Everybody is Ganging Up on Trump. Will It Work?

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Many of us have been expecting Trump to fade. Has he finally hit his Dean Scream moment with his latest attacks on Muslims?

If they can't derail him now, will he emerge stronger, or will this mark his slide out of the top tier?

Needless to say (and as I've been warning) Cruz seems to be the major beneficiary of so much attention being spent on Trump.

 

[ottumwan in tx]

if it didn't work with, "keep the Mexicans out", and, "women are pigs", why would it work with, "keep all muzzies out" ???

 

[The Tradition]

if it didn't work with, "keep the Mexicans out", and, "women are pigs", why would it work with, "keep all muzzies out" ???

Well, only Rosie was described as a "pig" and I don't think anyone challenged that characterization.

 

[ICWestfan]

I was flipping through the dial on my way home from work yesterday and heard Rush say that there is talk of a donor carpet bombing all the candidates except for Trump and Jeb leaving those 2 to face Hill. Not sure the reasoning as I kept flipping until I got to something a bit more pleasing to the ear.

 

[unIowa]

Many of us have been expecting Trump to fade. Has he finally hit his Dean Scream moment with his latest attacks on Muslims?

If they can't derail him now, will he emerge stronger, or will this mark his slide out of the top tier?

Needless to say (and as I've been warning) Cruz seems to be the major beneficiary of so much attention being spent on Trump.

If the GOP was really serious about stopping Trump they would have some of the candidates start dropping out so the moderate base of the party could rally around just one or maybe two people at this point vs having eleventy billion people in the race.

The problem is Jeb isn't a strong leader but he is well funded so he won't drop out. Christie is a blow hard loud mouth so he isn't dropping out. Cruz is maybe just a seat left of Trump's rhetoric (still not sure Trump isn't just trolling the American Political system) so he is a nut as well.

I think we will see the party start to rally around Rubio but to do that at least three of these need to drop out: Jeb, Carly, Christie, Ohio Gov. Heck maybe more do, who is running, the number is so large I can't even name them anymore.

Honestly, Jeb probably needs to be the one that steps aside if the GOP wants to get out in front of Trump.

 

[ottumwan in tx]

there is a moderate base of the party? puhlease! that's like saying there is a moderate base of the castro family in cuba, or putin has a moderate wife at home keeps him calm

 

[TexMichFan]

Don't think he will go down yet, his core support group is very committed. As the field narrows he will fall behind.

 

[ottumwan in tx]

Don't think he will go down yet, his core support group is very committed. As the field narrows he will fall behind.

his core support is very committed AND I think he strengthens and widens his lead as the field narrows, that has been the trend so far

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

If the GOP was really serious about stopping Trump they would have some of the candidates start dropping out so the moderate base of the party could rally around just one or maybe two people at this point vs having eleventy billion people in the race.

The problem is Jeb isn't a strong leader but he is well funded so he won't drop out. Christie is a blow hard loud mouth so he isn't dropping out. Cruz is maybe just a seat left of Trump's rhetoric (still not sure Trump isn't just trolling the American Political system) so he is a nut as well.

I think we will see the party start to rally around Rubio but to do that at least three of these need to drop out: Jeb, Carly, Christie, Ohio Gov. Heck maybe more do, who is running, the number is so large I can't even name them anymore.

Honestly, Jeb probably needs to be the one that steps aside if the GOP wants to get out in front of Trump.

Completely agree on Cruz. No better than Trump and there's no doubt that his fascist leanings are real, not just trolling.

Maybe it's time for the GOP to look for a new candidate. Is there anyone good who could jump it and push these fecal candidates aside?

I'm no Mitt fan, but how would he do?

How about Colin Powell?

How about Condoleezza Rice?

How about Dick Cheney?

Although I'm still pissed at Powell, he's better than anyone currently running or on my list.

Needless to say, I'd hate Cheney running, but would it surprise anyone if he catapulted into the lead?

How about a Cheney-Rice ticket?

 

[TexMichFan]

his core support is very committed AND I think he strengthens and widens his lead as the field narrows, that has been the trend so far

In early September RCP average had Trump at 25.8% in Iowa and on December 8th he was at 25.7%.

Nationally on September 19th he was at 30.5% and on December 7th he was at 30%.

I really don't see him improving from these numbers giving the high negatives he has among Republicans.

 

[ottumwan in tx]

Completely agree on Cruz. No better than Trump and there's no doubt that his fascist leanings are real, not just trolling.

Maybe it's time for the GOP to look for a new candidate. Is there anyone good who could jump it and push these fecal candidates aside?

I'm no Mitt fan, but how would he do?

How about Colin Powell?

How about Condoleezza Rice?

How about Dick Cheney?

Although I'm still pissed at Powell, he's better than anyone currently running or on my list.

Needless to say, I'd hate Cheney running, but would it surprise anyone if he catapulted into the lead?

How about a Cheney-Rice ticket?

all these people are viewed by the american people- as being the ones behind 9-11 and the towers coming down.

 

[ottumwan in tx]

In early September RCP average had Trump at 25.8% in Iowa and on December 8th he was at 25.7%.

Nationally on September 19th he was at 30.5% and on December 7th he was at 30%.

I really don't see him improving from these numbers giving the high negatives he has among Republicans.

but he's not dropping by much either. holding steady. and he has high positives from the people, the people out in the vast countryside, the republicans in dc or gop are trash and they are rinos. everyone has a strong hatred for mcconell and the crowd

 

[IACub]

there is a moderate base of the party? puhlease! that's like saying there is a moderate base of the castro family in cuba, or putin has a moderate wife at home keeps him calm

Once in a while, between conspiracy theories, you drop a gem. Good stuff.

 

[cigaretteman]

I actually think that Trump has reached his peak and, as others have stated before me, as candidates drop out of the race he will gain no support from any of their supporters and Rubio or Jeb or Christie or some other candidate will surpass him in support. He has the highest negatives of any of the candidates among Republican voters as well as ranking highest in the "would not vote for him" category.

 

[Vroom_C14]

What I find comical is how much everyone is riding his waves... He will continue to be brash and cross the lines, this is part of his plan to get America riled up then he steps away. Then those that are left standing (more than likely Cruz, Rubio, Bush and Hillary) have to try and be lion tamers.

 

[unIowa]

Completely agree on Cruz. No better than Trump and there's no doubt that his fascist leanings are real, not just trolling.

Maybe it's time for the GOP to look for a new candidate. Is there anyone good who could jump it and push these fecal candidates aside?

I'm no Mitt fan, but how would he do?

How about Colin Powell?

How about Condoleezza Rice?

How about Dick Cheney?

Although I'm still pissed at Powell, he's better than anyone currently running or on my list.

Needless to say, I'd hate Cheney running, but would it surprise anyone if he catapulted into the lead?

How about a Cheney-Rice ticket?

Mitt is clearly the best choice as a politician AND he could run on the fact that he was right about so many things the left ridiculed him on (see china hacking, see Russia geo-political foe, and others). Plus this go around I think he would lean towards more being himself vs taking two steps to the right of center.

In the end it will be Rubio, I think he is starting to gain some traction. Unfortunately I think he is mostly sizzle and no steak...seems like an air head to me.

 

[cigaretteman]

Mitt is clearly the best choice as a politician AND he could run on the fact that he was right about so many things the left ridiculed him on (see china hacking, see Russia geo-political foe, and others). Plus this go around I think he would lean towards more being himself vs taking two steps to the right of center.

In the end it will be Rubio, I think he is starting to gain some traction. Unfortunately I think he is mostly sizzle and no steak...seems like an air head to me.

The left was right to ridicule Mittens at the time, and he has hardly been proved right about anything he said to date. You're right about Rubio though.

 

[unIowa]

The left was right to ridicule Mittens at the time, and he has hardly been proved right about anything he said to date. You're right about Rubio though.

Ahhhhhhh, he was right on China hacking and on Putin. Not sure I would call that being "right to ridicule Mitt", I don't think criticizing thoughtful people who have the ability to look at today's happenings and accurately predict the future is a good thing. In fact it makes those who criticized him look like short term thinking mouth breathers who can't see past their own nose...just saying.

I am sure you prefer Hillary who has been wrong on so many issues out of the gate vs someone who didn't say what was most popular at the time but got it right. See how that doesn't make any sense???

 

[Titanhawk2]

Many of us have been expecting Trump to fade. Has he finally hit his Dean Scream moment with his latest attacks on Muslims?

If they can't derail him now, will he emerge stronger, or will this mark his slide out of the top tier?

Needless to say (and as I've been warning) Cruz seems to be the major beneficiary of so much attention being spent on Trump.

He gets 25% in polls with a dozen people running. Will he get enough primary votes in any state to get enough delegates at the convention? Probably not. Half the field will be out after NH/SC, and I doubt those supporters will go over to Trump in latter states.

 

[SCHawkFan]

I was flipping through the dial on my way home from work yesterday and heard Rush say that there is talk of a donor carpet bombing all the candidates except for Trump and Jeb leaving those 2 to face Hill. Not sure the reasoning as I kept flipping until I got to something a bit more pleasing to the ear.

This is exactly what they do not want at this time. Last summer it might have been better to have a smaller field, Trump could have his 30% (like Bernie on the Dem side) and Jeb or one of the other establishment candidates gets around 50%. That would assured the GOP nomination would go to an acceptable candidate, but would have also introduced the risk of a Trump third party bid in the general election.

Now, with the large field and the establishment candidates doing so poorly, it makes more sense to keep everyone in and spread the vote out over as many candidates as possible. Trump stays at 30%, continues to lead, but has no good path to the nomination. The first 28 primaries/caucuses next year award delegates proportionally, so no one candidate will come out with enough delegates to be nominated on a first ballot. There will be 210 uncommitted delegates as well, which is just short of 20% of the number of delegates needed to win the nomination, so an influential block.

If the GOP can get to the convention without a clear nominee, then a brokered convention is a possibility (good for political junkies). A brokered convention means the establishment gets to pick the candidate (Romney/Rubio ticket?) and Trump will not have time to mount a third party run.

So, my prediction is Trump continues to hammer away with his nonsense firing up his 30% and that this goes on well into the primary season, maybe all the way to the 2016 convention. The Republicans nominate someone far less offensive and seemingly more moderate. It remains to be seen whether Trump does so much damage to the Republican brand by next August that no nominee the party puts forward has a chance.

One thing we now, this is going to be a fascinating 6-8 months.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

In early September RCP average had Trump at 25.8% in Iowa and on December 8th he was at 25.7%.

Nationally on September 19th he was at 30.5% and on December 7th he was at 30%.

I really don't see him improving from these numbers giving the high negatives he has among Republicans.

Good numbers and good point. Thanks.

However . . . numbers I just saw showed Trump has spent MUCH less money on advertising than any of the other GOP candidates. Cruz had spent nearly 50 TIMES more.

If Trump is serious, what happens when he dips into his money and starts competing with ads? So far he's getting free advertising - but also getting plenty of negatives - by being outrageous. Does he improve those numbers when he shifts to more normal advertising?

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Mitt is clearly the best choice as a politician AND he could run on the fact that he was right about so many things the left ridiculed him on (see china hacking, see Russia geo-political foe, and others). Plus this go around I think he would lean towards more being himself vs taking two steps to the right of center.

In the end it will be Rubio, I think he is starting to gain some traction. Unfortunately I think he is mostly sizzle and no steak...seems like an air head to me.

While I agree with you about some of that, you're just wrong if you think Mitt was a lone voice of wisdom on things like "china hacking, ... Russia geo-political foe...."

Sure, he was ridiculed by some on these issues - because his comments were childish and offered as though he had just noticed these things and was offering deep commentary, when he wasn't.

 

[BrianNole09]

I think Trump will get the nomination. It will be a total train wreck.

And I think Hillary will win.

 

[unIowa]

While I agree with you about some of that, you're just wrong if you think Mitt was a lone voice of wisdom on things like "china hacking, ... Russia geo-political foe...."

Sure, he was ridiculed by some on these issues - because his comments were childish and offered as though he had just noticed these things and was offering deep commentary, when he wasn't.

"The 1980s called and...."

Pretty big foot in the mouth for liberals considering how Putin has been as of late.

http://www.ijreview.com/2015/07/364...ould-hack-the-us-and-twitter-hasnt-forgotten/

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

"The 1980s called and...."

Pretty big foot in the mouth for liberals considering how Putin has been as of late.

This is the problem with cons. They jump on some convenient quote and lose sight of the sensible discussion. It's all about JV teams and red lines, and that stands in for reasoned debate.

 

[unIowa]

This is the problem with cons. They jump on some convenient quote and lose sight of the sensible discussion. It's all about JV teams and red lines, and that stands in for reasoned debate.

Ummmmmmmm, I am sure that has become our entire American political process and it certainly doesn't matter what side of the aisle one sits. That quote, by Obama, just happens to back up my theory.

Very few of our elected officials and those running are interested in real debate, the goal today is winning debates or discussions before real ideas and discourse can even take place.

It's why some are quick to call people out as racist and bigots instead of letting them lay out their thoughts and ideas. Hell if I call them racist quickly enough then I won't have to back up my theories/ideas, the best defense is a blistering offense that puts your opponent immediately on tilt and gets them 100% off topic....it's a disgusting but effective tactic.

The problem I have with Republicans is they have narrow minded ideas. The main problem I have with liberals is they use the type of tactics I described above in favor of describing and then defending their ideas.

For example:

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

Ummmmmmmm, I am sure that has become our entire American political process and it certainly doesn't matter what side of the aisle one sits. That quote, by Obama, just happens to back up my theory.

Very few of our elected officials and those running are interested in real debate, the goal today is winning debates or discussions before real ideas and discourse can even take place.

It's why some are quick to call people out as racist and bigots instead of letting them lay out their thoughts and ideas. Hell if I call them racist quickly enough then I won't have to back up my theories/ideas, the best defense is a blistering offense that puts your opponent immediately on tilt and gets them 100% off topic....it's a disgusting but effective tactic.

The problem I have with Republicans is they have narrow minded ideas. The main problem I have with liberals is they use the type of tactics I described above in favor of describing and then defending their ideas.

I laughed when W said ticket counters would fly out of Reagan National when it reopened. But I didn't base a campaign on repeating it over and over as if that really characterized his thinking on the issue. People make mistakes occasionally. People stumble occasionally. Not being able to distinguish that from policy and conviction is a problem. And while you can surely find it on both sides, the right has made an occupation of it.

 

[Gimmered]

For Trump? Yes it will help him.

 

[Hawk in SEC Country]

I think he will declare himself an independent and screw everything up for both parties.

I know people think he will only mess up the GOP...... But I'm not so sure.

If he does and keeps running. I think he will have a big impact come election time.

And God forbid he won..... Maybe we as a country deserve it.

 

[MitchL]

Still waiting to see where the Koch Bros. and Adelson drop their money.

I imagine they are pretty hesitant to look like they're betting on a loser, so they'll hold off until this thing narrows down... a lot!

Rubio and Cruz seem like they'll eventually be the only rivals against Trump. I'm betting the money goes to one of them.

 

[ottumwan in tx]

I think he will declare himself an independent and screw everything up for both parties.

I know people think he will only mess up the GOP...... But I'm not so sure.

If he does and keeps running. I think he will have a big impact come election time.

And God forbid he won..... Maybe we as a country deserve it.

yep we deserve awesome for a change!

 

[IACub]

yep we deserve awesome for a change!

I think you're using the word "awesome" wrong.

 

[Jakeleg Jake]

Mitt is clearly the best choice as a politician AND he could run on the fact that he was right about so many things the left ridiculed him on (see china hacking, see Russia geo-political foe, and others). Plus this go around I think he would lean towards more being himself vs taking two steps to the right of center.

In the end it will be Rubio, I think he is starting to gain some traction. Unfortunately I think he is mostly sizzle and no steak...seems like an air head to me.

Get real...the guy is a loser. He couldn't even defeat the absolute worst excuse for a president ever. I mean Millard Fillmore and Franklin Pierce would poll better than Owebama and nobody has even heard of those 2.

 

[Jakeleg Jake]

I think he will declare himself an independent and screw everything up for both parties.

I know people think he will only mess up the GOP...... But I'm not so sure.

If he does and keeps running. I think he will have a big impact come election time.

And God forbid he won..... Maybe we as a country deserve it.

Did we deserve the abortion we have now? Really ridiculous statement there hoss.

 

[Hawk in SEC Country]

Did we deserve the abortion we have now? Really ridiculous statement there hoss.

We do.

 

[Jakeleg Jake]

We do.

Nope...this once proud country didn't deserve this train wreck...

 

[unIowa]

So I just flipped on CNN (I hate that I have started watching national news again...I blame the terrorist for this) and they have two guest talking about what Trump's statement on Muslims. Low and behold within 30 seconds of me starting to watch one guy was calling another a bigot full of bigoted ideas.

I think this debate strategy (the boy that cried racist) is beginning to backfire on the liberals. Its old, its tired, its played out. Please please please just defend your ideas and let people decide for themselves who they believe is a racist or not...these people, racist, have a tendency of self identifying themselves so we don't need the help seeing who is and isn't a bigot.

 

[IACub]

So I just flipped on CNN (I hate that I have started watching national news again...I blame the terrorist for this) and they have two guest talking about what Trump's statement on Muslims. Low and behold within 30 seconds of me starting to watch one guy was calling another a bigot full of bigoted ideas.

I think this debate strategy (the boy that cried racist) is beginning to backfire on the liberals. Its old, its tired, its played out. Please please please just defend your ideas and let people decide for themselves who they believe is a racist or not...these people, racist, have a tendency of self identifying themselves so we don't need the help seeing who is and isn't a bigot.

Racist.

 

[lucas80]

I think he will declare himself an independent and screw everything up for both parties.

I know people think he will only mess up the GOP...... But I'm not so sure.

If he does and keeps running. I think he will have a big impact come election time.

And God forbid he won..... Maybe we as a country deserve it.

Some good analysis by Rachel Maddow tonight that Trump may just be setting himself up to fail. He will have a built in excuse that the Republicans were mean to him so he had to run as an Independent. According to her logic Trump does not want the job. He loves the drama and attention now, but he knows the job is not for him. However, he must have that built in excuse for not winning. His ego is so huge he can't get into the primary season and have to start explaining defeats. Trump is doing okay in several early states, but the polling down the road through March shows deep flaws in his support. An Independent candidate Trump would fail quickly.
My question is when Trump then returns to reality TV and selling books has he so horribly harmed his brand that big advertisers may stay away rather than be painted as supporters of a Fascist.

 

[TexMichFan]

Good numbers and good point. Thanks.

However . . . numbers I just saw showed Trump has spent MUCH less money on advertising than any of the other GOP candidates. Cruz had spent nearly 50 TIMES more.

If Trump is serious, what happens when he dips into his money and starts competing with ads? So far he's getting free advertising - but also getting plenty of negatives - by being outrageous. Does he improve those numbers when he shifts to more normal advertising?

I feel like Trump has hit his high and ads won't change it. With all the free air time exposure most people have made up their minds on him.

I can't see how his ads when and if he starts running them will help. He won't walk back and could not if he wanted to his many stupid positions.