Posted on 12/25/2015 11:29:59 AM PST by Mariner
In a recent op-ed -- "If Trump wins the nomination, prepare for the end of the conservative party" -- the always articulate George Will expresses the angst many establishment (and some not-so-establishment) Republicans feel about their frontrunner:
If you look beyond Donald Trump’s comprehensive unpleasantness — is there a disagreeable human trait he does not have? — you might see this: He is a fundamentally sad figure. His compulsive boasting is evidence of insecurity. His unassuageable neediness suggests an aching hunger for others’ approval to ratify his self-admiration. His incessant announcements of his self-esteem indicate that he is not self-persuaded. Now, panting with a puppy’s insatiable eagerness to be petted, Trump has reveled in the approval of Vladimir Putin, murderer and war criminal.
It's hard to dispute Will's analysis, as far as it goes, but it only goes so far. No doubt The Donald exhibits some of the traits of an inferiority complex, but the real question is, so what? As Joe E. Brown says to Jack Lemmon at the end of Some Like It Hot, "Nobody's perfect."
All the Republican candidates have their flaws, as does, in spades, the woman far at the front of the Democratic pack, described almost twenty years ago by William Safire in one of the most prescient op-eds ever as a "congenital liar."
But my interest here is not in detailing everyone's weaknesses -- I like to remain friends with people -- but, as a Christmas present to the angst-ridden, to try to explain how Trump's flaws can be turned to the advantage of Republicans and conservatives. This is particularly important if, as appears highly possible, he wins the nomination. What do we do about it?
(Excerpt) Read more at pjmedia.com ...
I'm very sorry that you and your sister had to endure...and still do...such a terrible thing.
I brought zero slander.
Slander is a thing that is not true.
If you look at the original thread and the things this person says to this day you will see that nasty and uncalled for things were and are said.
But not by me.
Whar IS that thar Conservative Party, any how, Jackie Joe?
Aw Virgil, I already looked, and they ain’t none!
Well dang it! How come thet pointy faced feller with the Dagwood Bumsted haircut keeps talking he belongs to
They are very good, I used ‘The Art of the Deal’ to start my business with, and at 71 years old, it’s still going strong...run it out of my home...
He just has an insight that I haven’t found with anyone else...it’s like he’s sitting having a cup of coffee with you talking about life, so defined...it’s no wonder this man is where he is today, and it is no wonder he will be POTUS in January 2017...
It would be impossible to look at the “origonal” thread, as none of are privvy to the OFfTOPIC and random thread that you are coming from. You do know the topic of this thread?
Please vent using the private reply. And let the man learn and repent at his own pace.
For those who don't get why some of us want Trump/Cruz for 8 then Cruz/WhoCares for 8 rather than Cruz/SomeoneElse for the first 8 years, it's exactly because if what's above. Cruz can't yet communicate (though he's learning) at a visceral level. Therefore, though he's technically the best candidate, he'd be ineffective in terms of how the country would actually be different after 4 or 8 years.
Let Trump reset the broken bone - which requires a brute force and charisma this minute ... by then - 8 years under (or even around - doesn't have to be Veep) Trump, Cruz will have learned a more Reaganish ability - how to actually reach and affect and change people and their thinking. Being 100% correct is not enough when you are leading a team or country. Cruz is 100% correct ... but he can't get people to follow yet. The people need to be partially retrained in what America is really, and then he needs to be trained in how to be the team captain.
I've said this a million times only because I'm convinced it's true. Americans have forgotten that perpetual shame is not normal, unless you're actually guilty of something. Right now, the country seems to believe it's actually guilty of some sin, but that only Obama and the left has the moral character to understand this sin. So, they just walk around vaguely guilty and depressed, resentful, outnumbered (even 'outnumbered' is only an illusion created by the media.)
Interestingly - it's the same symptoms shown by emotionally abused kids, and should ring a bell with all but the most hypnotized in America. We've all felt them trying to get us to buy into it. I refuse, most here have, but out there ... people are lingering in various extents of it.
If there's an antidote to shame, a model for not being ashamed of what you shouldn't be ashamed of -> it's Trump.
Hence ... Trump, then Cruz.
Boasting/bragging is not politically correct in this era. Its more pc to be self-effacing or self-deprecating. Just another example of how far we have moved. Trump has a certain “swag” and he knows it. Would he make a great president? I’m not sure.
In any event, he is certainly not unique to, nor holds a patent on this type behavior. So many of our greatest have demonstrated this trait also and I often find it a breath of fresh air, especially when it comes from someone who has backed it up.
I long for the days of Muhammad Ali calling the rounds of his KO’s or Joe Namath guaranteeing victory in Super Bowl III. For one, I’d certainly say Trump has potential to be a solid “leader” for our country (as does Cruz) and I stress “leader” because that’s what we badly are in need of.
100% Correct.
First, lead.
That is AWESOME!
Maybe we should invent the term droit caviar to describe the GOPe Uniparty members.
I will start there. Thanks.
Neither am I.
But I think it's of primary import to break the cabal and the associated groupthink.
Trump is the only person far enough outside, and blindly confident enough to do that.
The pieces we would have to pick up, even if he failed spectacularly, are minor compared to preserving the status quo.
Love your tag line! GF :)
TRUZ or LUZE?
Yeah, no need to get yourself into some kind of legal bind. But Simon still should have used Christmas instead of Xmas that I personally find disrespectful.
Plus, she’s so DULL. At least Obama had charisma. She’s about as fun to listen to as McCain was.
Yes, it’s been established she’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer. :-) When she began to campaign last time she came out of the shoot as stiff has a board and so wooden. A cigar store Indian had more charisma than she. Ha Ha
———— Trump is in the position to speak the Reaganesque optimism to Obama’s Carteresque pessimism. -——
No he isn’t. Reagan did not engage in mean spirited childish behavior and use swear words at his events.
Reagan was a studied, well versed conservative.
Trump doesn’t have an ounce of Reagan in him.
Same to you.
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