144 Comments

No clue never heard of the famous Mr. Kim. But Mr. Opportunity never misses a chance to seem like a nice guy. And certainly you don’t for a minute believe that DeSantis himself removed the guy. Come on, you’re not so naive to think that people aren’t vetted. End of comments and my discussion with you.

Expand full comment

TDS is in my Do Not Care file.

Expand full comment

i wonder if Trump wins the nomination that Joe Biden drops out and they bring in someone else who then beats Trump

Expand full comment

Sure hope not- people like new flashy things too much. In other news- Nikki and Ron spent $250M attacking Trump. Wish they’d put that to work to get rid of this disaster administration we currently have

Expand full comment

Read a lot of these comments, for and against Trump. I'm with many or most of you, I'd prefer DeSantis, or Haley. Actually, heard Haley's speech after the caucus and was impressed. Maybe there's a way forward for her. But, there may be a crack of hope for those of you who feel Trump is an automatic loss in '24 for Republicans. Trump was calm and conciliatory during his big win speech toward the other candidates and it took commentators off guard. I read a lot of you, Earthy, Sandra, and others, and I get it that no way you're voting for Trump and I wouldn't waist our collective time trying to convince you otherwise. But, I'm sort of a realist and the democrats winning in '24 would be disastrous. Hope springs eternal, and perhaps Trump can moderate himself to convince enough independents, angry democrats, and disaffected republicans to vote for him once again, or for the first time. There are gale winds blowing against him, but if he can moderate his tone, and speak calmly and firmly about what he will do in a second administration, he may be able to overcame and win. And, I'd suggest being pro-active. Said it before, get on Truth Social, and talk to him and his Trump or nuthin' followers to encourage him to be strong, yet moderate his tone, and explain how democracy will not end, he will not and could not be a dictator, and he will not try to even the score. If he is the nominee, the party itself must talk to him, work with him, to get a palatable message to broadcast to the nation. Too much is at stake.

Expand full comment

Peaceful dad, I haven't listened to Erick in a couple of months but I remain a subscriber because I like what he writes and usually enjoy the comments section. There are some thoughtful people here, like you, with whom I can respectfully disagree and from whom I may learn something. Today, though, my inbox is full of delusional replies, which are past the point of warranting a response. Instead of giving them another thought, I've been thinking about what you wrote, both today and in previous threads. Early on, when I decided not to vote again for Trump, I had a conversation with my husband about what it would take for me to change my mind. (My husband will likely vote for Trump again, even though he would prefer a different nominee.) I came up with two things: (1) an imminent threat of nuclear war that I believed Trump could divert or (2) contrition on the part of Trump. At this point, I think the first is more likely. I've been open in Erick's Substack about liking RFK, Jr. (still not my first pick), and I've taken a lot of criticism for it. Kennedy is by no means perfect in his policy platforms, but I've watched at least a dozen interviews he's done, even some that were adversarial. Unlike Trump, Kennedy is open about his sins. He is a heroin addict and an adulterer. He speaks about humility before God, submission to God's will, and seeking forgiveness for his actions. He also admits when he's been wrong about issues, such as the border and climate alarmism. Someone earlier mentioned that God uses sinners to accomplish His will. Of course, He does! We're all sinners. I look at someone like King David, who was an adulterer and a murderer and still called "a man after God's own heart." The difference between a sinner like David and a sinner like Trump is contrition. The number of times Trump said "I've done nothing wrong" in the Megyn Kelly interview alone made my head spin. Trump admitting he lied, admitting he flubbed the Covid response, admitting the election wasn't stolen, apologizing to the many loyalists he wronged... those things would go a long way with people like me, a sinner who admits it.

Even though I disagree with you about voting for Trump, I want to thank you for always being kind and thoughtful and for bringing out the same in me.

Expand full comment

Good stuff - the truth will set you free

https://open.ink/collections/georgia

Expand full comment

Wow, thanks! If Trump could swallow some humility pills, and realize what comes out of his mouth has ramifications, it’d do him a world of good as well as the rest of us.

Expand full comment

Well said. If your voting for Trump in the primary your wrong and uninformed. BUT if you don’t vote for Trump in the general election that is equally stupid.

We have warnock for 6 years thanks to people who voted for kemp but not walker. Stupid stupid stupid.

Expand full comment

You are so much more optimistic about Trump's ability to not be Trump than I am. :)

Expand full comment

Yeah, I know. Nothing God can't do....

Expand full comment

I will agree with you on that!

Expand full comment

Went to a DeSantis meet and greet in Greenville this morning wondered what it would be like. It was packed to the walks, nearly 300 wildly enthusiastic folks who came to hear the candidate with the best, most authentic message to save our country. Your buddy Chip was there as was Massie. Incredible gathering of people who still believe in DeSantis. He’s not looking back, he’s forging ahead.

The media’s early call last night was disgusting and dishonest. Sure it wouldn’t have changed anything but the lack of respect for Iowans who were getting those reports and hadn’t cast their votes just shows how little any of us matter as voting individuals. Voter suppression as a media tactic for future ratings. Hideous

Expand full comment

Chip Roy and Thomas Massie are among the very few elected representatives I actually respect. Thank you for sharing!

Expand full comment

It was refreshing to be among normal people listening to a man whose values and service are above his own interests. What a novel idea. I’m in it for RD till the end. Why give up when the “poop sandwich” served up as DJT is so distasteful and lacking in vision and character.

Expand full comment

Vivek was my guy, not because I didn't like DeSantis (I do!), but because I wanted someone who would at least attempt to radically reduce the size of the federal government. That said, the Republican Party has not had a candidate as ideal as Ron DeSantis in decades. He's young, smart, accomplished, a veteran, attractive, articulate, conservative. What's not to like? Never underestimate the Republican Party's ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory!

Expand full comment

DeSantis should have waited…but hey, donors make people do crazy things

Expand full comment

And RD is with you on reducing the size of the federal bureaucracy. Jos message is being heard and it’s going to be a tough road ahead. But Trump is never going to deliver for us…he’s too busy with his personal score settling. Never again.

Expand full comment

Careful, Sandra. You're about to be diagnosed with Trump Derangement Syndrome. :)

Since DeSantis has moved on to South Carolina, I may go check out one of his events. I'm in the middle of Shapiro's podcast from today. He and others are assuming Vivek's support will go to Trump. I wouldn't be so sure about that. I know many people who love Vivek and won't vote for Trump. DeSantis will likely pick up a lot of Vivek's support. Or it will go to RFK, Jr.

Expand full comment

He already endorsed Trump…. The only person close to Vivek is Trump. Haley is literally a democrat and neoCon at best. Wake up

Expand full comment

The Trump humpers in the GOP want the 2020 grudge match. If you are right and Trump is the foregone conclusion then Democrats have only to throw Biden overboard (or down a flight of stairs) and they will win.

Anybody but Trump or Biden.

Expand full comment

The dems will be smart enough to keep Biden in JUST long enough then throw him away at the right moment when Trump is already the nominee.

Expand full comment

As much as want to say this is an Admiral Acknar moment it's not.

The Trump humpers are going merrily down the path of thinking he is their God send savior.

The DNC Convention is a month later so yeah, they have only to charge the name of the horse.

Expand full comment

Setting "Trump or Not?" aside, I have a MAJOR problem with a news organization like Rachel Maddow at MSNBC refusing, "with regret", to air the Republican winner's acceptance speech because of their "refusal to air misinformation" and earnestly reassuring their audience that "if anything is said that is worth noting, we'll provide recaps." They have given up any shred of illusion at reporting news and have gone whole hog into thought mangement -- "we'll tell you if the winner has anything worthwhile to say." Wow. Scary.

Expand full comment

The elite somehow believe that only "their truths" matter and they must tell the rest of use what and how to think for our own good. In an equality-of-outcomes world, everyone loses.

Expand full comment

as expected from those guilty of groupthink and demanding we tolerate and celebrate everything are the same ones that hate you personally for your preferences. MSNBC is the definition of tyranny and fascism

Expand full comment

“Trump is the establishment”…haha, couldn’t have started off a post any more nonsensical than that Big E! Man I thought this was going to be a Babylon Bee article! I mean, yah, I agree, he is establishment with all that has happened since Jan 20, 2021. (Insert clown emoji)

Expand full comment

Not that Erick can't rebut, BUT.. Trump's spending record and his lack of action regarding the deep state, especially when he had the House and Senate, were not exactly anti establishment, Adam. He used debt to aid in his popularity/re-election efforts as any and every establishment pol has in the past.

I liked some of his policy, but shrinking government? Not even close.

Expand full comment

When every power in DC, media, and even your own party are against you (much of the cabinet members) then how can you do anything. Bannon already said how they made a mistake trusting anyone that was already in the swamp for very long. He closed the border for one. Look at Johnson and the Rs. It’s a big cesspool of uniparty that will spend forever and don’t give a d about you and me

Expand full comment

Wait until the public learns about Biden and Su’s revised Independent Contractor Rule. Biden will be toast.

Expand full comment

A question for Erick: Has anyone done a reliable poll on the percentages of Republicans and/or conservatives that will not vote for Trump? Curious to know how many votes among the base" the GOP will lose by nominating him.

Expand full comment

A poll last year showed 49% of all voters willing to go third party. I haven't seen more recent than last summer, though. Mine will be one of the votes the Republican party loses (at the top of the ticket) if Trump is the nominee.

Expand full comment

That is just dumb.

By not voting 🗳️ you strengthen the chance of more liberal policies.

You don’t have to like the President to live a safer, more financially stable life with freedom of religion and freedom to raise your grandchildren without genitalia mutation. Don’t sweat it. Just vote Trump for your grandchildren.

Expand full comment

An appeal to ridicule followed by a non sequitur. Now I'm convinced.

Expand full comment

Wasting your vote…

Expand full comment

Trump and Biden are lame ducks on day 1.

2028 is wide open. Both these geriatric fools are doing brand damage to their parties.

Can we survive President Harris (that is a certainty)?

If Biden/Harris we can pretty much be ensured of a Republican for 12 years, maybe 16.

If Trump, all bets are off.

Expand full comment

And for all you Christians out there, remember, God has many times worked his will through sinners and imperfect people. It’s right there in the Bible. Go read.

Expand full comment

Many of those sinners and imperfect people at least acknowledged God and tried to follow Him.

Expand full comment

And do you know his relationship with God? What he’s done. What he hasn’t done. Wow. Seems to me Christians that imply they know is very un-Christian like.

Expand full comment

Didn't he bang an "escort" while still married to his pregnant wife and then pay hush money to her so us Evangelical Christians wouldn't find out and get too upset? Or did I get that one wrong?

So I guess your next reply is to label me with TDS and say "We're electing a President Not A Pastor (tm). Trump Is Our Savior (tm)!"

Expand full comment

I don’t know that to be true. Do you? Read your Bible, pal.

Expand full comment

Not going to respond to my first point, eh? Right, I know NOTHING about the Bible. Nothing at all. Except the part where it says Saul, I meant DJT, will save the United States. It totally says that.

In another comment, you pointed out "Vote for Trump or lose the country." Sounds like TKAS to me on your part. TrumpKissArseSyndrome.

Setting aside my total lack of knowledge about anything Christian or the Bible, are you going to address my first point? You said we don't know anything about Trump and it's not very Christian of us to make assumptions. Did the event I described not happen? Or, is it just you don't want to talk about it because it's unChristian of me?

Expand full comment

I don’t know that it did happen. There was a document entered into evidence that she denied her initial allegation. And if I’m not mistaken, the court ordered her to pay Trump’s legal fees. Do you really know what exactly happened? I don’t think you do.

Expand full comment

Of course not. I only know what he says and what he does.

Expand full comment

Me too— Such as… house Jennifer Hudson when her mother was killed, kick Epstein out of Mar a lago, and push Palm Beach clubs out of their racism with his Mar A Lago being open to Jewish and Black members

(https://www.chron.com/neighborhood/katy/opinion/article/Trump-insisted-on-including-Jews-blacks-at-Palm-9702222.php)

Or flying a sick boy for treatment because no airline would accommodate the equipment, or sending $10k to a heroic bus driver. Seems like an evil person behind the tough facade.

Expand full comment

Lose your TDS or lose the country. The choice is yours.

Expand full comment

I voted for him twice. I have been healed of any syndrome and am now syndrome-free.

Expand full comment

He’ll appreciate your votes I’m sure.

Expand full comment

Ditto.

Expand full comment

"TDS" is the new equivalent of calling someone a Nazi or a racist. When you've resorted to playing that card, you've lost the argument.

Expand full comment

Don’t think so. Take aspirin and get some rest.

Expand full comment

And he didn’t do that by…

Expand full comment

I voted for Trump (very reluctantly) before but never again. The man is a thug. I will not vote (shudder!) for Biden. I'll either leave the "president" box blank or vote for a 3rd party. Never again. The first time I will not have voted for a president since I started voting in 1972.

Expand full comment

Please rethink your decision.

Expand full comment

Nope... thought about it since the last election.

Expand full comment

Didn’t think much then did you?

Expand full comment

So… you are responsible in some part for Biden.

Does your wallet feel better than not voting for Trump?

Are you more scared at night or broad daylight for that matter,with millions of illegals in our country?

Etc.

Expand full comment

To be honest, I live in Washington State and the chances that a presidential election in my state will even be competitive are slim and none ... and "Slim" left town. Your argument is what I told myself in 2016 and 2020 and I held my nose and voted for Trump. Not again.

Expand full comment

Try telling yourself, “my vote is MY vote and I am going to do MY part.”

Do you know how some Christians PLANT the seed of salvation and other Christians WATER the seeds to bring about salvation for us lowly sinners?

Do YOUR part and let God’s will be done.

Expand full comment

I’ve wanted (though too young to vote) one or the other of the major party candidates to win every four years since 1964, Goldwater. Looks like that ends in 2024. Can’t stand either one.

Expand full comment

I'm with you, but I've also only had my preferred candidate at the top of the ticket maybe once or twice.

Expand full comment

Really? Vote Trump, if not for YOU, for the rest of America.

Expand full comment

Another Biden term will not only bring more disaster, it will solidify it. Unless you want endless war, a totally devalued dollar woke-ism in every corner of our lives and sleeper cells roaming our country - if we have a country left - people have one choice - Trump!

Expand full comment

I live in New Jersey. The primary system is a farce. In 2016 I voted in the primary election and the only candidate was Trump. He wasn’t my favorite choice but I voted for him.

The system has to be changed so that there is a national primary day so all voters are equal.

Expand full comment

I could not agree more. This year, I'll be writing in a candidate in the Georgia primary.

The people of Iowa have way too much power in deciding the future of our country. It makes me think of this hilarious video by Ben Kawaller of The Free Press:

https://www.thefp.com/p/video-free-press-iowa-state-fair?utm_source=%2Fsearch%2Fben%2520kawaller%2520iowa%2520state%2520fair&utm_medium=reader2

Expand full comment

Writing in….yourself? What a waste of your effort and time. You’re not voting for your savior..just who is going to lead better. I’ll take no wars, no mass illegal immigration, and no wasting of $ on other countries.

Expand full comment

Nothing much has changed. As a Christian, I cannot vote for Donald Trump. The Lord knows I wish a miracle so that I will be voting in November for Ron DeSantis (well, I'll do a write-in at least, in any case) or even Nikki Haley, but if He so wishes to guide or punish America, I trust in Him.

Donald Trump violates the 9th Commandment of God -- thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor -- at least a few time a week. He does so unrepentantly. Jesus said the man who calls another a "fool" -- "raca" -- is liable to the judgement. Trump only recently labeled Haley a "birdbrain." He set out in 2016 to destroy his top competition, Jeb Bush, by labeling him a dullard. He set out last year to destroy his top competition, Ron DeSantis, by labeling him, absurdly (but probably somewhat effectively), "Ron De-Sanctimonius." Of course, additional defamations of character toward others have been issued by Trump than can be numbered. All without repentance. "Ron and Nikki did a good job," doesn't cover over this sin, this persistent distastefulness.

My greatest sadness last night was the fact that people that call themselves "Evangelicals" went for Trump. I'm an elder in my church, a Bible study leader to kids and adults, and I reach out to the community and online fairly often bearing the Word of God, but I'm too humbled by the word "Evangelical" and by the people who are sacrificing so much for Evangelicalism to call myself one. The Apostle James said that he who breaks the least of God's Commandments has failed them all. That "Evangelicals" can support Trump is a greater tragedy than what will happen to America and the Republican Party because of him.

Expand full comment

Such a sick sinner… he gave Jennifer Hudson free housing at his property when her family was killed, kicked Epstein out of Mar a lago, pushed Palm Beach segregated clubs out of their sick racism with his Mar A Lago being open to Jewish and Black members, flew a sick boy for treatment because no airline would accommodate the equipment, sent $10k to a heroic bus driver. Definitely like an evil person behind the tough facade. Oh, and since your into Christianity moved the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem (what many promised and never kept) to show his support for many Christians and Jews.

(https://www.chron.com/neighborhood/katy/opinion/article/Trump-insisted-on-including-Jews-blacks-at-Palm-9702222.php)

Expand full comment

Ah yes, if righteousness were but a scorecard. None of our selfish, petulant deeds would require repentance, just a dip into our wealth for an outpouring of charity here and there. I'm not denying Trump's good works. They just are one aspect of an often vainglorious individual who frequently demeans and lies about others despicably in order to exalt himself. He threw away a reelection, and, with it, 95% of his accomplishments, solely by the distastefulness of his personality. And in five years time he also took down with him a Republican House and then a Republican Senate. His has been a terrible example of self-centeredness for America's children. I believe that will be made evident for moms and others once again by the media and by Trump's own actions when the presidential race takes place. By all measures, with him, America loses.

Expand full comment

Oh gosh, another holier than thou voter that thinks they are voting for a savior rather than a leader for the country. All the flaws in our system leads us to a choice between two…and you’re a problem for freedom. You clearly are in favor of overreach by the government and status quo of let Washington funnel more $ to themselves if you can’t go and “hold your nose” again. Good grief.

What’s distasteful is how blind you are to the problems created by the alternative over the last 3 years.

Expand full comment

God will prevail!

But if Trump is the nominee—- don’t give the other party a chance.

Each vote counts.

Pray, then vote Republican

Expand full comment