“As long as you come here legally and get a proper job . . . we need immigrants. Who’s going to vacuum our living rooms and clean up after us? Americans don’t like to do that.”
Donald Trump proposed on Tuesday forcing Mexico to pay for his planned border wall by threatening to block remittances from illegal immigrants, which he said amounts to "welfare" for poor families in Mexico that their government does not provide.
The Republican presidential candidate's campaign said in a memo that if elected in November, Trump would use a U.S. anti-terrorism law to cut off such money transfers unless Mexico made a one-time payment of $5 billion to $10 billion for the wall.
In the latest Quinnipiac poll, Cruz is actually 4-points behind Trump in women votes.
Cruz will not win. Doesn't have a chance in the general. Trust me.
Republicans have a large gap with women in the first place. So Cruz sucks even more.
Demographically, Trump is the Reagan of the Republican Party. Hated by purist, media and establishment, supported by both Democrats and Republicans electorate and your everyday people. There is always going to be haters, that comes with anything.
Cruz? He is not a good person. He is a fake Christian so to speak.
Agreed
He also purports to be anti-establishment, yet has no problem taking establishment support so that he can rack up delegates away from Trump, even though he knows he has no chance of actually winning the primary with the total number of delegates.
There are a few (only a few) things I think that could stop Trump from getting the Party Nomination.
But
Unless he is caught on camera saying get that (N) out of here, Spitting on a veteran or A direct link child pornography, he's going to get the nomination.
At this point Cruz's worst fear is that Trump will get the nomination and the party will push him to except a VP offer from Trump.
If you don't think Trump will approach Cruz, you don't understand how much Trump hates the current Political Leadership of both parties. He would Take Cruz as a VP just to watch him make their lives hell......
Once Trump passes the 1237 delegate majority mark, You will see a dramatic shift. The GOP will start negotiating with Trump demanding preferential treatment, They will quickly start telling us how great Trump is and he's better than a President Hillary or Sanders. The message will shift hard toward supporting the beaten down Small business owners and entrepreneurs. Trumps history as a successful business man will be seen as the right qualifications for understanding their burden. When they talk about his failed businesses, he will just remind them how the government has hammered all businesses both large and small. The finale display of empathy for the small business owner will come in a statement like this.
Huge multi-billion dollar, multi-national corporations with a portfolio of companies representing thousands of products and services sold globally can handle the BS the Government throws at us. But you, the little guy with a social security number, a checking account and your own 2 hands have enough troubles just changing hats to take on the role of the moment without the governments BS making the burden and cost impossible.
Trump will sound like he's speaking for them and with Cruz as VP they will feel like they have a Constitutional Conservative fighting for them.
I Still don't think Trump is the right guy, but he is the one out performing all other republican contenders for the nomination. I can't imagine either one winning the general election without the other being on the ticket. I'm afraid it has to be a package deal or hello President Clinton/Sanders.
I watch this and find it both exciting and amusing but also disturbing when you can't find group of Democratic voters threatening vote for the republican candidate if their guy doesn't get the nomination.
I was thinking that Trump would win the Presidency, but I'm not for sure anymore. Not because I don't think Trump has was it take. It's for different reason.
It's the Republican Party. They just commented suicide. Who really ruined it? Cruz and his supporters.
They want a contested convention and a divided Republican electorate? Fine! But history has shown us that any time you have that, no matter which party that party looses, because they are too divided.
Look what happened the last time they did that. The Republicans handed over the nation to JIMMY CARTER! And let's say that Sanders somehow squeaks by the Dem nomination because of legal or health troubles of Hillary in the last moments of this primary race.
It almost doesn't matter. Because the likes of the never Trump and the self-loathing Cruz wing of the Republican party who cut the wrist of the Republican Party at this point of time, Republicans are essentially done. Even Lincoln and Reagan would loose if they were running.
The only thing that may help, is that Trump starts knocking Cruz out in the coming states, which is likely, but Cruz and Kasich better quit soon and before the convention. If not, it's over no matter who wins.
But Cruz is too much of a sleazeball egotistical prick to understand that, so I don't see him doing that. So thanks for handing it over to the Democrats and yes, it squarely is the fault of Cruz and his supporters. History will show that as well.
I think it's already over for the RNC. I heard that Reince Priebus said yesterday that there will be a contested convention even if Trump gets the 1237 delegates and that the party, not the people, select the candidate. He said that he really didn't know why the primaries and caucuses were even held. If this is true, then the RNC has had it as far as I'm concerned. It really does sound like the RNC is going to completely throw both Cruz and Trump under the bus and select a losing candidate because they'd rather have Hillary than either Cruz or Trump. If that happens, it only bolsters my opinion that there's very little difference between Democrats and Republicans when it comes to establishment politics. But what I think the RNC fails to realize is that pulling stunts like that are what gave rise to Trump in the first place.
As expected... Trump blames others for his loss in WI. Does he ever take responsibility for his own actions? Or only the ones that lead to something positive? I am sure his little flop/flip on abortion didn't help him in WI. I am sure he will do better in the east coast.
If that happens, it only bolsters my opinion that there's very little difference between Democrats and Republicans when it comes to establishment politics. But what I think the RNC fails to realize is that pulling stunts like that are what gave rise to Trump in the first place.
Agreed. They are all looking out for ... themselves.
I was thinking that Trump would win the Presidency, but I'm not for sure anymore. Not because I don't think Trump has was it take. It's for different reason.
The only thing that may help, is that Trump starts knocking Cruz out in the coming states, which is likely, but Cruz and Kasich better quit soon and before the convention. If not, it's over no matter who wins.
But Cruz is too much of a sleazeball egotistical prick to understand that, so I don't see him doing that. So thanks for handing it over to the Democrats and yes, it squarely is the fault of Cruz and his supporters. History will show that as well.
Trump pretty much counted Wisconsin out a week ago. All polls showed him behind there. Its not really a loss if you already knew you were losing it. Cruz seems to only do any good up the center of the country. None of the talking heads think Trumps comments last week had any effect, or just a minor one. Like I said in another thread, people already knew if they were going to vote for him or not before and after that town meeting. Again, whatever he said was part of a pointless conversation anyway, because abortion will never be outlawed. Thats like starting a debate on if the next sunrise will come from the west or east. Would it be against the law to kill zombies (people) in the zombie apocalypse ? Its something that is never going to happen, so anything you can say is totally pointless.
Both parties are committing hari kari. They're eating themselves. Personally I'm enjoying the show.
I'm skeptical. Mostly because it seems that when the politicians play..........we lose. Watching them commit ritual political suicide is indeed fun from a somewhat vengeful point of view. However, I can't help but think that we're always the one who pay for their actions. I always feel as if they'll give themselves the diamond mine and we'll get the shaft.
I'm skeptical. Mostly because it seems that when the politicians play..........we lose. Watching them commit ritual political suicide is indeed fun from a somewhat vengeful point of view. However, I can't help but think that we're always the one who pay for their actions. I always feel as if they'll give themselves the diamond mine and we'll get the shaft.
And the two parties locked against eachother is part of what was stopping very bad decisions of few from becoming effective. That and the 3 separated branches of government, though that seems to have been eroded in its function lately too.
So, Cruz, courting delegates Romney, trying to influence rule makers Trump, meeting with RNC Chairman in private.......
Cruz - trying to remain on the convention ballot. If those involved with crafting the rules for the "upcoming" convention will consider previous rules but are not obligated to them. Cruz has a real concern on the possibility that rule maker could adopt Rule 40 used in 2012. If they do, Cruz has an almost impossible path to even be considered.
Romney - trying to keep Cruz (anyone but Trump) on the ballot.
Trump - Has been insisting both publicly and privately that Rule 40 should not matter because the candidate with the most votes should get the nomination. But I am sure Trump would become a solid defender of Rule 40 if He falls short of 1237 delegates.
Recently, via reporter/journalist stalking of delegates, a majority of delegates prefer a simple majority to determine the nominee. Some reject the claim they are bound to a candidate. Even fewer delegates think it would be appropriate to add candidates to the ballot who did not participate in the campaigns.
If they were to confirm/adopt rule 40 soon, they could free up the delegates already awarded to former candidates. At this point, they could also justify blocking Kasich from participating going forward.
Still, the only way to ensure the rule markers do not produce an FU manifesto disguised as convention rules, would require both Trump and Cruz to grow up and tether their egos just long enough to tag-team the GOP establishment elites into retirement.
I just can't in good conscience vote for Cruz I just can't in good conscience vote for Trump Both are simply saying In good conscience I can't vote against the Democratic Candidate.......
[This message has been edited by jmclemore (edited 04-07-2016).]
The only thing that may help, is that Trump starts knocking Cruz out in the coming states, which is likely, but Cruz and Kasich better quit soon and before the convention. If not, it's over no matter who wins.
But Cruz is too much of a sleazeball egotistical prick to understand that, so I don't see him doing that. So thanks for handing it over to the Democrats and yes, it squarely is the fault of Cruz and his supporters. History will show that as well.
Agreed, I've lost a LOT of respect for Cruz... a LOT.
The good news though, is that most of the upcoming states are Winner-Take-All... which Trump is poised to capture, currently.
I'm convinced a lot of Americans couldn't care less what the world thinks of us, xenophobia being something of a national pasttime now (which if rather amazing considering we're part of a global society whether we like it or not) but it's becoming quite obvious that even our strongest allies are beginning to think we're insane. As Oscar Wilde once noted "America is the only country that went from barbarism to decadence without civilization in between."
That may have been humorous when he initially said it...but it does appear to be increasingly apropos.
quote
SPIEGEL ONLINE
04/06/2016 04:57 PM
Opinion
America's Election Shame
By Markus Feldenkirchen
US political culture long served as an example to others. But the political culture on display in the Republican primaries has been a mixture of primary school, mafia and **** industry.
America wasn't the world's first democracy, but for a long time, it was its proudest. No other country spoke as passionately or confidently about its system of government. If things continue as they have in this primary election, those days will be numbered.
The United States' political culture served as a model for others, one that was worthy of emulation and exported worldwide. Today, however, US diplomats look ridiculous when giving lessons in democracy to others.
Much of the blame lies squarely in the Republican camp. More than merely an embarrassment for the party of Abraham Lincoln, it is also a stain on the entire nation. Just over two weeks ago supporters of presidential hopeful Ted Cruz published an old photo of Melania Trump, once a model and now the wife of Republican candidate Donald Trump, in which she posed naked for the camera. It was accompanied by the sardonic caption, "Meet Melania Trump. Your next first lady." In retaliation, Trump shared a collage of photos portraying Cruz's wife as rather unattractive and Trump's wife as quite good looking. The line preceding it read, "A picture is worth a thousand words."
Then an article appeared in the sleazy National Enquirer, whose editor is a close friend of Trump's, alleging Cruz has had five extra-marital affairs. Cruz suspected Trump's team was behind the story and consequently referred to Trump as a "rat" in his response. In the meantime, Trump, who called Cruz a "fraud," a "maniac" and a "world class liar" during the campaign, had to jump in to defend his campaign manager, who was arrested for battery after being accused of violently pulling a reporter out of a crowd. Physical violence is not objectionable for Trump. He has offered to pay the legal costs of supporters who beat protesters at his rallies should the victims sue.
Trump had previously exclaimed during a TV debate, unprovoked, that he had a large penis ("I guarantee.") He claimed a TV journalist's critical questions were a consequence of menstruation problems. He also mockingly acted out another journalist's physical disability live on television.
The political culture that is emerging here is a mixture of primary school, mafia, and **** industry. It alternates between cries of "He started it!," brawls, misogyny, and penis size comparison. It's almost as if guests at a formal dinner, where basic table manners were a given, suddenly began to belch and break wind without restraint. America is currently experiencing not only political but also moral bankruptcy. Dirty tricks are not new in US election campaigns, but the new lows to which the candidates are currently stooping are unprecedented.
It's not just the two bullies at the top who are to blame. Their rise was made possible through a decline in values such as decency, honesty, tolerance and fairness -- a process that has been hastened by the Republican Party more than anyone else. For too long, it has pursued fiscal, economic and social policies that served only companies and the rich, the financial backers of their election campaigns. At the same time, millions of Americans slid into precarity. Cultural declines are often the consequence of real economic decline. Propriety isn't the primary concern of those with financial worries, those who are embittered and living without hope. Instead, the neglected long for a culture of radicalism and coarseness. Destruction, they believe, may presage something better.
Over the course of decades, the Republicans have likewise built up a culture of contempt for public goods and services. They argue for educational policies that exclude the non-privileged, instead pushing them towards stultification and barbarization. They allow billionaires like the Koch brothers to direct the party's policy and appoint it's key candidates. A few years ago, Republicans furthermore embraced the radical and destructive Tea Party movement, thus marking the party's departure from any semblance of moderation.
It is too late to turn back the clock. Attempts to block Trump's nomination at the Republican National Convention in July won't help either. Trump already has too many votes and his millions of voters would feel justifiably betrayed. Trump himself has already predicted "riots." The Republicans have no choice but to make fools of themselves with Trump as their candidate in the general election.
Only then, in the face of an implosion following a -- hopefully -- substantial electoral defeat will the party be able to take stock of its situation. It will then have to investigate what led to this state of neglect. The changes made must be so far-reaching that they amount to a refounding: the founding of a civilized, sincere party with close ties to its constituents. Fans of America should wish for nothing less.
I'm convinced a lot of Americans couldn't care less what the world thinks of us,
Two young German "millennials", writing *opinion* pieces on Donald Trump in Der Spiegel does not constitute "the world", so I personally don't care a great deal what they allegedly "think".
[This message has been edited by randye (edited 04-09-2016).]
"President Trump would not be able to get anything done because both parties hate him. Neither will give him what he wants and make it impossible for him to deliver on his promises."
"At least Cruz would be able to work with republicans. They don't like Cruz but they hate Trump..."
Both of those opinions come from people who say Trump is to self absorbed and arrogant to work with anyone who will not give him his way.......But that implies, that Trump will do the one thing that past presidents threatened to do and rarely did, VETO.
Trump could become immune to the political party majority of congress by simply forcing them to "negotiate" with him or each other against him. His veto pen could ensure both parties will either give him what he wants or deliver a bill passed with a 2/3 majority vote.
quote
override of a veto - The process by which each chamber of Congress votes on a bill vetoed by the President. To pass a bill over the president's objections requires a two-thirds vote in each Chamber. Historically, Congress has overridden fewer than ten percent of all presidential vetoes.
IF - Trump becomes President, he has the ability, attitude and arrogance to use his veto power to do just that. (My Way or FU)
Cruz - nope, he is so firm on his positions (I respect that) that using the veto to control both parties would require him to be more flexible than his supporters will permit.
Hillary/Sanders - would only use (or could) the veto to ensure democratic supported bills get into law and increase democratic control of congress....... (Now we can ________)
Kasich - who? oh-yeah..... that guy will sign everything that hits his desk just to prove he's uniting both parties for the betterment of America. (see we're working together)
That's a silly question given the context but, to address it:
In my PERSONAL life, no I don't.....but this country's foreign or trade policies aren't predicated upon what other countries think of Doni Hagan.
I was asking that as a comparison. Do you live your life based on what Doni Hagen thinks is best for Doni Hagen, or on what you think other people will think of you? This country should base its foreign policy on what will best serve this country. Not based on what other countries will think of us.
That's because Trump didn't build that wall! Just wait...
quote
Originally posted by Doni Hagan:
Time passes....and those European 'millennials" will be the leaders of Europe someday.
I'm not shocked you and others couldn't care less. It is kinda obvious, you know.
Half my family is from Europe... I have dozens and dozens of cousins and uncles and aunts, etc. I've also lived there for a short while, and I can tell you that the people there largely don't have control of their own country. The EU has destroyed largely any independence that any particular European country had... not to mention culture. That makes all of Europe vulnerable to the corruption of the few in Belgium.
Sure, many of my cousins seem to think it's ok to bring as many Muslims into Holland as possible, but others know better. The good news is, when I see one of my Dutch or French cousins post something about letting adult male Muslims stream in as they please... I am given hope when I see all of his / her friends respond negatively to their posts.
Yup, trump doesn't build anything. He thinks someone else is going to pay for his fantasy world. Walls don't work. But trump supporters don't seem to understand this and trump knows that and exploits it.
Do you plan your life based on what others think of you?
Suggested response:
quote
"I take it into consideration, but it is not, in and of itself, an overriding factor that always takes precedence over every other thought that I have."
~The Cocktail Partygoer's Almanac
[This message has been edited by rinselberg (edited 04-10-2016).]
Time passes....and those European 'millennials" will be the leaders of Europe someday.
I'm not shocked you and others couldn't care less. It is kinda obvious, you know.
I'm curious as to how YOU in particular claim to have your finger so firmly on the pulse of "what the world thinks about us" ?
I suspect that at least 3 of your primary rationale may be:
1. That you lived in Europe for some time 2. That you have friends around the world that you communicate with regularly. 3. That you *read* publications from other parts of the world.
Please understand that there are many others, like myself, that can offer the very same rationale(s) and we have a different perspective on "what the world thinks" than you apparently do.
For example, I have friends in Tehran that are actually "enthusiastic" about the prospect of a Trump presidency.
[This message has been edited by randye (edited 04-10-2016).]
I just caught a reference to New Port Richey the other day. I think it was on one of the cable news channels. Can't remember what it was about.
A waterspout? I had the Weather Channel on (some). Maybe it was a waterspout that someone caught on video, but nothing that just happened recently.
Free association is a common method for enlarging upon any conversation when there is no obvious or straightforward response. ~ The "Almanac"
It may have been the cluster of 3 tornados that swept through Pasco County, Florida at approx. 5:30 - 6:00 AM this week. (A cogent response to your OFF TOPIC riposte.)
That aside, what your beloved "Almanac" proposes is also a form of what the progressive regressive left lovingly calls "deflection".
I know it's difficult for you, but please try to focus on the original discussion at hand. ~ me
[This message has been edited by randye (edited 04-10-2016).]
Carry this topic forwards, by all means, with Mr Hagan, and enjoy the "remains of the day". As for myself, I need to find my way to another goblet of this surprisingly strong (ABV) punch.
The establishment is believed to be manipulating the process trying to engineer a contested convention. Since the beginning, the establishment has watched as every single one of their preferred candidates had to suspend their campaign. They have been accused of (and appear to) not caring who the base voter wants when it does not align with their desired out come.
A contested convention is their last hope to stop Trump.
Contrast
Cruz is willing to accept a 2nd ballot victory (voters be damned) Trump still counting on voters to win nomination (voters be heard)
Cruz campaign focuses on getting delegates to switch their vote to support him if a contested convention occurs. He does not care if the majority voted for Trump or if Trump won the majority of states. Matter of fact, his stated goal is the prevent Trump from getting 1237 delegates so that having a majority wont matter.
Trump has been campaigning without much of a ground game and still has managed to get more votes, states and delegates. Now Trump has added to his team Paul Manafort to finally engage in the ground game. Of course Trump wants to win, but what is this recent shift in his campaign about? It's about making sure the majority of primary voters votes "Count"
Cruz and the Establishment are sending us the same message. If your candidate can not get 1237 delegates, the majority of voters become "irrelevant". And both are happy to ignore the "majority" to get their way...
Trump is counting on the "majority" of voters and he is getting majority support despite being Trump, Despite being Politically incorrect and Despite a campaign budget so small it would have tanked all other candidates before super Tuesday.
Sorry, qualified or not , Trump is the only candidate who respects the majority vote. No matter what any of us think of Trump (+/-) , His words are blunt but his results defy conventional wisdom and expectations. He is winning the right way and the only thing the media and GOP want you to see is how much of a republican and conservative Trump is not. And That is a better Trump ad than he could have paid for.
These delegates can also accept bribes, payouts, special outings and trips, patronage government jobs and etc.
Rafael Cruz spends other people's money with campaign cash in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Just like government, he spends it like its no tomorrow with no justification on saving or accountability.
Trump spending his own money. A fraction of Cruz, Kasich and all the other contenders. He doesn't waste money, targets on campaign approach. Isn't paying people off and mostly working hard each and every day campaigning. Always with a full suit on.
That tells me a lot about how much different Trump really is and is what we need to reset our priorities in America.
If Rafael Cruz spends other people's money like a drunken Democrat, you really think he is a fiscal conservative? He is just another Baby Bush politician from Canada.
