Sorry I couldn't respond last night, Mags. My computer was in the middle of an upgrade(?) to Windows 10. Now that I'm back operational, let me respond to your Trump-mania:
@e_blazer here is a rough draft of why I will be voting for Trump.
I believe Trump is a successful businessman that has been in the business of politics from the other side of the spectrum. He was the guy paying these politicians off for favors and had first hand experience with how this country is run by lobbyists and special interest groups. I am tired of hoping my vote for a republican or democrat will field a leader that has this country's best interest in mind. I haven't seen it yet and I'm just fed up. I am tired of career politicians that go around and promise the world because they know 90% of america are too stupid to figure out they are a Charlatan. I'm also tired of "so called leaders" like Obama and Bush, Jr. that have absolutely zero backbone to do the right thing, take control of the situation and make our country respectable around the world.
I suspect that the angst you're feeling over career politicians sucking up to lobbies and not looking after the best interests for the country is the predominant reason for Trump's supporters being willing to chuck their common sense and go with the blowhard. I fail to see a way of connecting the dots from having played the game from the private sector to being unwilling to play the game as an elected official. As far as the "backbone" test goes, yeah, Trump is willing to call anyone stupid if they don't agree with him. Somehow, I don't see that working out well when he actually has to work with Congress.
Trump is an asshole blowhard. I fucking get it and agree for the most part. But what I do know is this guy gets shit done, and usually through a bunch of red tape. Building huge skyscrappers isn't like applying for a remodel permit. It takes a ton of planning, legislation, and organization. I think Trump has the ability to find the talent needed to apply this very same model to the economic model of this country. I also know Trump has the balls to call out those that don't have this country's best interest in mind. He's also one that seems invested in winning, and just getting elected isn't winning. He must be successful at being president. I have full confidence that he will work tirelessly on making sure he gets up to speed, creating the game plan and presenting this game plan to congress to push through. I think he has the ability to understand it takes two to tango, because many of his projects have multiple investors, so he will find ways to try and appease all parties involved (and that includes the people).
I work in the private sector helping developers get the approvals they need to do their projects. Guys like Trump are used to being able to hire and fire as they wish, make decisions quickly without considering what other interest groups may think, and spending whatever it takes to bulldoze their way to their objectives. They don't really understand the nuts and bolts of the project; they just hire guys that do. Maybe that sounds refreshing to you, but I see it as a recipe for a frickin' disaster.
I believe in Trump. I really do... I think he has the grit to be our guy. I think he has the clout to negotiate in foreign matters and balls to expedite policies.
That sounds more like a wish and a prayer than a reasoned opinion, Mags. One person's "grit" is another person's impetus to a "fuck you" response. Trump has clout where people see his money as a big motivator. He won't have any of that working for him when he tries to negotiate with Congress or world leaders.
I am still waiting for the details of his current policies, but I think he's playing poker right now. I think he's leaking little by little so he is always relevant and in the media. The tax plan should be out in a few weeks, then I suppose a budget of some sort, then probably the budget to build the wall. Whatever the case, I doubt he releases anything until he is comfortable with all numbers and understands them like the back of his hand.
Yeah, we're all waiting for the details because all he's done so far is say, "I've made a lot of money, I'll get things done." Getting the Mexicans to build a wall on their dime? Rounding up and deporting 11 million people and then coming up with a litmus test to let the "good ones" back in the country? Tearing up the deal with Iran and forcing them to sign a new one just because he's the Donald? Getting Congress to adopt some new tax scheme and re-write Obamacare in some quick fashion? Yeah...I think we're all waiting for the details on those Trumpisms.
I think if Trump becomes president, it will create a revolution of some sort. I believe politicians will begin to understand that shit ain't business as usual. They won't get re-elected because they've been in the biz for 30 years. They will get elected because they will now focus on the people and business of america
I agree with you on the revolution. Just not sure which pissed-off interest group would be first in line. Latinos? Liberals? Women?
As far as his business credentials go towards proving his fiscal abilities, I'm not buying. Those 4 bankruptcies tell me that he's prone to making some big errors of judgment. And, speaking of that, how hard do you think it's going to be for Democrats to find the little guys that Trump screwed by taking bankruptcy to avoid paying his debts? Yeah, "everybody does it" is going to fly real well with general electorate when those facts start coming out.
I don't think there's much reason for me to start looking for the island retreat just yet because I think Trump will wear out his welcome pretty quick. I think it's already happening. Yeah, he still has a lead, but that's just because there are still so many candidates in the race. As they start to drop out, I don't see Trump as the person that will pick up support. I figure that 70 percent of Republicans are against him and 100 percent of Democrats.
