He was a rock star in 2012, the most prominent Republican in the country. He needed to step up and stop another ringer for Zero, and he’d have had the entire base behind him.
In 2012, it was not Trump’s time. Now it is, and the polling data and widespread support from the base bears that out. Walker’s candidacy now is pretty close to moribund, and he’s not coming back from that.
Based on FR threads at the time and the pathetic field of candidates where the best choice (not that most people here realized it) in the end was a Senator that had gotten his ass kicked badly in 2006, Trump would have had the same level of support in 2012, possibly diminished only by the fantasy that Palin was gonna run. If the “he didn’t run” argument is valid for one it is for the other AFAIC. It’s not an argument I put any stock in. It’s ALWAYS time for the most successful conservative Governor to run for President, ALWAYS, especially one that’s won thrice in a state like Wisconsin.
It’s September, this is yet the preseason, Walker seems to have been hurt by the master debate where he was seldom called on and asked a stupid abortion question when he was and constant attacks by the media who fear he would win and brake the back of big labor as President. His fortunes could easily change again. I’ll not have Fox News and pollsters make my choice for me while it’s still hot outside. I’d never back Trump over ace choices like Cruz (a close 2nd choice for me and still your first IIRC) or Walker. If it comes down to Donnie or JERB/Gay’s Itch, so be it. But I don’t concede that, before a single vote has been cast. You’ve dismissed this argument before but where was Perry polling at this time (high), where was Santorum polling (no where) Trump is made of hype, as wide as you think it is, it’s shallow.
This is early yet, we have a long way to and I refuse to believe that serious conservatives with records won’t have a horse in the race.
In any case “Walker is dead” is no valid reason to dismiss criticism of Trump any more than “It’s all over, Romney is the nominee” was any reason to dismiss criticism of Romney or “It’s Newt/Rick or Mitt!!!” was any reason to dismiss criticism of Newt/Rick.
You may trust him, the majority here may trust him, a great many do not and have plenty good reason to not if you ask me. “Woo look at his poll numbers” does nothing to allay our concerns.