By toning it down, Trump also tamped down the “clown” characterizations of his performance to date. But the knowledge that he can go postal at his critics affected the other candidates to good purpose, too. I refer to Huckabee’s proudly wearing of a Trump tie, and Carson (?) saying Trump would make a great president.
I believe it was Huckabee who said Trump would make a good President.
And you are right, Trump has tamped down the “clown†characterizations. Good for him.
“But the knowledge that he can go postal at his critics affected the other candidates to good purpose.”
The way Trump slapped down Kasich was hilarious. Kaisch, who tries to palm himself off as measured and deliberate, went on an extremist rant and opened himself up. It is permissible to disagree, but he took A and jumped to Z.