“I hold that most of the time that people say “this, BUT that”, they deny their first clause, and are actually solely advocating their second clause.”
That is not correct, Laz. The clause beginning with but is being contrasted with the first clause. The “but” does not eliminate the first clause.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/but
Many Trump supporters are claiming the same thing you did. Did you post that without checking to see if it were correct?
In politics, it negates the first clause.
It is my long-standing observation, FRiend, and I hold to it.
“but” when used in the political arena is nothing more than pandering rationalization.
The sheep love it.