That would be American presidential campaigns and elections. There are others that have more drama, complete with blood in the streets, but short of that ours is quite a spectacle. And, at long last, we actually had some voting (caucusing in Iowa, to be accurate, complete with random winners selected by the tossing of coins). Here’s where we are, according to one irreverent retired reverend:
Donald Trump: How exactly are my evangelical friends, not a few from here, feeling about the frontrunner whose campaign included a public pronouncement that “they can go **** themselves”? What would Trump do if he is president and Putin ticks him off? “Where’s the guy with the #%$& launch codes. I’ll show that &%$#@& Putin a thing or two.” How the casino developer who has “never” asked for forgiveness can continue to suit my Gospel-loving, Christ preaching, brethren and sistren…I’m not sure. Trump is still “nope, not now, not ever” for me.
Ted Cruz: You know, the Senator from Goldman Sachs. I will vote for Cruz if he is the nominee but as long as there are other choices, and most any of the others aside from Trump will do when I vote next month. I’d like Cruz better than I have previously but he is still an unlikable candidate and seems to work hard to be thusly. Besides that, he is as slick as Bill Clinton on dodging dirty tricks and taking responsibility for his campaign’s actions. More importantly, the question about Cruz having a Dominionist vision for America is one that should be examined. Start here.
Marco Rubio: Ah, the blush is off the rose, the shiny armor has a chink. I like Rubio. It was painful to see him struggle Saturday evening. Bizzare actually. Nonetheless, he is very sharp. I like him a lot.
Jeb Bush: What? Someone finally slipped him a case of energy drinks. It’s good to see him act like he has something to offer but he will be the too-little-too-late guy in this campaign. Besides, who would vote for a guy who would drag his own mother, complete with walker and in her tenth decade, out in the snow to campaign?
John Kasich: The more I see him, the more I like about him. He acts like he enjoys campaigning. He has broad experience in both legislating and governing. He’s moved up to the top tier of my list.
Ben Carson: Won’t be around much longer. Very likable. Has never been electable.
Chris Christie: Thank God for a candidate who can skewer his opponents when they have earned it. Normal stuff for New Joisey guys. I like him. Top tier candidate in my book.
Carly Fiorina: Her star has dimmed considerably but she is still quite formidable. Too bad they kicked her out of the last debate. She would have added a lot to it.
Huckabee and Santorum didn’t go anywhere. Weren’t going to go any where. Should never have cluttered up the nominating process.
I hear there’s a Democrat around here somewhere so…
Hillary Clinton: Did anyone think she could be trusted? Does anyone want four or eight years of this stuff? Maybe she and Cruz should have a Goldman Sachs tete-a-tete.
Bernie Sanders: Go Bern! Go! If the Republican race in Georgia looks secure, I’ll step over to the Democratic primary and cast an anti-hil vote for Bernie.
Fact is, our two political parties look like Tweedledee and Tweedledum to people where there are political parties that span a much broader spectrum of political thought.
But hey…my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.
I think these kinds of comparisons of candidates are more helpful if they are carefully researched with analysis of the candidates’ actual statements and policy positions rather than by repeating personal stereotypes and random bits from the news of the day; maybe try that sometime.
Politics is, by nature, in the eye of the beholder, Tim. People see things differently and see candidates differently.
I can tell you this about William. Though he writes this “off the cuff” he is a careful observer both of the SBC and of political things. He is not someone just blustering opinions.
As he is entitled to his political opinions, you are entitled to yours. But your dismissive attitude of his opinions might be somewhat misplaced.
Maybe take a bit of humor sometimes? You can write the serious, carefully researched piece that makes everyone groan. 😉
And there is more truth in this humor piece than in most candidate TV ads.
Mr. Thornton, I am going to vote for D. Trump for sure when I get the chance in Florida . I am going to vote for him on the issues. I believe he is the only candidate that has proposed to fundamentally change the direction the country is heading in. I have posted on another blog with similar information on the issues only asking for a response just on the issues and never got one. I will just list two issues or my post will be way too long as it probably is anyway . Kindly read my post and… Read more »
Steve, I recently took the online “I Side With” questionnaire. Though I consider myself to be a very theologically conservative and a moderately politically conservative Christian, this test showed my views on the issues to be diametrically opposed to those of Trump. Though Rubio was my top-rated candidate (closest agreement on the issues) and several other Republicans not far behind, Trump was my least compatible candidate on the issues—even behind both Clinton and Sanders. With regard to the specific issues you mention, they are some of the msin reasons I, as a biblically conservative Christian, disagree with Trump. From my… Read more »
David, thanks for the reply, If you vote on your faith based biblical values Trump would not be personal candidate. I can respect that position. I believe the primary duty of the elected political leader of the USA is to defend the country and enforce the laws of the land. I do not think it is bad to enforce the immigration and criminal justice system law of the land. The Wall Street Journal on 2/8/2016 had an article about Ford building a brand new Ford plant in Mexico. Ford already has production in Mexico and over 493,000 Fords were built… Read more »
And thanks, Steve, for your reply to my reply. Though we evidently disagree with respect to the issues, I appreciate your level-headed and irenic rhetorical style (a good bit different from that of Trump, I might add). My main objection to what you say here is that you say that Trump is merely proposing to “enforce” the laws of the land. I would say he is proposing to change the laws and policies of the land.
David , and I thank you for your gentlemanly reply. Unlike Obama Trump would only change the law of the land if Congress authorized him to do so. On Immigration issue alone, Trump or anyone would not have to change the laws just enforce them. The only Republican running that is for giving our ailing government system a reform and change our direction is Trump. I like Cruz on many levels but Trump is a get things done guy. So thanks and disagreeing does not mean we have to be disagreeable as you have shown. Do not worry the money… Read more »
I recall that you’re the guy who said he was pushed to Trump by folks here who opposed him. Why bother with any platform at all after doing that?
Mr. Thornton, do not think I was that guy, I have been a supporter since I understood what his policies are. As far I can recall no one here pushed me to support Trump.
The Goldman Sachs crack on Cruz is well worn, but not exactly truth. Just sayin’.
Audit the Ted.
LOL. You’re an idiot, Adam. 😉
Steve, I’m guessing you are one of those who would still support Trump if he shot someone on a public street.
His boorish, anti-Christian behavior is enough to turn me off, even if his views on issues did not.
Dave, have you ever said you were hungry enough to eat a horse? Really, that is what really a concern you have with Trump? Do you think he was serious or trying to illustrate his supporters were loyal? Again how about addressing an issue you disagree with Trump on. Pick one and address it as to why you disagree? Trump and Sanders are really the only two who really are talking change. I cannot believe a Socialist is getting this much support but at least Sanders is for change. What is the difference between Rubio, Bush, Kasich and Christie other… Read more »
Steve: Seriously? This statement is just astonishing. Even by the relatively low political candidate standards Trump is a liar of the highest order. Trump and truth simply don’t go together in the same sentence. He’s got fact-checking organizations just shaking their heads; they’ve never seen anything like him.
Bill Mac, again just some statements about Trump, he is a liar, he is not a good Christian, he is this and that. What policies, what issues do you find Trump so wrong on. Just for the record , I live in Florida, Marco Rubio beat Charlie Crist for the Republican Senate seat nomination. Crist had the support of the national Republican Senate Campaign Committee but Rubio beat him with real grassroots support from conservatives and a lot of TEA Party support. Rubio repeatedly pledged and stated he did not favor or support illegal alien’s path to permanent status or… Read more »
The US does not have a religious test for office, and neither do I. His Christianity or lack thereof does not bother me at all. I am bothered by his pretense of being a Christian. You keep asking about his policies but I can’t possibly speak to his policies because he lies as easily as he breathes. How can I tell what I agree with or disagree with when I can’t trust a thing that comes out of his mouth? But I’ll give it a try. I disagree with building a wall on the Mexican border. It’s idiotic. I disagree… Read more »
Bill Mac, go to Trump homepage where he has five major policy issues addressed with his solutions. From reading reliable news accounts and watching the debates I personally have a good understanding about where all the Republicans generally stand on all the issues. By the way they all have changed their original positions and moved closer to Trump on immigration, refugees and national security. Tell me the major differences between Bush, Rubio, Christie and Kasich, there is not much. it will be more of the same. Why would rich donors and companies give Bush 120 million dollars? Why are the… Read more »
Steve: Well, as I said, I don’t believe much of anything Trump says, so whatever policies appear on his home page aren’t going to mean much to me. While I agree that we have a problem with illegal immigration, I don’t think it is our most pressing problem. Here’s the bottom line for me, whether his “policies” lined up perfectly with my own views or not: I think he’s a horrible human being, and I don’t want a person like him as president. I don’t believe he is honest, mature, or possessing an ounce of integrity. I don’t think he… Read more »
Steve:
I agree with David Rogers and thank you for sharing your thoughts regarding Trump.
Dave Miller and David Rogers disagree, and they have done so respectfully, I believe.
The thing this shows is that Christians in this political season are seeing things differently, and that’s o.k.
We are all making the judgments that we believe are correct.
And I don’t believe anyone here is not bringing Christian principles to the question. You are. Dave Miller is. David Rogers is.
That’s what democracy is all about.
We’ll see how it goes, and work together when it’s over.
I don’t want him as president, but in terms of what you see is what you get, Sanders may be the most genuine candidate in the race. I’m off Carson, not that I was ever really for him. I’m surprised he can muster the energy to get out of bed.
Bill Mac,
Yeah, the Carson campaign has been kinda strange to me. I think he had something very appealing back when he took the POTUS to task at the National Prayer Breakfast. It seems to me that he was at his highest moment that day. . . . and then . . . well, he fell asleep. Yep, kinda strange to me.
Whew, what a crew! It’s getting increasingly difficult to raise a national son to the highest office in the land without some sort of baggage attached to them. It’s enough to make a Baptist want to join Peyton Manning and go kiss my wife, drink a few Buds, and go talk to the man upstairs.
Well, Max, at least it does not make you want to act like Cam Newton.
Yep the Super Bowl reduced Cam from Superman to Supersulk. The game was short on role models.
BTW, Max,
I hate to state the obvious, but he did play for Auburn.
That’s one for C.B., none for . . . .
I thought he played for pay.
I’ve always felt bad for Cam…you know, taking that big pay cut to go pro.
With 4 daughters of my own (3 of whom are teenagers and 2 are of draftable age) this whole “let’s make women register for the draft” thing has got me rethinking who I will support. I find the idea absolutely insane.
(I do have a son too — he may enlist).
Yeah, Todd Benkert,
The more a guy thinks about that and rolls it around in his mind, the more he hears Ole Charlie say,
“I’m gonna make ready, draw a line in the sand, and say; ‘Not today, not ever.'”
I guarantee you the Republicans will be running from that one…and soon.
If there is anything with more specific documentation on Cruz and dominionism than the linked article (it, IMO, is not all that well-documented), I wiuld be very interested to see it.
Fair question. I haven’t expended a lot of effort to chase down Cruz’s dominionist leanings but he is tied to the pseudo-historian David Barton. Rafael Cruz, father of Ted, has some stuff available. If Cruz continues to be top tier, I’d expect plenty of scrutiny on this.
I think a lot of the Christians supporting Cruz don’t have any idea what dominionism is, nor why it is a reason for concern. Also, for a lot of politically conservative Christians, the association with Barton is seen as a positive, not a negative. I am surprised there hasn’t been more press on this angle up to now.
I don’t like Barton. But I still like Cruz.
I’m not a domionist and there is no evidence that Senator Ted Cruz is either.
You don’t play dominos?
You’re about as funny as a train wreck.
The Cruzites here in Iowa (a passionate bunch) were adamant that he was not in the dominionist movement.
David:
My own personal opinion of that is that it is over-hyped bunk. Many of the people who say that will call you a dominionist if you ever enjoyed at Francis Schaeffer book.
I’d vote for most any of the republicans left, with varying degrees of nose holding, except of course Donald Trump. Never will I do that. Never. Not far behind him is Chris Christie.
Cruz is still my number one, would not have to hold my nose with him – I will consider others if and when he is no longer available.
#TrusTed!
“TrusTed” to do what? Make people on both sides of the aisle mad and get nothing done? Be a right-wing version of Jimmy Carter? There comes a point when you have to look beyond how much someone’s political/social/theological views agree with your own and start asking, “Who can I support (even if some reluctance) who would be effective in the Oval Office?”
John,
I think he’d be effective in the Oval Office or I’d not be supporting him.
I am sure he would either issue or cancel executive orders with which you (and I for the most part) would agree with. And of course you have a right to your opinions, and I respect those. But unless you believe that a gridlocked congress which does little to nothing is an effective governing technique, I have to ask, can you cite any evidence that Cruz would be able to get significant legislation passed? It seems to me that he has made so many in congress mad–both Republicans and Democrats–that unless he has an extremely conservative super-majority of Tea Party… Read more »
A congress that is truly gridlocked with a conservative president and “gets nothing done” – might actually be a better thing than you seem to think. If they are gridlocked…they cannot pass tax increases, stupid laws, expand govt., and so on.
Might not be so bad.
The biggest thing Cruz would absolutely do is to sign good laws passed by a Republican Congress and select SC Justices that adhere to rigid construction.
John Farris:
That is an interesting comparison. Had not heard anyone compare Cruz to Carter, but there are similarities.
As much as I have said that all of these candidates are flawed, I will say that all of them have strong points, as well.
Cruz is very smart and gets the issues. No doubt. He will not be coopted.
I could say good things about all of these guys.
Cruz is nothing like Carter. They are worlds apart on issue after issue, intelligence, and governing strategy.
Carter was a rubber-stamp to the liberal democrat house and senate….Cruz is certainly not a rubber stamp to anyone. That is one thing I like about him.
When I compared Cruz with Carter, I was referencing the possibility that he would be as ineffective as Carter was, not that they had similar politics or even that they would be ineffective for the same reason. But I am still concerned that, because of his historically poor relationships with even congressional Republicans (not to mention Democrats), he would be ineffective. Also, I am not convinced that a gridlocked, do-nothing Congress would be good for the country. After all, they HAVE to pass a budget, and there are things that only a national body can do, i.e., infrastructure, treaties, disaster… Read more »
Oh, they have to pass a budget? Who knew?
Continuing resolutions have been it as of late. Lol
Seriously – you do realize my tongue was somewhat implanted I my cheek when I referenced a gridlocked congress being a good thing.
Anyone who has a broad enough knowledge base to use the Triangle Shirtwaist fire in context deserves to be heard.
Well put. John.
No Tarheel I did not realize you were tongue in cheek re: gridlock being a good thing. I have heard too many people (including some on this board) say it in all sincerity.
The fact that continuing resolutions have been the way budgets were “passed” does not make it good, regardless of which party did it. The last time government shut down due to gridlock, several of our families were adversely affected–and they were just working people, not some GS-15 bringing home big bucks.
And thanks, William.
Reagan took his simple vision to the nation first and then worried about Tip O’Neal. There were compromises but everyone remembered his original points. He made a case to the people….first.
Then the ‘representatives’ had to worry about ‘representing’ those that elected them. It wasn’t perfect but a lot of it worked.
The biggest thing that needs to happen is that a lot of the lesser candidates need to drop out.
The Trump insanity needs to end. Republicans need to decide on Rubio or Cruz and then Trump will be FAR behind.
I’m not a fan of Cruz – not sure why he annoys me but he does. But he’s light years better than Trumpsanity.
It’s beginning to look like another candidate will be added to the list: Michael Bloomberg. I repeat, “What a crew!”
He’s more of a Democrat than he is a Republican.
Indeed. I wasn’t implying he would be added to the Republican cast of characters. He has indicated that he would enter the race as an Independent if it appeared that Sanders and Trump were making a deep run.
I’ll be pragmatic enough to choose between the lesser of two evils if I have to but, otherwise I have to consider the moral and spiritual character of the candidate first. Jesus taught us that you can’t serve both God and money. Trump clearly serves money and not God. Maybe they all do but, I can see it more clearly with Trump.
William, You say that John Kasich is moving up to the top tier of your list. He seems to support gay marriage. He’s definitely not on the top tier of my list. We need a President who will fight against the redefinition of marriage.
Any president will have to support gay marriage. It’s the law of the land these days.
i didn’t know Presidents had to personally agree with every SCOTUS ruling…..well maybe so – they can make law despite not having authority so perhaps that’ll just become law too.
“Thou shalt always agree with us.”
The president doesnt have to agree with anything. He takes an oath where he/she swears that to the “best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
right…and that oath includes that he will faithfully execute the LAWS.
GAY UNION IS NOT A LAW, NOR IS POWER GIVEN TO THE FEDERAL GOVT. TO DICTATE ITS DEFINITION IN THE CONSTITUTION.
In fact a president could argue that faithfully DEFENDING the constitution and the EXECUTING laws means that he would require his working toward seeing that “powers not enumerated to the federal govt. are reserved to the states or the people” – – – ya know like marriage laws.
Yeah, but the problem is that those “powers not enumerated to the Federal government” which are then “. . . reserved to the states” is somewhat vague, and made even moreso by judicial review. Marbury v. Madison in 1803 established that the Supreme Court has the right to interpret the Constitution, per Chief Justice John Marshall’s written opinion, “It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is.” I understand that some legal scholars date the concept farther back, since in the Constitutional Convention, 13 statements from the floor supporting this were made… Read more »
Tarheel is exactly right. On the Kim Davis affair, let me remind everyone that she was following the only laws on the books. She broke no law, she was only in contempt of court — as was I in that case.
Courts cannot write law.
“All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.” – Constitution of These United States.
Oh yeah, the Marbury case….the one where the SCOTUS granted itself powers, and that without check.
According to the constitution – there is currently no check on SCOTUS power. The branches are supposed to be co-equal with each checking the power of other….
If there is a check on SCOTUS – I would like someone to show it to me.
You can disagree with Marbury all day long, say it is wrong, say the court did not have the right to make that decision, whatever–at the end of the day it has been “the law” since 1803. There are only two ways a Supreme Court decision can be reversed: one is a constitutional amendment, and in these 200+ years, not such amendment reversing Marbury has been proposed, not from liberal congresses or conservative ones, not from state legislatures in the north, south, east, or west, and not from anywhere else. The other way would be for the court to reverse… Read more »
Abortion is the law of the land too. I guess we will all have to support candidates like Bush and Christie who consider attacking candidates’ pro-life views to be a good strategy for rising from obscurity.
Unless they get some Supreme Court appointments. Someone opposed to so-called “gay marriage” may appoint justices who are opposed. Someone who is in favor of the “gay marriage” decision will no doubt support justices who agree with this, and more than that, who agree with the judicial philosophy that produced that decision. That is where Cruz would shine. Trump might shine there, if he can be believed. Rubio would say one thing, and then might not follow through. Carson would follow through on that. Christie would not. Bush would, probably, but could be wobbly, like Rubio. Not sure if I… Read more »
Louis, unfortunately the majority of Americans support homosexual marriage. The Supreme Court will not touch the issue again unless Congress changes laws and there is a challenge. Not going to happen Since Americans have decided by their actions and the government has agreed that the purpose of marriage is not for the good of society but for the happiness of the individual, here would be my serious proposal. From June 1, 2016 (it can be any date, but sooner the better) all benefits and financial payments , all tax breaks, all government programs and any benefits that to any married… Read more »
Louis, on my marriage benefit post I forgot, People who are married now and before the new date will be grandfathered in. Only affect new married people. Let people who oppose same sex marriage put their money were their mouth is. Let people who state that same sex marriage is about love put their money where their mouth is. Again existing people would be grandfathered in.
Getting off the President subject, but we need real change, Trump and Cruz will bring change, the others are just more same old , same old in different packages. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
“What would Trump do if he is president and Putin ticks him off?” That engagement would not come out well. More than any other POTUS race, Bubbaville is speaking loud and clear. Trump is evidence of the tremendous frustration in the political process and career politicians by America’s working class. I’m reminded of what another Russian leader once said: “Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you. Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river. I once said, ‘We will bury you,’ and… Read more »
William: Great observations. I am glad that we have a system of checks and balances and a free press. I saw Phyllis Schaffley’s (sp?) critique of Rubio, and it was really damning. I believe there is something in the nature of politics that it is very rare for a human not to be corrupted by it on some level. A person would have to be very self assured, calm and attractive to do that. And then, that person would not be insecure enough to do all that it takes to beg and persuade people to give him/her their vote. I… Read more »
Louis, very honest and rational overview of the Trump appeal. It is good to read a post here that says more that Trump is a liar, not a Christian, just no good and general statements. Thanks for giving a reasoned opinion piece. I will vote for Trump because I agree with his main policy issues and positions .
“… not being shamed or cowered by the press …”
Good advice for any POTUS candidate if they want to win the election in this year’s race. Main Street America is getting sick of the liberal press shaping the culture and promoting only those politicians who agree with them. Perhaps the 3-legged stool of Hollywood-Media-Washington is about to topple.
The thing is; Trump *should* be ashamed of some of his immigration statements and the way he crassly and with abject vulgarity speaks and behaves on the campaign trail…yet he is not. He should be ashamed of his support for socialized medicine. He should be ashamed for his lifetime of pro choice belief (I know he claims to now be profile because of the fact that he knows someone who considered an abortion but did not go through with it, and the baby grew up to be a wonderful person – which begs the question- if that person had grown… Read more »
“Many Christian leaders and some pastors are not ashamed either and are being sucked in to his carnival show.”
Indeed. Sad to behold. It’s amazing how many potty-mouths suddenly become Christian when they start stumping and targeting evangelicals … and equally amazing that evangelicals fall for it. Carnival performers would have no stage, if it wasn’t for an audience.
Speaking of carnival shows, Cruz held a campaign rally here in SC at Morningstar Fellowship in Ft. Mill. The pastor is Rick Joyner, a disciple of Kansas City prophet Bob Jones who has claimed to feed multitudes with a casserole he made(shoulda been a Baptist), prophesied the 2011 earthquake in Japan would push the US into Nazism, was a big Blood Mooner, and mentioned last week a prophecy from Jones that if the Panthers won the Super Bowl that would be the sign of a third Great Awakening(darn Broncos!) Cruz spoke along side Mormon self styled prophet Glenn Beck. Joyner… Read more »
Even John McCain whose profession of faith was as weak as Trump’s disavowed John Hagee’s endorsement
Jeff P. , McCain and the establishment Republicans and conservatives lump all born again Christians into a stereotype mindset so they do not really know the “players’. We are all the same with interchangeable thoughts and leaders. Dems use to do it but they do not even pretend to want the “Christian” vote. It is just an insincere political play to get the voter who pays little attention.
Jeff P., I am a Trump supporter on the issues. Trump is not running on a faith based Christian value centered campaign. The President of the United States is voted in by all the people to defend the country from all enemies, foreign and domestic. The President is to govern and insure the country’s economic base is on sound ground and to be fiscally responsible. I want a President to enforce our laws, control the onslaught of illegal aliens and correct the political correct society that is eroding fundamental American cultural traditions. I want a President to ensure we have… Read more »
Steve S I agree Trump isn’t running as a faith based candidate. He has the endorsement of some questionable religious leaders as well like Paula White. But here’s my point. I’d say the consensus on this board is that Trump shows very little in the way of an observable faith. I’d agree with that, though we can’t change a heart. If he is unsaved, unregenerate, the. He cannot discern the “things of the Spirit,” as he does not have the Spirit, so these things shouldn’t surprise anyone. No one however doubt Cruz’ faith. Now, you can’t keep someone from endorsing… Read more »
Judge Trumps heart, not change. Of course we can’t do that either
Tarheel, If you disagree with Trump’s immigration proposals what candidates position do you agree with? That would be a start if you answered that question. All of the candidates including Rubio the Gang of 8 Senator who betrayed his voters in Florida has come closer to Trump’s position to curry political favor. Trump stated a fact during the debate Americans are not going to let people die in the street so why not really repeal Obamacare and put an effective national health care plan in place. The majority of Americans do not like health care but they want reform and… Read more »
“Name one thing the conservative anti abortion establishment Republicans have done to really stop abortion.” So your answer is to vote for someone who overtly supports abortion (He was “big time prochoice” the last time he ran for President – now that he is running for GOP he decides to pander – I know you reject that he is a panderer – but that does not change the fact that he is) I actually agree that the establishment in DC has done little, that is one reason I support Cruz. He has been a stalwart, with votes and action to… Read more »
4 times.
Let’s be clear. There is nothing inherently immoral about declaring bankruptcy. Better to try and fail than not to try. But don’t declare bankruptcy 4 times and then look the American people in the eye and say “I don’t do bankruptcy”.
I believe that Trump supporters are weighing being ashamed of Trump’s rhetoric vs. being for a well spoken person who is supporting policies they believe are disastrous. And as a person below stated, what is more shameful – what Trump is doing, or what Rubio did running one way and then immediately crossing the line and doing something else? Or are Trump’s outrageous statements worse than what Cruz did in Iowa? Frankly, I can’t find a person among the leading candidates who is not seriously flawed. The question becomes how one balances those flaws vs. policy etc., and where one… Read more »
Louis , reflective post
People flock to Trump because they know (after almost 30 years now) that Republicans campaign one way and then govern like Democrats. Name any other Republican in the race (other than Carson) who you believe will actually do what they say if elected, and not go back to business as usual. All the other Republicans… – They continually speak about jobs but allow Businesses to take their plants overseas and then bring back products tariff free, destroying the middle class – They speak of not growing govt. and then grow it more than even the Democrats (see Bush). – They… Read more »
“Name any other Republican in the race (other than Carson) who you believe will actually do what they say if elected, and not go back to business as usual.” Cruz. He’s been leading the not business as usual contingent of the Senate for several years. Plus he’s a conservative – no one knows what the heck Donald Trump is because he changes at a whim for political expediency – although for some strange reason people seem to think he’s the “truth teller” and non-pandering politician – it boggles the mind. He’s run for president before under a totally different platform… Read more »
I like Cruz, but he certainly isn’t squeaky clean now that the Goldman-Sach’s stuff has surfaced. I also like the fact he stood up to McConnell.
Regardless, Cruz is only hot on the illegal immigration issue because of Trump, so like all other politicians, he’ll change his tune at a moment’s notice to get votes.
So the notion of “truth-telling” is also a burden for Cruz. It’s amazing that Trump is the only one held to the so-called standard of “honesty.”
Nate, good analysis of Cruz, who I like as my second choice. Trump and Cruz are the only two who represent any real change, except Sanders who is a Socialist. What is the difference in policy between Rubio, Bush, Christie, Kasich? Not too much just in style and their speaking skills. Trump has changed the race and the other candidates are following and echoing Trump. I do not get the Goldman Sachs concerns about Cruz as he is not wealthy , fought the establishment to get elected with his own resources and is true to his beliefs. If Trump were… Read more »
Nate, I guess the voters in N.H. think Trump and Cruz honest enough to beat the others put together. Hoping for a 1 and 2 finish for them. Good showing by both but media will act like Bush victory, he spent 36 million dollars.
Trump dominates in N.H., but most (at least on Voices) will say the people of N.H. are crazy.
What they won’t say is Rubio looked pathetic not even able to beat Bush. Of course this is the same crowd that was so upbeat that Rubio was coming on strong after Iowa.
The point is not to jump to too many conclusions and also to realize Trump is a force the rest of the Republicans will have to deal with. However, it will probably not be clear until after Super Tuesday, if even by then.
Bush spent 36 million in NH. Rubio empty suit, no substance. Trump or Cruz or GOP loses. Trump will be target of all special interest. S.C. big test, They have to stop Trump soon.
Again – what is this “Goldman Sachs” thing? There’s nothing there. He liquidated some of his assets and borrowed against stocks – he did so under regular terms – and received no special treatment. This is very common and nowhere near illegal or immoral. He, like many many many other candidates before him apparently failed to dot every I and cross every T on an FEC document – however it is important to note that this only came to light (as a faux scandal) because some media outlet found this reporting on his Senatorial report – and noticed it wasn’t… Read more »
I do agree with you on this. Cruz with no big money backing put up his own money.. I like him for that. Cruz forb Supreme Court, he would be great.
Realize that the vast majority of Republicans voted AGAINST Trump. Very few who haven’t already supported him are going to join the Trump lunacy. He’s not going much beyond where he is now. The other candidates get DOUBLE the votes Trump gets (triple last week in Iowa). As they slowly drop out, Trumps support will remain essentially level and reasonable people will support the other candidates. By the fall, either Rubio or Cruz will likely be the nominee. But Trump almost NO ONE’s second choice. Or third. Most Republicans would NEVER vote for him. He won the primary because non-Republicans… Read more »
“If we would vote for these men, we are truly lost in the weeds. Darkness reigns.”
Yep, and it don’t matter if the ball is a golf ball, baseball, football, basketball, or the Goodyear Blimp, the weeds are so tall and we will be so lost no one from either party will be able to find us to get us out in 2020.
It was refreshing tonight to see Rubio take responsibility for his loss. Contrast that with Trump’s spoiled brat behavior after he lost Iowa. It gives some perspective on each man.
Scott ,
Youcan spin it that or spin it this way, Trump got the same % of votes than Cruz, Rubio, Bush combined. Bush spent 36 million dollars to come in 4th. Trump taking on establishment and big money.
I noticed that.
The contrast between the two was clear.
I was also glad to read today a clarification from Rubio – he’s not planning to draft everyone’s daughters after all.
Rubio – Running away from yet another strongly articulated position when the heat got under his feet, eh?
Rubio clarifies something new every week, it seems. He’s constantly clarifying his position on immigration because he can’t remember who he said he was for it to versus who he’s claiming he’s against it. Rubio can’t even remember which way he voted (with the Establishment or against them) because he can’t do anything without McConnell’s permission. Also funny how Trump is the only one who the “vast majority of conservatives didn’t vote for”. Well, 35% of them didn’t vote for Rubio, or Kasich, Bush, Cruz, etc. In Iowa, supposedly the vote showed everybody was running away from Trump, yet he… Read more »
Nate, very dispassionate and reasoned opinion and overview. I agree with you 100 percent. Trump will get crossover Democrats like he did in N.H.
We have found something on which we agree 120%!
John
I am speaking to Tarheel, BTW.
I have tried to stay away from stating definitively whether or not Trump is saved…I am not the judge of that. But, I will say that those who are born again tend to not make comments of never asking God for forgiveness or repenting of sin and speaking so cavalierly about communion.
It also is clear and unequivocal thought that he is not at all familiar with “his favorite book”. 😉
It is impossible to be saved if you claim to have never needed to ask for forgiveness…as Trump claims.
I am no man’s judge as to salvation, but his testimony is false.
Dave Miller, Trump is not running as a faith based candidate. Trump professes to be a Christian maybe not as you believe, he is certainly not anti Christian. Trump religious views and lifestyle are probably closer to 70% of Americans than mine or yours but we are electing a political leader. Trump has not claimed to be saved nor does he have to make a public confession of such to run for office. Rubio believes in the doctrine and observes the Catholic faith, I would vote for Rubio if I agreed with his political policies and viewpoints but I do… Read more »
Tarheel: Way to go! That natural caution you serve you well. If the Bible teaches anything, it teaches that there are going to be some surprises on the judgment day. There are a lot of people who have a deep and genuine faith, but due to circumstances, personal weakness etc. are not schooled or discipled or mature in their faith. There are also others who have memorized and can recite doctrine, Bible verses etc., but harbor deep sin in their souls, hatred, and/or who live secret lives with pet sins that they have exempted. We would do well to avoid… Read more »
Steve S,
There was no “spin” in my observation of the contrasting behavior of Rubio and Trump, which was not about vote totals but about personal behavior. If a small child loses a game and takes responsibility for the loss we call that mature, but if he whines, charges his opponent with cheating, and otherwise behaves boorishly we call that immature. This standard of behavior doesn’t change based on vote totals in an election.
Scott H, Trump is a showman and a publicity hawk. That is why he got on top of the polls and stayed their for weeks. Trump is new to politics and is learning. The qualities you find lacking and they are valid points the majority of voters are not that concerned about. Trump is doing his Art of the Deal doctrine applying to politics. Trump will mature and change to become more acceptable but he is raw and honest. My point was what you observed that Trump’s behavior was childish etc. was correct but the voters chose him over everyone… Read more »
but he is raw and honest.
Come on Steve. How can you keep saying this? You like his policies; fine. You like his style; fair enough. But I just can’t let it go when anyone calls Trump honest or a truth teller when that statement is demonstrably false. Trump’s falsehoods are well documented. How can you keep saying this?
Bill Mac, when i say Trump is raw and honest I mean in the context of his political issues and his new entry into politics. For example whether you agree with him or not you know what Trumps views on immigration are, you know what he thinks of Obama foreign policy and trade deals the other Republicans support. He does not give the standard political answers like a typical politician for now. I do not know or cannot recall where Trump has been dishonest running his campaign, so perhaps you can tell me. I am sure you have something in… Read more »
Steve S, Trumpite, said: “When I say I like his style…”
Trump’s style: “they can go **** themselves”
How’s that?
Bill Mac, he repeated that from the crowd. Again, he is a showman, he is in the lead, he dominates the news cycles, he is getting the others to follow him. Who quotes Bush, Rubio, Cruz, Kasich. It is not traditional it may be uncivil but it is effective. As I have said before about Trump, a large percent of America heard that and thought it was funny as that is how they really talk to each other. It was a comment from the crowd from a woman. As Trump transcends into being more Presidential he will tone down the… Read more »
Wasn’t Bill Mac.
“may be uncivil”?
Steve S’ main point: “Trump transcends”
Mr. Thornton, sorry not thinking to clearly, as my support for Trump shows according to many. I lost my very short chain of thought. thanks for you posts and viewpoints.
No more Mr.Thornton” OK? ‘William’ is fine. Sometimes Tarheel calls me “The Great Plodder” but that’s only because he wishes he had the thoughts I have. Maybe one day he will.
William Thornton, u can call me cannot keep a name straight. thanks
Trump is a truth teller to me when he talks about the rigged game of Washington politics that both parties play. So is he decrying the rigged game of Washington? Is that the truth he is telling? That it is bad? Obviously not, since he is part of it, by his, and your own admission. I honestly do not think he is running for the right reasons. He’s a showman, as you say. He is running not to make America great but to show America how great he is. In fact, that’s all he’s told us for months now, about… Read more »
Bill Mac, at least I got the right person this time. As u can tell I get confused easily. What could Trump do to stop me from supporting him? I will list just a few, there are more. 1. Support TPP, Fact Track Authority, China trade deals like all the other Republicans do. 2. Take big money donations from all different sources with one thing in common, they all want something. Bush $120 Million for example. 3. Move closer to the positions of the other candidates like they have all moved closer to his positions. 4. Backtrack on his strong… Read more »
“Honest question: What could Trump possibly do to cause you to stop supporting him?” He could get elected and then do exactly the opposite of what he campaigned to do. If he did that, then he would be just like Rubio and the Establishment guys. But seriously, considering I think Immigration is the most pressing issue of this election and the future of America, if I thought Trump was going to back away from that, I wouldn’t even think of voting for him. It’s a fair question Bill, but it cuts both ways. – There is no way a 3rd… Read more »
Nate, again well said and I am with you. If Trump does not win the big money will control America until the second world status is fully achieved.
Steve: I guess my question was more of a moral nature. Granted, we’re dealing with politicians, hardly paragons of virtue. But in my view Trump is more grossly immoral than all of them, moreso than some of them combined. It appears to me that Trump can literally say anything, no matter how egregious, and he wouldn’t lose your support. Is there some moral line that he could cross that would make you drop him? Trump boasts that he could shoot someone and wouldn’t lose votes, and we pooh pooh it as a joke, but I don’t think it is a… Read more »
Bill Mac, So you really think that Trump really thinks he could shoot someone and his supporters would back him? That any sane person would even consider any more than criminal charges if any shot an innocent person from anywhere. Is that a serious question or are you just pushing the hot buttons. Again for the third time Trump was maybe using a poor metaphor to show how loyal his supporters are. Why is Trump any more immoral than Rubio for example? Trump has the same value system that the majority of Americans observe. What has Trump done that is… Read more »
Nate,
You said Cruz is a conservative with hard “hard edges”.
Think we all can agree that Trump has hard edges – so you’re supporting one hard edge candidate over another with one being identified as conservative and the other certainly not.
That leads me to reasonably conclude that hard edges are appealing to you – and conservatism must not be as important.
I find it interesting that the anti big money candidate Donald Trump – the one who is “self funding” But (of course still) accepting donations – turns around and turns over the money that has been donated to his campaign back into his companies to pay for rental of campaign office space, marketing, jet expenses, etc.
If he’s going to “self fund” let him donate all those services and products without reimbursement.
Instead he’s funneling campaign designations back into his own coffers.
Tarheel, Trump has to use campaign money donated to him for his campaign. It is common for all candidates to fund their campaign and repay themselves when donated money shows up. Trump is not taking big money donations, has had no fund raiser and has no super Pac. The only other candidate without super pac is Sanders. Trump has gotten small donations unsolicited and he does sell made in America campaign items that create a surplus. It is really stretching the point when everyone in the race is backed by hugh outrageous sums of secret donor money. Rubio getting millions.… Read more »
“So you really think that Trump really thinks he could shoot someone and his supporters would back him?”
Steve S.,
No, I don’t think “Trump really thinks he could shoot someone and his supporters would back him.”
However, I know he really did make the statement. Therein, Steve S., is the problem and why he should not be president.
cb scott, Rubio said he would not support amnesty or citizenship for illegal aliens before elected to Senate. Went to Senate sponsored Gang of 8 Bill, which House would not pass. Rubio said parents came from Cuba to escape Castro, parents came in 1956 to work and live. So he lied and that is worse than Trump making a stupid statement ? Bush authorized Florida pension fund to buy millions of dollars of Enron stock when company was folding for Fl state pension fund. Ken Lay big friend. Bush’s wife tried to smuggle in thousand of dollars of purchases made… Read more »
I’ll say this gain. Trump filing bankruptcy does not bother me at all. What bothers me is Trump filing bankruptcy and saying “I don’t to bankruptcy”. Trump faith or lack thereof does not bother me at all. What bothers me is saying “the bible is my favorite book” and then clearly demonstrating that you don’t know anything about it. If Trump is going to slam Carly Fiorina’s looks, then fair enough. It’s uncouth but if you’re going to do it, do it and stick to it. But when you say “I was talking about her persona”, then you’re just a… Read more »
Bill Mac, Trump like a true politician and executive parses his words. Legally speaking he did not claim bankruptcy the companies he had an interest did claimed bankruptcy. I have an LLC, small little company that my rentals are in just to protect my personal assets from legal proceedings. My LLC could go belly up but I could keep my belongings. It may be morally wrong to many, it may be unfair, it may be a lot of things but it is not illegal or uncommon. Private capital is still put at risk and without our legal system our economic… Read more »
Tarheel, Yes I like hard edged guys. I like Ted Cruz. I also like Trump. I could and will vote for either. I disagree with you that I’m not a conservative. I think Bush, Rubio, Kasich, and the rest of the Establishment guys are anything but conservative. Again, since Immigration is my biggest issue and I believe the U.S. should protect its borders from invasion, then Trump (and because of Trump, Cruz) are the only candidates I believe will close our borders and deal with the trade imbalances with our Enemies (or what others call our Trading Partners). Illegal immigration… Read more »
Nate, You again hit the big nail on the head. Immigration legal and illegal is the number one issue. Without Trump it would not be an issue and they would pass a reform bill as both parties want the same thing, open borders in reality. Great post but let me send you the responses you will get, Trump is a liar, Trump is a clown, Trump is immoral, Trump is rude, Trump is not a true Christian, Trump is a cheater, Trump picks on women, Trump does not understand issues, Trump is a racist, Trump is a hater, Trump makes… Read more »
Steve s
It’s going to be a bloodbath here. Cruz is already running to the lowest common denominator with a Super PAC backing him running ads that show Trump saying the Confederate flag should be moved to a museum. Of course Trump said that in response to a direct question asking his opinion, which I agreed with. But exactly what does that now thankfully settled issue have to do with this election? What exactly is that ad looking to play too?
jeff P. S.C politics are the very worst, G. Bush for instance convinced voters that McCain had a black daughter, it was his adopted daughter from Pakistan. The press is a foe of both Cruz and Trump and will be glad to stir the pot. Cruz has to do well in S.C. My theory is like Romney if you cannot beat a terrible Obama you should not be President. It is just to bad Cruz and Trump will hurt each other , which is what the money backers of the establishment candidates want. Bush, Rubio, Kasich, they do not care… Read more »
Trump/Cruz will finish 1-2 by a wide margin here. You think the anger against the estblishment is palpable across the nation, it is exponentially higher here. The flag issue has a lot to do with that. If Trump survives the assault he’ll undergo here, there will be nothing left to throw at him. It’s not like he has hidden secrets as he has led the most public of tabloid lives for 30 years. How he handles it will determine the winner in 9 days. In SC we have establishment hacks like Graham who would lose in a landslide in his… Read more »
Jeff P. good rational observation on the ground level, I agree with you and hope you are correct for sake of country. Trump , Cruz are only change agents on ballot, except for Socialist Sanders.
Hey, why didn’t Tarheel tell me earlier that Cruz was absolutely anointed to be the next president according to Kenneth Copeland? I know when I’m beaten. Copeland, Beck, Barton…there’s a trifecta.
I’ll vote for Cruz if he’s the nominee but before he gets there there will be considerably more scrutiny.
The last anointed candidate was our current president.
“The last anointed candidate was our current president.”
William Thornton,
Getting up early does not become a guy your age unless you have your morning coffee. Obviously, you have made the above statement before the “peculator” finished the Maxwell House song and you drank a cup to remove the cobwebs of dreamland. 😉
I drink the cheapest coffee I can find. Got a deal on K-type cups for 10 cents apiece. Maybe expensive java (I’ve never bought a cup of $tarbuck$) would stifle some of my sarcasm.
Obama was to the electorate the anointed one, messianic in the sense that it didn’t matter what he said. If the health and wealth bunch, the word/faith heretics say Cruz is absolutely anointed to be the next president…I say that we better look closely. A lot of this comes from Cruz the Elder.
Because I don’t care what Copeland, Beck, or Barton says about anything whatsoever. So I don’t follow them or thier comments.
Even blind squirrels find acorns every now and then – heck even you’re right sometimes William. 😉
Happy to round out your news sources, Tarheel, in the interest of a better educated electorate…when called, I will serve, for the betterment of my Baptist brethren.
Bill Mac, my last post was about the recent other descriptive word that Trump recently used to describe Cruz, shouted from the audience. He came up with the coarse language you mentioned on his own. That lost him the votes of people who were not going to vote for him anyway. Truman cussed like a drunk sailor but he was a good, effective President. Trump will evolve as he is not the clown his critics paint him to be. Someone gave Bush $120 million to stop Trump , he has not done it yet. If Bush cursed we would not… Read more »
Fun analysis William,…. It was definitely Marco’s to lose, and he may have opened the door too wide. Jeb is pretty formidable now…. and could make the race much more interesting. The Republican establishment is feeling a bit better now, for the moment. Trump is desperately trying to pivot….we will see. I love these cycles. The Democrat brand is really sad. When Bernie’s socialism carries the day over Hillary’s socialism, ….enough said. The Democratic party is a great example of ineptitude and how people will follow anything and anyone for a handout and a free set of shackles into slavery.… Read more »
Chris Johnson, So Rubio came in third in Iowa, Came in 5th in N.H. and it was his to lose, well it does not matter as he lost it . Bush spent $36 million dollars in N.H. alone and still cannot come in a clean third? Cruz spent under 600 thousand dollars and little time. Bush is only still in it because of the great amount of money from special interest who own him as they did G. Bush. Rubio could not keep his talking points straight in his head when he was asked a real question. Trump , Cruz… Read more »
steve, I know, I know,…its looks silly. But this next month will sort it out. I like Cruz, but I just can’t see how he survives. Trump actually has a better chance than Cruz…., yet when the Republican machine gets going things tend to change. And that machine has just started its engine, …so far, the cars have been idling and in neutral.
This is fun!
Chris , I agree, Cruz is my second choice and a good man in so many areas. You are right , the establishment and secret money people will pull out all the stops the next month to stop Trump, they will spend literally millions maybe billions to protect the money machine that both political parties have created. Trump is the only one they fear and cannot control. Look at the media, they refuse to take Trump seriously but the voters do. Dirty trick in S.C. will be brutal like G. Bush used vs. McCain in 2000. The money cannot let… Read more »
bingo….
Chris, that is my dogs nameo. You are right, can Trump hold up to the wave of mainstream press, special interest and both parties who do not want a free agent to open up the Wizard of Oz curtain to reveal who is really running the country. Last chance for average Americans to have a real choice, there will not be another Trump, he is in unique position.
steve, the only thing though. Trump is populist enough, and has worked inside the establishment for so long that he will use both to his advantage. From a policy standpoint, all these guys are pretty much the same. The establishment folks though, do not like…I mean, they do not like giving away any control! This is their greatest fear with Trump. They will control Jeb, Rubio, and Trump (to a lesser degree), but Cruz is not in their wheelhouse at all. Its the lesser degree of control that the Republican money hates. They can crush Cruz, so he is simply… Read more »
Chris, I agree with you on Cruz, what a great Supreme Court justice he would make or perhaps Attorney General. He is too dogmatic for most people who are not use to following detailed and principled thoughts. Trump is a pragmatic person who does get things done which the purist pretend is bad but it is life and historical facts.
The real action last night, in my view, was watching the Sanders victory speech. I agreed with almost none of it. But it was a powerful speech. He did not advocate state ownership of the means of production, but he did advocate excessive regulation of the means of production which may as well be ownership. Then he went on to promise a list of things the state should give its subjects as a matter of right. He is not much a student of history as to what happens when the state gives all of these things to people. Clinton does… Read more »
“Clinton does not really disagree with his beliefs as far as I can tell.” Hillary has beliefs that do not include her entitlement to power? (Wink) I used to believe she was the real ideologue in that partnership. I am no longer under that delusion. Now Bernie is the real thing and proud of it. He goes back to the card carrying Socialist party of America from his Chicago protest days. He is the same guy! I find it amusing he is running as a democrat. He makes the democrat JFK look like a Republican. My how things have changed.… Read more »
People who support Trump do care about his profanity and boorish behavior, but they think that dealing with the current situation is more important.
It’s a lot like the way see General Patton. Nobody in public life could outdo him in profanity.
But people overlooked it because he was engaged in a battle that was infinitely more important than his salty language. The same would have been true if he had been married 10 times.
That’s also why people overlooked Reagan’s divorce, but not Rockefeller’s, and other famous people’s personal failures who were involved in trying to tackle national crises.
I think you are right Louis. The Country is truly in fear,… I just hope she doesn’t run to thinking that “socialism”, or a “progressive” form (incrementalism) is the way forward. There is a junk yard full of economies that have proven that direction to be fatal and enslaving.
Louis, good observation. People want a leader, a real person not someone who coves up his real persona. Trump will learn to be a little more Presidential which is needed but he is at heart a gentleman in private behavior from what reports say.
Excellent comment, Louis. You nailed it. Obama talked down to us as unruly children while driving us off an economic cliff. Trump insults while speaking clearly about the problems. Both are narcissist of different methods.
The ruling establishment does not get it. None of this means Trump will make a decent president. The peeps in fly over country are in the mode of defining direction.
“We wouldn’t tolerate these values and our children – why would we want them in our president?”
https://t.co/9pJNp1LepN/s/1nzN
*in* our children…..not and our children. LOL
We can hope for better things in SC, but a state that elected Mark Sanford to the House after his bizarre exit from being governor doesn’t seem to have high standards.
Even putting aside for a moment his vulgarity and crudeness here are actual free market capitalist reasons to not support a crony capitalist – anti free market Donald Trump;
He has spoken of support for car company bailouts, TARP, the stimulus, eminent domain for a private limousine lot and in Iowa he spoke of support for direct energy subsidies.
and
He wants socialized medicine.
None of this sounds like a free market capitalist to me. Just sayin’.
Tarheel, Trump is for universal health care reform, getting rid of Obamacare but replacing it with a workable free market system for all Americans. Opening up interstate barriers to provide national companies to let people move insurance coverage to a new state is just the beginning. On the debate Trump asked a Democratic talking point question, are you will to let people die on the street who cannot afford insurance? Republicans dance around the issue and just say repeal Obamacare. Most working class Americans want solid health care reform and a fair system. A 42 old American works in a… Read more »
Furthermore, many have paid countless thousands of dollars into Social Security and yet the Establishment has stolen every penny, and they give it to illegals and others. So, should people who paid their entire working lives into Social Security not get any return on their investment? If you argue that Social Security wasn’t an investment, then what was it? Robbery? Cheating the working-class? The Establishment Republicans want to reform it (supposedly), but at what cost (and who pays)? Oh yeah, those who paid in the most. If you don’t think that is vulgar and offensive, then you might be an… Read more »
“Trump is for universal health care reform, getting rid of Obamacare but replacing it with a workable free market system for all Americans.”
Problem is that not what he actually said….
He actually said in the first debate and later in an interview with 60minutes that he favors “healthcare for all, that the government pays for.”
Tarheel, I was referencing last debate however I believe what you post. Whatever the solution is it must be better than Obamacare and Americans from low income to high middle income, all Americans should have access to affordable health care. Trump and Congress can work out the details but the majority of Americans support major health care reform. If vote was taken right now on getting rid of Obamacare or going back to old system , majority would say keep Obamacare and it is a financial mess and does not reform health care. Take care of Americans first. The other… Read more »
Nate, I am with you as usual,do not understand the typical Republican position, like Paul Ryan etc. Americans like and want S.S and Medicare, they just want it to be used correctly.
Repealing Obamacare is a pipe dream. It is a disaster, but it is now a well established disaster that, no matter whether we like it or not, has helped some people. There is not enough political will to repeal it. It must be replaced, piece by piece if need be, with something better.
“Repealing Obamacare is a pipe dream. It is a disaster, but it is now a well established disaster that, no matter whether we like it or not, has helped some people. There is not enough political will to repeal it.”
Bill Mac legislation was recently passed in the House and the Senate to repeal Obamacare. The President vetoed it. I’d say that’s a significant amount of political will.
Bill, Republicans knew they cannot override veto, it is a just a show vote on Obamacare . Trump is right on this issue. Obama care is nothing but trying to get to single payer system and it is first step. Better to come up with workable plan to insure everyone with free marketplace idea than pretending that everyone hates it. If the American people truly hated it they would not have re elected Obama. Of course , the stupid establishment and conservative leaders of the party pushed Romney, a man who gave us Romneycare, so how serious was that effort.… Read more »
Fioria is calling it quits, and Christie may be as well. That would be good news for the remaining non-Trump people, but there’s still too many. Carson needs to bow out as well, I don’t think anyone would notice.
I think that maybe, just maybe, The great plodder’s candidate – Jim Gilmore – now has a chance with Fiorina, and possibly Christie and Carson are getting out of his way!
😉
Yeah, very dark horse…but hasn’t been anointed like your guy.
Since comments are closed at the post about Baylor, thought I’d insert this here:
Baylor’s sexual assault response draws protest
http://bpnews.net/46301/baylors-sexual-assault-response-draws-protest
David R. Brumbelow
I normally don’t allow bleed-over discussions, but this seems like good information.
I may open that one back up in a day or so, once people have calmed down a bit.
Expect Cruz to try and ignore stuff like this:
http://www.timesofisrael.com/cruz-touts-endorsement-from-evangelist-who-said-god-sent-hitler/
It didn’t hurt Ronnie Floyd to cozy up to IHOP. Maybe it will not hurt Cruz either.
Expect a lot more to follow now that he is a front runner.
Ugh…. Remember though …. We’re not looking for a pastor/theologian in chief ….. Things like this are gonna happen. I’m not – and the supporters of the Cruz candidacy that I know – don’t support him because of endorsements or lack of them. Except I’d say that the great antipathy of republicans like McCain, McConnell, and Graham toward him are almost a badge of honor. I support Cruz because I agree with a great deal of his political principles. I’m voting FOR him – not merely against someone else. Importantly, Cruz didn’t say he endorsed this mans theology or views… Read more »
…yeah, things happen. Nutcase eschatological, tinfoil hat types adhere to Princeton/Harvard presidential candidates.
And porn stars adhere to Florida senatorial/presidential candidates. What’s your point?
Serious reply: There’s always a candidate who goes after the evangelical vote, a voting bloc that includes more than an average share of nutcase people along with some that I wouldn’t trust with my constitutional freedoms. At some point these chickens come home to roost. Cruz will ignore the Barton/IHOP crowd if he can but if pressed he will have to disavow some of their stuff.
Non-serious reply: I’m just rattlin’ your cage Tarheel…but it’s nice to know you are following the porn star voting bloc. I didn’t know that.
Miller informed me about it…
Also – the Floyd comparison is apples and rocket ships..
While Cruz is seeking votes to be our nation’s next secular President …..Floyd is an SBC pastor, assumed to be theologically astute, and is actually a representative of the SBC – therefore he shouldn’t be seen as embracing groups that teach and believe theological doctrine that is unorthodox.
Tarheel, Amen to that. Every candidate gets endorsements that they do not seek or not aware of groups core beliefs. SBC President going to speak to a group voluntarily gives them standing.
…and…the story of Cruz and the Dominionists was a Religious New Service piece. That’s mainstream. They are paying attention to this. The IHOP/Hitler/Israel/prophecy piece linked above is from The Times of Israel, not a muckraking clickbait ‘weird trick’ news source.
No one cares…except that Cruz is a leading candidate for the presidency of the world’s strongest power…which means that many people care about this stuff.
Look for more in the days ahead.
And, guys, if these endorsements are just routine stuff and everyone does it, why bother replying when someone calls attention to it?
I asked Rafael Cruz specifically about this Dominionist accusation in November and he denied that he was a Dominionist. He said the rumor was started when he quoted Gen. 1:26.
From what he said, the accusation did not seem far astray. His speech was in line with that view.
It, at the least, did not disabuse me of the truth if those observations.
I linked this RNS story, commentary by John Fea: http://www.religionnews.com/2016/02/04/ted-cruzs-campaign-fueled-dominionist-vision-america-commentary/ In the story this is said: [Fea]Anyone who has watched Cruz on the stump knows that he often references the important role that his father, traveling evangelist Rafael Cruz, has played in his life. During a 2012 sermon at New Beginnings Church in Bedford, Texas, Rafael Cruz described his son’s political campaign as a direct fulfillment of biblical prophecy. The elder Cruz told the congregation that God would anoint Christian “kings” to preside over an “end-time transfer of wealth” from the wicked to the righteous. After this sermon, Larry Huch,… Read more »
I doubt Cruz is a strict Dominionist. This view holds Jesus will not return until the church has established His kingdom on earth and some with this view believe violence is even acceptable to establish the kingdom. Phrases like “I want America to return to her roots as a Christian nation” and “same sex marriage is a threat to our Christian nation” are spoken everyday. Many evangelicals believe in an End Time transfer of wealth. I suspect every pastor who comments on this site has uttered a phrase that when parsed would put us in the Dominion camp though we… Read more »
John Adams once said in a letter “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other”. Would we label him a Dominionist?
http://www.beliefnet.com/resourcelib/docs/115/Message_from_John_Adams_to_the_Officers_of_the_First_Brigade_1.html
“RNS is not a friend to conservative Christians and I suspect the most conservative candidates will get the most scrutiny from RNS.”
Thank you Dean – your astute observation skills is once again on display for the world to see…
Tarheel, when you agree with my observations I receive the accolades. 🙂
It is a legitimate news source. Saying it is not a friend to this or that group doesn’t answer anything, settle anything, address anything. Addressing the statements and assertions would be a better way to answer.
This dominionist stuff isn’t going to evaporate with non-answers like these, neither will anything serious about Ted Cruz go forward with only connections to folks like Barton, Rafael Cruz, and allies. But these things will be explored. This is just the beginning.
When your stump speech to Evangelicals regularly contains language like “it’s time for the body of Christ to rise up and restore this nation,” it’s difficult not to see a Domionist POV in that
William,
So, you’re against the idea of Cruz winning the nomination – or at least he is not your first choice?
SO tell us who your first choice is so we can nit pick his associations and endorsements.
You said you liked Kasich more and more – for some reason the fact that you like arguably the most moderate person left in the race does not surprise me.
Not my first choice. I don’t think Kasich has much of a chance but would be a good president. We all have our pet issues that enable us to apply snarl label this or that candidate. Religious conservatives never tire of losing, even when our guy wins. The losing record on social issues is virtually unbroken. And, Tarheel, you’re smart enough to know that chipping at my candidates doesn’t answer squat about your guy…but it might be the handiest way to try and divert attention. Cruz wanted to go down the trail with Barton, et al. He’s a Harvard guy,… Read more »
RNS is a legitimate news source as long as one understands its left leanings. One day of reading RNS and you will see they have a slant and report from the slant. My point is dominion theology is an easy claim to make and a label that can be put on most any conservative Christian. Who is calling him a dominionist is relevant. One who supports Rubio or Kasich would be more apt to interpret Cruz’ statements in the most narrow way. Back in the day the liberals in the convention pinned Paige Patterson as a dominionist. Having said that,… Read more »
Definitions rule here, not the terms. Cruz will be asked the specific questions eventually and can tell us what he favors.
Is there any truth to the rumor that Marco Rubio is going to give up campaigning for Lent?
So Trump denounces GW Bush as a liar, a member of his own party, and praises Vladimir Putin, the Russian dictator. This is the man some people want to lead our country?
Bill, G. Bush was a terrible President. His lack of leadership and handling of the war and the economy gave us Barrack Hussein Obama. The failure of Bush administration to oversee the financial community is almost criminal. I agreed with Iraq war but not the way G. Bush handled it. Go in, replace strongman with our strongman and get out. We have got nothing for this foolish fought war. The average American has had no commitment and has no personal involvement in this war unless they have loved one in our over extended military especially combat troops. The war is… Read more »
Frankly, I agree. I thought Bush II was a pretty bad president. However slamming GWB and carrying on a bromance with Putin is pretty bad. And Jeb is not to blame for George.
W said tonight that he was proud to be a part of the establishment. Hammer meet death nail for Jeb!’s campaign
Jeff P, pretty bad when G. Bush is more popular than you, John Ellis Bush should be proud, can you guess what the donors who gave him millions must be thinking?
This is not going to be popular, but it is simply not reasonable to expect, demand, or hope the President will not nominate a replacement for Scalia. Whatever you think of him, he’s the president and that is his job. Yes, we likely won’t like his nominee, but his term is 4 years, not 3.2 years.
Unfortunately, Bill, I agree with you. And saying, “Well, the Democrats did it to Bush” (if they did; I haven’t checked, but some have said it is so) does not make it right. For that matter McConnell’s (and others, I think Rubio & Cruz) saying, “The American people deserve to be heard,” or “Have a voice” or “a say” in it, makes no sense. No President is going to tell folks, “Call me with your favorite candidate for SCOTUS and I’ll nominate whomever gets the most votes.” This argument assumes that if a conservative President is elected in 2016, it… Read more »
John, good point or you can say the voting public gave Republicans control of the House by a big margin and control of the Senate to show their displeasure of Obama. If the voters know the Supremes hang in the balance they should really come out to vote. Republicans just need to do what is right sometime and shut up about it.
“. . . or you can say the voting public gave Republicans control of the House by a big margin and control of the Senate to show their displeasure of Obama,” in which case you have two competing mandates. This is getting too complicated for my poor little brain, used as it is to nothing more complicated than Bible study and application!
Right. I actually agree.
Prez (whomever he is) Nominates – senate has role of consenting (or not) both are constitutional roles and responsibilities – and both should be honored.
However – if the republicans don’t hold firm and end up giving consent to an Obama nominee – they are not only “behaving stupidly” but will so alienate a large portion of thier base to the point that whomever gets the nomination will be irrelevant because the democrat will win in a walk.
The only part of your comment with which I (mildly) disagree is the last, the assumption that the GOP controlled Senate should “stand firm” against whomever President Obama nominates. I think they should wait and see who he nominates before deciding against the nominee. Not only is that more fair, it also put Republican candidates in a better position in 2016, especially among Independents.
John
Unless he nominates a jurist with a well established originalist philosophy – which we know it ain’t going to happen – they should hold votes and reject the nominee with votes.
Yes he does Bill. And, according to the Consitution, Article 2 Section 2, he shall do so “by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.” So, if he chooses not to seek the advice of the Senate (since there hasn’t been a lame duck year appt. in over 30 years) then the Senate will simply NOT consent. He’s the President and he has a job. The Senate has theirs. This isn’t a monarchy. This pick should be left for the people to decide with their votes at the election and the Senate would be wise to make sure… Read more »
Nate, good concise answer, you are right on, the press is churning this up, they know there is no real issue here. It is just politics been played out but it might get more people to get out for the Presidential election. Obama is no respecter of the Constitution for sure.
There’s no real issue here? A conservative justice dies unexpectedly, leaving a vacancy in a nearly evenly divided supreme court, with a liberal president in the White House. That’s not an issue?
Nate: I didn’t say the Senate was obligated to confirm his nominee. But nominating a replacement is his job, and he is fulfilling the will of the people, since he was duly elected as president and as I said, his term is 4 years, not 3. If the Senate doesn’t confirm, then that’s their business. But whining that the president shouldn’t nominate a replacement is misplaced. If there was a republican in the White House you know very well we would be on the other side of this conversation.
Yep, as would the dems…in fact Schumer of NY proposed that no nominee of W be approved for a full 18 months of his final term. Also, another thing the media and others are not considering is that the SCOTUS can actually, in the case of a tie in the interim, hold over cases until another justice is seated so that a “4-4 affirmation in the absence of a majority” can be avoided. (meaning that the lower court ruliung stands without SCOTUS ruling on the matter) In fact given Chief Roberts penchant for “settled law” called “stari decisis” (I think… Read more »