because he lives more than 2 hours away. It makes sense from the transplant center’s perspective, but it was still hard to accept. There are a lot of rules to navigate but it sounds like you can handle it.

    DRJ (15874d)

  443. We just missed your restaurants. Our oldest was addicted to the Alamo so we visited the River Walk area several times a year starting in 1990-1991.

    DRJ (15874d)

  444. Ted Nugent’s 20 reasons to vote Trump!

    Obama is against Trump

    The Media is against Trump

    The establishment Democrats are against Trump

    The establishment Republicans are against Trump

    The Pope is against Trump

    The UN is against Trump

    The EU is against Trump

    China is against Trump

    Mexico is against Trump

    Soros is against Trump

    Black Lives Matter is against Trump

    MoveOn.Org is against Trump

    Koch Bro’s are against Trump

    Hateful, racist, violent liberals are against Trump

    Rosie says she will leave the country

    Al Sharpton says he will leave the country

    Gov. Brown says California will build a wall

    Cher says she will leave the country

    Mylie Cyrus says she will leave the country

    Whoopi says she will leave the country

    ropelight (1d7e5f)

  445. plus he has the feet of a young god

    happyfeet (831175)

  446. DRJ, were you a fan of Clayton “Lie Back and Enjoy It” Williams? I didn’t know much about politics at the time, but just about all I heard about the guy was that one gaffe. Over and over and over. Of course I didn’t like Ann Richards. I’m not sure if I voted in that election, but if I did I’m sure it was for him. I put his troubles down to being an Aggie.

    Patterico (86c8ed)

  447. ropelight (1d7e5f) — 4/17/2016 @ 1:11 pm

    Gotta admit, that is a very tempting reason to ignore reason.

    Bill H (dcdd7b)


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