I believe you are the man for the job. But I continue to shout in my head as I hear you speak, missing the opportunity to broadcast a message of American Exceptionalism, Family, Faith, constitution, Rule of Law, Limited Government, Liberty and Leadership in the world.
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Sorry for the long response but I think you have hit upon Trump’s biggest problem. You are asking him to speak a language that is quite foreign to him. You are asking him to preach the gospel of conservatism when he has never been a believer.
Trump is fantastic on a few topics that mean something to conservatives. He is the best candidate, by far, when reflecting the anger of the people when it comes to immigration. Even the most ardent Cruz supporters will agree that what Trump is saying on immigration is right and that his non-PC narrative on this subject best captures the emotions of conservatives and non-conservatives alike.
Trump calls people names. It’s funny. Some of these people have had just such a brutal, public berating coming for a long, long time. It certainly grabs headlines and brings a bit of joy to the hearts of all conservatives. The fact that someone is calling Jeb, or whomever Trump’s target of the day happens to be, exactly what what we, ourselves, call that person every day is allowing us to breath a sigh of relief thinking, “Finally, someone had the balls to say it on national TV.”
Unfortunately, that is the end of Trump show. There is nothing more to be seen or heard. Now it is just re-runs of an old sit-com.
Limited government, constitutional restraint and other conservative themes are the ones he cannot address, eloquently or otherwise, because he doesn’t have a conservative foundation to build upon. Reagan didn’t have a populist, name-calling campaign of bombast. Reagan clearly delivered a message of hope and inspiration based entirely upon every facet of conservative principles, many of which you mentioned. Reagan made light of his opponents with humorous quips. Trump, on the other hand...
I believe Trump, somewhere beneath his bluster, is as pro-American as anyone could hope. His method to “make America great again,” however, is a complete mystery. As just one example, Trump said “Obamacare is a disaster” and needs to be replaced. Replaced with what? “Something terrific.” Can he be more specific? No. He hasn’t and he can’t. He has said that “everyone will be taken care of, don’t worry.”
Sorry Donald. I am worried. The solution is quite simple to conservatives. History is full of examples upon which to draw. Taking care of everyone sounds like another big government solution meant to replace a big government disaster. Both are destined to fail.
Trump cannot broaden his message because he does not have more of a message to deliver. He cannot raise his rhetoric because that just isn’t who he is.
I wish we had the perfect candidate. Cruz’ understanding of conservative principles, Huckabee’s folksy delivery, the running-for-Senate Rubio’s uplifting and anything is possible message with Trumps ability to capture the rage of the downtrodden. That candidate doesn’t exist.
I understand the initial appeal of Trump. November, however, is a long way off if America only hears about his polls and a wall with daily Twitter blasts of “stupid.” You want Trump to broaden his message and discuss first principles. I am afraid you will be disappointed. You have to go with the Trump you have.
The only other choice is you look to the candidate that has a broad conservative message and a deep constitutional foundation. This other candidate just doesn’t have the ability to capture the anger that only Trump can. Right now the polls show that people are more angry than conservative. Which one is the best choice for America is up to you.
Again, Thank You for your excellent analysis.
PING to Rabbit’s post 62 - one of the best on FR in many a month.....
Trump is mad, we are mad, but that isn’t enough!
Now it is just re-runs of an old sit-com.
The "money quote" ...
Your take is at least partly true, but I think not entirely.
I’ve said often that if he wins, we will surely get bitten in the butt as conservatives (to be fair, I think that would happen with Cruz as well, just less).
His positions are available bit more detailed than you give him credit for, his immigration policy is fully so. His acumen as a business guy means he wants to tangibly succeed and will work to do so. That counts for a lot.
Maybe more later, gotta go.