The issue for me is that we're told we have to accept all of Trump's non-conservative positions because he's so unique on immigration. But I think that when push comes to shove, Trump's immigration plan (if enacted) will have few if any differences to the ones Cruz or Rubio would enact. Congress simply won't pass anything more severe.
So I worry we're going to get the same immigration plan, plus ethanol subsidies, no entitlement reform, opposition to Citizens United, and all the other Trump baggage.
Spent yesterday telling some hard core lefty relatives terrified of Trump that they might be pleasantly surprised at the difference between what he's promising to excite primary voters, and what he actually ends up delivering.
There’s always the chance Trump is BSing everyone because he wants to be president. I think he honestly loves the country and thinks immigration needs major reform. If that’s true I feel good about him
1) He wants (or at least starts with) 100% deportation - may need to give but can’t be better for starting negotiation
2) He wants to fix all immigration issues - illegals, H1B, visa overstays
3) He’s a better negotiator than anyone else we can vote for - I think the end result will be closer to his goals than Pelosi’s. With anyone else it won’t happen or Pelosi will win.
I think the immigration reform will happen and will be good. I agree with you on the other concerns (ethanol,etc). As much as I dislike the uncertainty on other issues I’ll take good immigration reform as the only “win” for 4 years with whatever loses the republicans in congress are willing to go along with - Rs in congress can stop things if they get a backbone. (I’m assuming he’ll listen to the generals on the military and mid east and will be good on the economy so I’m counting on 3 “wins”)
RE: same deal we’d get from Rubio or Cruz.
Here’s the biggest difference:
Rubio will push for gang of eight v.2
Trump will push for a deal.
Cruz will enforce existing laws.
One of those things will take effect very quickly. The other two will take many months if not years.