Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Can We Give Glenn Beck A Way Out of His No-Trump Vow?
Townhall.com ^ | June 20, 2016 | Katie Kieffer

Posted on 06/20/2016 5:13:43 AM PDT by Kaslin

Glenn Beck is one of America’s most influential commentators, and we need to help him save face while abandoning his “Never Trump” vow.

“My children” is the primary motivator Beck lists for refusing to endorse Donald Trump now that his favored candidate, Sen. Ted Cruz, is out of the race. “Trump is the face of the GOP. Well, that makes us… pretty racist. It makes us big government guys. …I’m none of those things. …and I refuse to have my children think that I tolerated that.”

Beck sounds perplexed. He claims a moral stand against Trump for the sake of his “children,” “capitalism,” and the “Constitution.” But isn’t it interesting that Beck’s concerns about Trump echo the concerns of one of the most liberal, anti-capitalist politicians in America: House Speaker Paul Ryan?

Indeed, Ryan has been dragging his feet in support of Trump—and calling Trump’s comments “racist.” Yet Ryan is the last person in America qualified to throw the first stone at Trump. Ryan’s $1.15 trillion splurges are anti-human and the textbook definition of big government.

Beck put himself in a corner by saying he could never endorse Trump. Instead of admitting his mistake outright, last week, Beck started to give equal air-time to pro-Trump guests. He says his goal is to let his listeners make up their own minds. Which makes you wonder if Beck is beginning to question his “Never Trump” vow.

The stakes are too high for Beck to crouch in a metaphorical corner. His influence is too vast for him to delegate his commentary role to other lesser communicators. Here’s his two-step plan to break his “Never Trump” vow, and save face.

1. Drop The Moral Superiority

“With Erick Erickson joining us on this program, it’s a little like the Island of Misfit Toys. …We’ve just kind of been stranded on this island where principles still matter, and yet we seem to be among the very, very few,” Beck introduced his radio interview with Never-Trump commentator Erick Erickson last week. “Erick thank you for your stand… you’ve been amazing.”

Erickson went on to opine on why Trump’s “nomination is in jeopardy [at the 2016 Republican National Convention], deservedly so.”

Erickson insisted that the GOP should break its own rules and nominate someone other than Trump because “it’s the right thing to do. Sometimes you’ve got to do the right thing even if it’s not the comfortable thing.”

Drop it like it’s hot. Stop, drop and roll. Just drop the smugness already.

If for no other reason, Beck and Friends should drop their moral superiority for the sake of their self-described primary motivator: their children. Because no young person in the history of the world thought their parents sounded smart on a soapbox. A more effective way to influence your children is to be pragmatic.

Explain to your children that voting for a president is different from driving a car. The latter activity is one in which you personally assume nearly all responsibility for your actions. For example, if you’re texting while driving, and get into an accident—you can only blame yourself.

On the other hand, when you’re electing a political leader, you are not culpable for their personal flaws or sins. Nor are you culpable for voting for the individual who is superior to the alternative—but still far from perfect in terms of the policies they espouse. Because you cannot completely control the candidates nominated and you have even less control over the choices elected officials make once in office. You can only do your best. If a vote for a candidate meant endorsing their character and all their decisions, then most of us are very culpable indeed.

And, men with personal flaws (think former President John F. Kennedy) can often be great leaders.

JFK isn’t the only brilliant man who made big mistakes in his personal life. Alexander Hamilton—America’s founding father and first Secretary of the Treasury—had an affair with a married woman while he was married to the amiable mother of his eight children. King David—a biblical leader who received a special covenant from God—committed adultery with Bathsheba before he repented and passed his throne to Solomon.

Bottom line, no one will vote for a “Never Trump” candidate because some conservative commentator thrusts his nose in the air and tries to fill them with shame. Why hand the White House to Hillary out of self-righteous pride?

2. Admit It: Hillary Plays Dirty

David Brock is a little-known political consultant that Hillary Clinton employs. He lurks in the shadows and plays dirty, subscribing to the Saul Alinsky philosophy that ends justify means.

TIME Magazine recently reported that Brock: “has personally raised more than $150 million from rich liberals to fund his sprawling empire, which also includes a group that files mostly spurious ethics complaints against Republicans.”

Translation: Hillary’s campaign will stop at nothing. Trump is the only candidate with the moxie to deflect her low blows. Who else could get more media coverage after banning 10 major media outlets from access to his campaign, including: BuzzFeed, The Washington Post, Fusion, Univision, The Huffington Post, The Daily Beast, the Union Leader, Politico and The Des Moines Register?

As I articulated last week, Trump is the only viable candidate who could beat Bill Clinton’s wife in a general election.

When pushed by Beck’s team, even Erickson could not articulate whom he saw as the “Never Trump” candidate capable of defeating Clinton. “I’m still hoping someone steps forward,” Erickson said. “We’ve got to have an adult run for president. …I’m not voting for either one [Trump or Clinton].”

Sitting at home on your moral high horse and refusing to vote is the comfortable thing to do. Voting for Trump is not comfortable, but it just so happens to be the right thing to do. Not because Trump is the ideal candidate but because he is a candidate opposed to someone far worse.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: 2016election; beck; cheetos; clinton; donaldtrump; erickson; hillaryclinton; nevertrump; trump
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-78 last
To: Kaslin

“With Erick Erickson joining us on this program, it’s a little like the Island of Misfit Toys. …We’ve just kind of been stranded on this island where principles still matter, and yet we seem to be among the very, very few,” Beck introduced his radio interview with Never-Trump commentator Erick Erickson last week. “Erick thank you for your stand… you’ve been amazing.”

And there you have it Beck and Erickson, two of the slimiest slugs still slithering around in talk show world.


61 posted on 06/21/2016 8:02:16 AM PDT by Georgia Girl 2 (The only purpose of a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you should never have dropped)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Georgia Girl 2
"And there you have it Beck and Erickson, two of the slimiest slugs still slithering around in talk show world."


And here they are...


62 posted on 06/21/2016 8:07:32 AM PDT by Heart-Rest (I'm right 97% of the time. Who cares about the other 4%?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 61 | View Replies]

To: Heart-Rest

A rare photo of them together. LOL!


63 posted on 06/21/2016 8:28:32 AM PDT by Georgia Girl 2 (The only purpose of a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you should never have dropped)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 62 | View Replies]

To: GBA
I have my theories, but I don't currently have a developed opinion regarding Mormons

Neither do I; but I DO have quite a collection of MORMON Scripture, teachings, quotes and history that I am particularly fond of posting from time to time.


I tend to like to quote from the Bible a wee bit as well.

Noticing your reply to me; I want to add something that may be applicable to individual Mormons:

Out of the abundance of the heart; the mouth speaks.
Matthew 12:34

64 posted on 06/22/2016 7:00:57 AM PDT by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 60 | View Replies]

To: Elsie
Neither do I; but I DO have quite a collection of MORMON Scripture, teachings, quotes and history that I am particularly fond of posting from time to time.

You know...I have noticed that about you.

I tend to like to quote from the Bible a wee bit as well.

And this, too, often expressed with some humor in an evocative, flowery script that all combines to leave a lasting impression.

Personally, in most of my life I've been an outsider observing the game, who occasionally sits in for a few hands before fate moves me along.

In fact, the less in the game player and the more observer of the game I am, the better things go for me.

As such, I think I'm finally getting better at just giving people their space to be who they are where they are, the same as I'd like from them.

Not surprising that the more I'm able to follow His two Commandments, the more I care about and am interested in, and want to understand, my fellow students here in the Schoolhouse Earth, Burn-In and Final Test Matrix we call life.

However, even though I took two into to psych classes at GCC to transfer to ASU, and have watched most of the Holiday Inn Express commercials, I'm still clueless to explain you and your posts' general focus to my self.

Regardless, your humor is often appreciated.

65 posted on 06/22/2016 8:24:30 AM PDT by GBA (Here in the matrix, life is but a dream.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 64 | View Replies]

To: GBA
Personally, in most of my life I've been an outsider observing the game, who occasionally sits in for a few hands before fate moves me along.

Personally, in most of my life I was an outsider who didn't even know there WAS a game!

Now I wanna sit in for as many hands allowed before fate moves me along.

I'll alreadys past the Biblical...


Psalm 90:10 New International Version

Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

66 posted on 06/22/2016 5:48:22 PM PDT by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 65 | View Replies]

To: GBA
...I'm still clueless to explain you and your posts' general focus to my self.

Don't worry so much about yourself; as most of my stuff is aimed at those lurking out in the shadows; listening to us 'debate' the issues involved before they; too; become players in the game.

67 posted on 06/22/2016 5:50:22 PM PDT by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 65 | View Replies]

To: GBA
And this, too, often expressed with some humor in an evocative, flowery script that all combines to leave a lasting impression.

Aw...  shucks...
 

68 posted on 06/22/2016 5:53:04 PM PDT by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 65 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

Glenn Beck one of Americas most influential commentators..... REALLY when did this happen!!!!


69 posted on 06/22/2016 5:56:00 PM PDT by Trump Girl Kit Cat (Yosemite Sam raising hell)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

Not just no, but HELL NO!

Beck can’t suck enough.

He’s more than gotten his 15 minutes of fame. We need a new more deserving talker to take his place...the whacked-out dirtbag can mop floors for the rest of his life, and talk to his lunch-pail.


70 posted on 06/22/2016 5:57:45 PM PDT by ROCKLOBSTER (Canadians can't be our President.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin
Katie....

No

71 posted on 06/22/2016 5:58:16 PM PDT by Covenantor (Men are ruled...by liars who refuse them news, and by fools who cannot govern. " Chesterton)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: GBA
...often expressed with some humor in an evocative, flowery script that all combines to leave a lasting impression.

PLEASE!

Do NOT encourage him any more!!

I'm the one who has to live with him!!!

666 posted on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 8:59:28 PM by  Mrs.ELSIE (Lord; give me strength...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 666 | View Replies | Report Abuse]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

72 posted on 06/22/2016 5:58:31 PM PDT by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 65 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

The #NeverTrump people may have started a self-fulfilling prophecy. One of their “concerns” is that Trump will not bring enough voters so Republicans will lose “down ticket”.

Well they are getting me so mad that I may just go ahead and vote Democrat down ticket if the choice is against a RINO.

We _tried_ to tell ‘em in 2010. We _tried_ again in 2014.

Maybe they can learn while sitting home for a few years and wondering just what happened.


73 posted on 06/22/2016 6:06:37 PM PDT by eddie willers
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin
-- Glenn Beck is one of America's most influential commentators --

I stopped reading right there.

Influential or not, he's in charge of his own rehabilitation, and I suspect he feels the same way about it, and would resent being told how to rehabilitate himself.

74 posted on 06/22/2016 6:11:51 PM PDT by Cboldt
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

No.

He had a show and had his time.

Glenn Beck is the Jimmy Swaggart of Conservative Radio.


75 posted on 06/22/2016 6:40:28 PM PDT by eyedigress ((Old storm chaser from the west))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

I don’t really care how he votes or who he endorses. I do, however, care what he says.

Author has a short memory.

Is this not the man who said he would would stab (and keep stabbing) Trump if he was close enough?

Is this not the man who equated if not outright called Trump Hitler?? Is this not the man who had on Brad Thor and went along or agreed with Thor’s warped “hypothetical” idea of patriotism manifesting in a Trump assassination?

(I am not even going to go into some of his Cruz campaign stunts and comments!)

Glenn Beck is one frightening, dangerous individual, and I truly think Trump should have nothing to do with him.


76 posted on 06/25/2016 3:51:02 PM PDT by Freedom56v2 (Election is about Liberty versus Tyranny and National Sovereignty versus Globalism👍)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

I don’t care about helping Stabby the Klown do anything. He’s a loon.


77 posted on 06/25/2016 4:32:06 PM PDT by Georgia Girl 2 (The only purpose of a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you should never have dropped)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kaslin

Beck doesn’t want out, it’s clear from his day after comments on the Cruz speech. Beck just stated that while Cruz’s speech didn’t play well to the delegates, he thinks it will play well to the American people...

Some people just don’t know when to call it quits and Cruz/Beck make a perfect couple to that point.


78 posted on 07/21/2016 6:31:12 AM PDT by Zack Attack
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-78 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson