The Trump Mystique

            Establishment Republicans appear to be baffled by Donald Trump’s staying power.  They are, “clinging to hope that the Trump phenomenon may yet fade.”  Every comment Trump makes is immediately jumped on by the media and even his fellow Republicans and twisted to produce maximum damage.  However, these attacks only appear to increase his appeal.  The establishment attributes Trump’s appeal to the ignorance of the Republican base.  They are clinging to their bibles and guns.  Rob Stutzman, a GOP consultant in Sacramento, attributes Trump’s success to a, “core of non-college-educated segment of the party that’s adhering to his irrational and dangerous rhetoric and has the potential to hold the party back.”  The Democrats’ base is composed of an elite and a large underclass. Do Democrats ever comment on the ignorance of their base?

            Originally dismissed as a joke, the establishment is now deathly afraid that he will win the nomination.  The RNC demanded Trump sign a pledge to stay with the Republican Party.  However, the RNC did not sign a pledge to stay with the nominee chosen by the Republican base.  Establishment Republicans are now considering a “brokered convention.”  Trump is accused of “tearing apart the party.”  However, it appears that it is the establishment that is tearing the party apart.  Since the polling began candidates that can clearly be described as establishment rarely have achieved a combined total of more than 30%. 

            The establishment prefers “moderate” candidates.  Bob Dole, John McCain, Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush are their preferred candidates.  They are also losers.  Part of their problem is their unwillingness to attack their Democrat opponents.  Joe Biden commenting on the third presidential debate of the 2012 election stated, "Half the time, in this last debate, I didn't know whether or not Gov. Romney was there to debate Barack Obama or endorse Barack Obama.”  No one will suggest that Donald Trump would endorse his opponent.  Trump has made several “outrageous” statements.  After the media have distorted what he has said, the expected response is for the target to grovel and beg for forgiveness.  That is not Trump’s style.  Many people find this refreshing.

            Many of Trump’s policy suggestions are described as impractical.  However, his policies can be contrasted to the progressive policies now in place.  These policies are in effect supported by establishment Republicans and funded through omnibus budget bills.  The administration’s policies are frequently counterproductive - even administration supporters are realizing this.  The administration’s refugee policies and Guantanamo prisoner released policy are receipts for disaster.  Yet the establishment is expending its energy on attacking Trump.

            The stakes are high in this contest.  The corruption is so deep that the establishment cannot allow an “outsider” to gain control.  The establishment has been able to enlist “conservatives” to its cause.  Rep. Darrell Issa stated, “I think when we denounce him as the buffoon that he is, voters have to decide.  You have everyone from the speaker of the House to both conservative and moderate Republicans, in addition to all the Democrats, denouncing [Trump].”  It is early in this campaign.  As time goes by the attacks will become more vicious.  A “famous” rapper has already called for the assassination of Trump and a board member for the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado has resigned after urging people to kill supporters of presidential candidate Donald Trump.  If Trump is nominated we can expect civil disturbances encouraged by the media.  The Attorney General has not commented on these matters.  She is more concerned with remarks that are critical of Islam.