In 2012 Rick Santorum won the Republican caucus in Iowa; he didn’t do so well after that. Maybe this is why all thirteen GOP wannabees continue to remain in the race. Polling at less than three percent are Christie, Kasich, Huckabee, Paul, Graham, Pataki, and Santorum. It seems foolish for them to continue any belief that they will be the party’s nominee. That would leave only six in the clown car. In addition, Bush and Fiorina remain in single digits.

Although Trump has raised his level of lies, foul statements, and continues to prove that he would be the worst president in history if elected, his poll numbers continue to rise. The period of time he has held the lead, and the fact that the Republican mainstream has attempted to derail him, is proof that those below him are undesirable to GOP voters. A vote for Trump is a vote against the others.

The biggest non-surprise is that Ben Carson’s numbers are dropping. He has been unable to explain personal situation as well has his tax proposal. His religious extremism and prejudice towards all Muslims have contributed to his lack of support. But for Trump, nothing seems to matter. He is openly racist, bigoted, and a misogynist, but it appears that his supporters agree with him.

After four faux-debates, no one has impressed; no one stands out as a leader. Real Clear Politics averaged the most recent polls. Trump continues to have a huge lead over his challengers. He received 30.8 percent of polled voters, Carson 17.5, and Rubio and Cruz are tied at 13.5 percent. Bush and Fiorina complete the top six with 4.8 and 3.3 respectively.

Two caucus and two primaries are scheduled in February. If Trump wins in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada, nothing will stop him from securing the party’s nomination.

Republican leadership, (whoever they are), continue efforts to make Trump less favorable; they continue to fail. Every effort, beginning with the FOX debate, has resulted in an increase.

Santorum was an anomaly. His one success was the result of evangelical voters who are more concerned with religion than the fate of our nation. In Iowa Trump polls at 26.7 percent, followed by Ben Carson at 20 percent, and Ted Cruz at 18.3 percent. In New Hampshire his lead is larger at 27 percent to Rubio’s 12 percent, and Cruz with 10.8. In South Carolina Trump receives 29 percent, Carson 22.7, and Rubio 13.3. Nevada polls at 38 for Trump and 22 for Carson; no one else is in double figures.

The first event is the Iowa Caucus on February first. I can smell the panic now if Trump wins easily. How could they stop him then?

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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