I expect we are about to see a surge in Trump polling even as Iowa polling has shown a shift to DeSantis by 16 points. That might come undone. The rally effect is real. The question will be how candidates find a path around the matter. Christie and Pence, it seems, will try to go through Trump. The others will find a path around.
Agreed. But neither did Trump, or GW before him, come anywhere close to being Hitler. Actions never begin as absolutes, so there wouldn't be a comparison to threats of execution...yet. But on each side - notice I say each side - there is this emotional argument that bypasses logic or law suggesting that because a person or entity has different opinions, they deserve whatever consequences come their way. Rhetoric ratchets up emotions, and emotions eventually lead to violence, all in the name of something that feels right. I don't doubt for a minute that many pre-WWII Germans were just plain afraid to speak up when they saw their Jewish neighbors lose their businesses and property as they were rounded up and shipped off. But there were enough that believed Hitler and blamed the Jews for the plight Germany had suffered over the previous decade, and their emotional response helped fuel Hitler's propaganda machine. We're certainly not there, but the current trend isn't healthy.
We all know Trump's faults, his weaknesses. It's easy enough to find a candidate who is free of those faults. We also know Trump's strengths. Do ANY of the candidates have those strengths? That is the problem. Whether they try to go through or around Trump, if they lack Trump's strengths, they're of no use to us. What good does it do to win the presidency only to further the agenda of the Left? Remember "Read my lips, no new taxes"? We don't need another weak Republican as president. Nice, electable...but weak. We might as well re-elect Biden.
Yep... And he'll die in office. Which could lead to even more upheaval. But I can't vote for Donald Trump, unless the VP is one heck of a VP. But right now... I just cannot see myself voting for this guy a third time.
I was listening by radio when he came in yesterday. The commentator kept going back to no handcuffs, digitally finger printed and that the FBI always takes a mug shot. Later the speculation was that no mug shot was needed, since he is obviously who he is.. The focus was on how much can we embarrass him.
Erick has laid it out nicely. All the former President had to do was turn the documents back in. That's it. He does this and there is no case. There is a consistent pattern of existing and former Presidents having Top Secret and above documents in less than secure places, that were called out on it and then returned. Nobody, Republican or Democrat have been prosecuted.
So this stupidity is on him.
With that said, the Democrats are opening the door for the Biden Family to get roasted, should a Republican wins the Presidency.
I'm not voting for Trump. If it's him and Biden, then I'll vote 3rd party. Never done that in my life. They are both corrupt in their own ways and frankly too old. We need some different people in the mix. There are plenty of terrific candidates on the Republican side. And frankly, my vote may be strategic (meaning getting behind the one I think can beat Trump) over the one I would prefer.
If the Biden family were going to get "roasted," it would likely have happened during the four years when Trump appointees ran the Justice Department. That this did not happen is a pretty good indication that there is nothing that can be prosecuted successfully.
I've been following Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign with curiosity. He does not condemn Trump; but rather, condemns the Department of Justice as pursuing a witch hunt to eliminate their political opponents. Trump is Trump. My loyalty is NOT to him but to my country. I want to see the others think about US first. Vivek got my attention with this.
I just listened to Tucker Carlson’s latest comments. Everyone should listen. It goes deeper than Trump’s, at times, annoying personality. Sadly, I think Tucker is speaking truth. Trump may not be electable, but he looks to be our only hope to disrupt the evil warmongers in DC. They will do everything they can to destroy him. God willing, he will survive and take on battles against the enemies within our country. May Tucker’s message resound from sea to shining sea. We the people have to take this good country back.
Hi Eric, I read your emails and listen when I can… here is a thought for those running for pres to take on Donald and not attack him. Everyone is fed up with laws being ok to break for some and not others. But it’s also very sad that Donald Trump choose to break those rules, openly! Everyone should follow the law and it should be enforced equally. But politicians continue to flout that they don’t care! If you’re running for president then tell the people you will obey the laws, you’ll prosecute any government official leaking classified information. You’ll push for a new law that specifically will take away all government benefits and retirement for any who break the law… including Congress and senators!!
Isn't it ironic how the people who scream the loudest about ANY conservative candidate being a "fascist" and "just like Hitler" are the very people who most emulate Hitler's tactics? What scares me more than anything I've read from Erick or in these comments are the concerns of immigrants - TRUE immigrants, not what the media has redefined the word to mean - who have lived under despots, communists, and socialists. They see the US walking down the very same path. And while we can only imagine the outcome, they've lived it. Sucks for all of us.
If you're referring to Trump's prosecution as an emulation of Hitler's tactics, you must not know Hitler. His tactics did not include (1) proving probable cause to a judge; (2) convincing a grand jury, consisting of ordinary citizens, that charges are warranted; and (3) subjecting the accused to a process where if the charges are not proven beyond a reasonable doubt to another unanimous set or ordinary citizens, the accused goes free.
No, my comment was off the cuff and wasn't clear. All of your points are valid, and IMO Trump has no one to blame but himself. I was generalizing MY concerns over what I see happening in our country today: A two-tiered justice system that indicts Trump, yet turns a blind eye to very serious and verifiable allegations of Hunter and Joe Biden's corrupution; and the cancel culture that runs amuck, shouting down freedom of speech and expression for the sake of the cause du jour. It's the latter, the intimidation and ostracization associated with the cancel culture, that is reminiscent of Hitler's rise to power. Same with other communists and despots, which is the connection to the immigrants I mention. Sorry, it wasn't a well put-together thought.
Done by a master, emotions can be played like a fiddle. It’s weird to see people abandon rational thought and critical thinking, but the Covid response was a living example of emotion outweighing thought..
Aside, it’ll be interesting to see who steps up and delivers. I’d be happy with about all coming out the winner except Christie.
"The candidate who can come up with the best message soonest to both be supportive while messaging these things make Trump unable to beat Biden is going to be the candidate who comes out ahead." As always Erick, great analysis. When I worked in nursing homes, we always had to say, "Earl, that was just inappropriate." No Earl in the race. Just two old guys doing inappropriate things....
"Trump voters have an emotional connection to him. It is something I think the media misses.... The media hates Trump..."
They too have an emotional connection.
I compare Fox and CNN coverage of the same story. For KJP the stories were very similar.
I read CNN's coverage of Trump in Miami. It was as an opinion piece complete with fact checks. It was designed to tell you the position you should have, not to inform. It drips with distain.
The media absolutely understands that Trump supporters have an emotional connection, just as a segment of Obama supporters had/have an emotional connection to him.
Emotions are not rational, they are evidence of a thought pattern. You must connect the underlying thoughts that are causing the emotion. It is thoughts that are either valid or invalid.
Trump supporters and the Media have the same problem, their underlying thoughts. For Trump supporters it is being blind to his reckless behavior. As the street brawler President he championed them, but he now using the same tactic as as the left to attack the left. It's divisive and inconsistent.
For the Media Trump is still the Russia Manchurian Candidate who is not for Republicans would have been removed for office and bared from running. Then they could just update their playbook to compare all future Republican candidates to Trump instead of Hitler.
The idea that Trump can’t win a general election needs to stop. As events unfold the idea of Trump winning a general by a pretty comfortable margin will become apparent.
Why can’t people see even after all the good Trump did and all of the false crap that was thrown at him he still lost in 2020. Biden was a nasty candidate in 2020 and it’s still one, even more so. But people will vote against Trump no matter who the opponent is. People please lay Trump to rest and let’s get our country back. We must have a candidate that will win.
Agreed. But neither did Trump, or GW before him, come anywhere close to being Hitler. Actions never begin as absolutes, so there wouldn't be a comparison to threats of execution...yet. But on each side - notice I say each side - there is this emotional argument that bypasses logic or law suggesting that because a person or entity has different opinions, they deserve whatever consequences come their way. Rhetoric ratchets up emotions, and emotions eventually lead to violence, all in the name of something that feels right. I don't doubt for a minute that many pre-WWII Germans were just plain afraid to speak up when they saw their Jewish neighbors lose their businesses and property as they were rounded up and shipped off. But there were enough that believed Hitler and blamed the Jews for the plight Germany had suffered over the previous decade, and their emotional response helped fuel Hitler's propaganda machine. We're certainly not there, but the current trend isn't healthy.
"Condemn the prosecution, but note the charges, standing on their own are bad."
In other words, condemn the prosecution while acknowledging that Trump has engaged in conduct that warrants prosecution.
You people (Republicans) are either insane, incredibly dishonest or both.
Not all that different from continuing to support a senile, corrupt grifter
Only if Biden is criminally charged with being senile, corrupt, or a grifter.
Never gonna happen with current justice dept - doesn't mean he isn't a criminally senile corrupt grifter
We all know Trump's faults, his weaknesses. It's easy enough to find a candidate who is free of those faults. We also know Trump's strengths. Do ANY of the candidates have those strengths? That is the problem. Whether they try to go through or around Trump, if they lack Trump's strengths, they're of no use to us. What good does it do to win the presidency only to further the agenda of the Left? Remember "Read my lips, no new taxes"? We don't need another weak Republican as president. Nice, electable...but weak. We might as well re-elect Biden.
What strength is that? Refusing to relinquish power peacefully, as has been done by every other President in this nation's history?
Yep... And he'll die in office. Which could lead to even more upheaval. But I can't vote for Donald Trump, unless the VP is one heck of a VP. But right now... I just cannot see myself voting for this guy a third time.
I was listening by radio when he came in yesterday. The commentator kept going back to no handcuffs, digitally finger printed and that the FBI always takes a mug shot. Later the speculation was that no mug shot was needed, since he is obviously who he is.. The focus was on how much can we embarrass him.
Erick has laid it out nicely. All the former President had to do was turn the documents back in. That's it. He does this and there is no case. There is a consistent pattern of existing and former Presidents having Top Secret and above documents in less than secure places, that were called out on it and then returned. Nobody, Republican or Democrat have been prosecuted.
So this stupidity is on him.
With that said, the Democrats are opening the door for the Biden Family to get roasted, should a Republican wins the Presidency.
I'm not voting for Trump. If it's him and Biden, then I'll vote 3rd party. Never done that in my life. They are both corrupt in their own ways and frankly too old. We need some different people in the mix. There are plenty of terrific candidates on the Republican side. And frankly, my vote may be strategic (meaning getting behind the one I think can beat Trump) over the one I would prefer.
We need a change and quickly.
If the Biden family were going to get "roasted," it would likely have happened during the four years when Trump appointees ran the Justice Department. That this did not happen is a pretty good indication that there is nothing that can be prosecuted successfully.
I've been following Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign with curiosity. He does not condemn Trump; but rather, condemns the Department of Justice as pursuing a witch hunt to eliminate their political opponents. Trump is Trump. My loyalty is NOT to him but to my country. I want to see the others think about US first. Vivek got my attention with this.
I just listened to Tucker Carlson’s latest comments. Everyone should listen. It goes deeper than Trump’s, at times, annoying personality. Sadly, I think Tucker is speaking truth. Trump may not be electable, but he looks to be our only hope to disrupt the evil warmongers in DC. They will do everything they can to destroy him. God willing, he will survive and take on battles against the enemies within our country. May Tucker’s message resound from sea to shining sea. We the people have to take this good country back.
Hi Eric, I read your emails and listen when I can… here is a thought for those running for pres to take on Donald and not attack him. Everyone is fed up with laws being ok to break for some and not others. But it’s also very sad that Donald Trump choose to break those rules, openly! Everyone should follow the law and it should be enforced equally. But politicians continue to flout that they don’t care! If you’re running for president then tell the people you will obey the laws, you’ll prosecute any government official leaking classified information. You’ll push for a new law that specifically will take away all government benefits and retirement for any who break the law… including Congress and senators!!
Isn't it ironic how the people who scream the loudest about ANY conservative candidate being a "fascist" and "just like Hitler" are the very people who most emulate Hitler's tactics? What scares me more than anything I've read from Erick or in these comments are the concerns of immigrants - TRUE immigrants, not what the media has redefined the word to mean - who have lived under despots, communists, and socialists. They see the US walking down the very same path. And while we can only imagine the outcome, they've lived it. Sucks for all of us.
If you're referring to Trump's prosecution as an emulation of Hitler's tactics, you must not know Hitler. His tactics did not include (1) proving probable cause to a judge; (2) convincing a grand jury, consisting of ordinary citizens, that charges are warranted; and (3) subjecting the accused to a process where if the charges are not proven beyond a reasonable doubt to another unanimous set or ordinary citizens, the accused goes free.
No, my comment was off the cuff and wasn't clear. All of your points are valid, and IMO Trump has no one to blame but himself. I was generalizing MY concerns over what I see happening in our country today: A two-tiered justice system that indicts Trump, yet turns a blind eye to very serious and verifiable allegations of Hunter and Joe Biden's corrupution; and the cancel culture that runs amuck, shouting down freedom of speech and expression for the sake of the cause du jour. It's the latter, the intimidation and ostracization associated with the cancel culture, that is reminiscent of Hitler's rise to power. Same with other communists and despots, which is the connection to the immigrants I mention. Sorry, it wasn't a well put-together thought.
Had a thought. If Donald Trump is elected President he could pardon all of the Jan. 6 people in prison. Just a thought!
Trump is at 43% in the polling. This means it’s already too late. Too many candidates in the mix.
Trump wins, he loses the general and the country implodes.
If Biden wins another term 2028 won’t matter because there won’t be anymore elections.
Done by a master, emotions can be played like a fiddle. It’s weird to see people abandon rational thought and critical thinking, but the Covid response was a living example of emotion outweighing thought..
Aside, it’ll be interesting to see who steps up and delivers. I’d be happy with about all coming out the winner except Christie.
"The candidate who can come up with the best message soonest to both be supportive while messaging these things make Trump unable to beat Biden is going to be the candidate who comes out ahead." As always Erick, great analysis. When I worked in nursing homes, we always had to say, "Earl, that was just inappropriate." No Earl in the race. Just two old guys doing inappropriate things....
"Trump voters have an emotional connection to him. It is something I think the media misses.... The media hates Trump..."
They too have an emotional connection.
I compare Fox and CNN coverage of the same story. For KJP the stories were very similar.
I read CNN's coverage of Trump in Miami. It was as an opinion piece complete with fact checks. It was designed to tell you the position you should have, not to inform. It drips with distain.
The media absolutely understands that Trump supporters have an emotional connection, just as a segment of Obama supporters had/have an emotional connection to him.
Emotions are not rational, they are evidence of a thought pattern. You must connect the underlying thoughts that are causing the emotion. It is thoughts that are either valid or invalid.
Trump supporters and the Media have the same problem, their underlying thoughts. For Trump supporters it is being blind to his reckless behavior. As the street brawler President he championed them, but he now using the same tactic as as the left to attack the left. It's divisive and inconsistent.
For the Media Trump is still the Russia Manchurian Candidate who is not for Republicans would have been removed for office and bared from running. Then they could just update their playbook to compare all future Republican candidates to Trump instead of Hitler.
The idea that Trump can’t win a general election needs to stop. As events unfold the idea of Trump winning a general by a pretty comfortable margin will become apparent.
Why can’t people see even after all the good Trump did and all of the false crap that was thrown at him he still lost in 2020. Biden was a nasty candidate in 2020 and it’s still one, even more so. But people will vote against Trump no matter who the opponent is. People please lay Trump to rest and let’s get our country back. We must have a candidate that will win.
While I am still in the camp that believes we won't win with any candidate, I agree with you that we should at least try with a different candidate.
What?
70% of Americans what a president not named Trump or Biden. The Democrats have Biden. Republicans just need a different candidate.
I still have hope that more and more people will see the light. That being said I believe that hope lies in who the republicans have as a candidate.