I agree with what you're saying, Trump is a deeply flawed candidate in spite of the fact that he's doing the conservative movement a great service by A. putting immigration and the national question at the forefront and B. helping to sink Jeb's candidacy.
However, let's not forget that Reagan wasn't exactly flawless either - while we're on the subject of immigration, recall that he effectively granted amnesty to illegals in 1986 (and when challenged by members of his own party, he said that he couldn't see what the big deal is).
The bottom line is that if you want a perfect candidate, you'll be waiting a long time. The question is whether there's a candidate who is both electable and acceptable. Cruz is certainly acceptable but isn't able to build a mass following. Trump is able to build a mass following but has said and done some things that ought to trouble conservatives. As to the rest of the pack, they're generally even worse than either on both counts.
From day one here I have advocated the 80% rule contrary to accusations of purity. One guy I know of on that candidate list hits it. So far Trump says words. We like many of those words. But they are words spoken by a pol in the heat of an election run.
Meaningless.
Trump can prove himself. I hope he does.
Ronnie was indeed far from perfect. But he’s the best metric I can think of.
“However, let’s not forget that Reagan wasn’t exactly flawless either - while we’re on the subject of immigration, recall that he effectively granted amnesty to illegals in 1986 (and when challenged by members of his own party, he said that he couldn’t see what the big deal is).”
I) worked for Reagan on 2 elections, then at the Fox Tower in Century City right after he retired.
2 things.
If the amnesty bill had been enforced, we wouldn’t have this illegal problem. The whores in both parties ignored it 100% fron day one. Yes, it was a mistake. He underestimated EVIL men.
2)Reagan said the amnesty was the worst mistake he made as POTUS.