[DannyTN]

that conventional Republicans do make a pretense of standing for something beyond their own political self-interest.

Pretense: an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true

That's the problem with the GOPe. Donald comes across as authentic.

[conservativejoy]

Trump is an authentic NY liberal, all the way to the marrow of his bones. Beyond that, he’s a “promise anything” con artist.