Andy you have made the point.
It is election season. Either go with it or not.
It is the time to say what you will. Donald J Trump has decided neither party will do a damn thing but his best shot is to run as a Conservative.
He has determined that the Democrats and Republicans are Nucking Futs!
He plays by the rules given. I doubt he cared up until now.
I think he cares and this shall play on the electorate.
I heard a bunch of talking heads saying how lucky Trump was that bunking the debate did not backfire on him.
They don't get it. Love Trump or hate him, the guy knows exactly what he is doing. As you said, he knows the rules of the game. He set a theme for the campaign, established a brand, explained what folks get when they buy the brand, and made clear that he is the brand - and it's all good stuff.
Did you know that Trump is a schmaltzy marketeer playing on your heartstrings to sucker you in? Did you know he is not "our kind" of "conservative?" Did you realize you are such an idiot because you don't know what a true conservative is? Well, you are or you would support Cruz. We are calling you an idiot for your own good - oh - and because you are one, clearly, even worse, you are a lunatic Trumpazoid.