The Overton window, also known as the window of discourse, is the range of ideas the public will accept. It is used by media pundits.[1][2] The term is derived from its originator, Joseph P. Overton (1960–2003),[3] a former vice president of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy,[4] who in his description of his window claimed that an idea's political viability depends mainly on whether it falls within the window, rather than on politicians' individual preferences.[5] According to Overton's description, his window includes a range of policies considered politically acceptable in the current climate of public opinion, which a politician can recommend without being considered too extreme to gain or keep public office.
Rather then posting their usual collection of daily bile laced infantile personal attack tirades at Trump and his supporters, perhaps "Conservatories and Libertarians", might want to thank Trump for changing the national political paradigm so far in their direction that a "President Cruz" is now a distinct possibility.
“thank Trump for changing the national political paradigm so far in their direction that a “President Cruz” is now a distinct possibility.”
I initially theorized that Trump was acting on behalf of Cruz, blazing the trail by saying & legitimizing (as a long-respected well-known public figure) conservative ideas that otherwise would deep-six practically anyone else who said them, even if it’s held by the bulk of the conservative population. I expected Trump would, once the initial trail was blazed to legitimize Cruz’s views, drop out and Ted would carry on to victory. (Were that the case or not, Donald realized he COULD win, and without substantial effort. No reason for him to bail now, the ultimate CEO position close at hand.)