19 was a very well thought out response....and I tend to agree with it. I would be interested on your take, and our relevance, on the insider Democrat establishment cronyism and ties that run thru the family, dad and DT.
I would not propose any "take" I have could be as well thought out historically as that of LS or even yourself, both of you being accomplished historians and authors in your own right. But I will be happy to offer you my humble opinion...
I like Trump for his willingness to get out in front of the parade and lead it. He is saying things which need to be said and smashing all sorts of Liberal icons while doing it. The main reason he is able to do this effectively (while other politicians are unable) is precisely because he is himself an icon of the media and successful in the system and has a proven record of accomplishment of surmounting obstacles personally, politically, and financially most could or would not. Having a nice jump start in New York from his family business did not hurt at all.
Raised and living in New York, Trump is very much a product and to a great extent in tow to the Liberal and moneyed establishment which exists there. His father was very successful navigating it as is he. One doesn't become financially successful in a place like New York unless he "plays the game" and especially if it requires constant politician approval - which major real estate development does whether you are in New York or Shanghai. That means giving political and social obeisance (and usually money) to the "right" politicians and interests when required (like the unions and media) and Trump is a master at that. He freely admits it.
That said, he has decided to step outside the box and put much of his financial and social career on the line by opposing just those political forces he habitually kow-tows to. That does take a lot of guts. Apparently Trump has decided sucking up to the likes of political hacks like Abe Beame, Hugh Carey, and the Cuomo Clan has become less important than saving American as a viable entity where he and others can continue to flourish financially and with at least a modicum of personal freedom. Of course, it is his benefactors and past admirers who are quickly ruining the country in their quests for ever more power and wealth.
I think Trump is probably a genuine patriot. His time at NYMA probably cemented that in his youth. My problem with him is I have hardly ever heard him reference the Constitution or pin his goals to the promotion of the liberty and freedom which it represents. "Making America Great Again" is not the same thing as preserving the lodestone and vision of our Constitutional Republic. Perhaps he means the same thing - but a man like Ted Cruz (whom I wholeheartedly support) is one who keeps that vision foremost in his mind and not on some back burner, like Trump seems to do.
That said, I could support Trump as the best alternative if it comes down to that. Going down the same-old same-old road with the Democrats (and whomever they decide to nominate for the next dictator of America) and their worthless GOP-e lickspittles is a losing game.
At least with Trump, there may be a chance we can pull off a Restoration at least partially. With the Liberals/Progressives/Socialists/Communists there is none for most of us who love freedom and liberty and yearn for an America God can once again bless rather than forsake and curse and a country in which we average citizens can pursue our own dreams and once again be proud of.