This is the time in the campaign season when polls represent little reality. Although both parties now have ‘presumptive’ nominees, they will not be labeled until the July conventions.
It’s difficult for me to believe that Donald Trump has any chance of defeating Hillary Clinton in November. He is supported by few demographics; racists, bigots, and misogynists. Blacks, Hispanics, women, the LGBT community, and millennials will not be casting their votes for the real estate mogul.
I am not alone in this belief. Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, doubts that Trump will win the general election.
Ryan was asked by Politico if he would bet on a Trump victory: “I’m not going to — I’m not a betting man.” Asked if he believes that Trump is a conservative, Ryan refused to answer the question directly.
“You should ask him those questions,” Ryan said. “I’m not the person to be giving you the breakdown of Donald Trump. That’s not my job and responsibility.”
Ryan promised that he would not fail to offer criticism regarding Trump if he felt it was warranted. “I’ve done that in the past, and I will do that in future if need be, and I hope it’s not necessary,” Ryan said.
So, where is Ryan? We must remember that Ryan is a member of the extremists in the Republican Party. Although he calls himself a ‘conservative,’ he is much further to the right. Trump does not fit the description of today’s Republican conservatives; he is much closer in his stated views to a Reagan Republican. But that is not an intent to compare him to Reagan; Reagan had intellect, political savvy, spoke English, and supported the Constitution.
Recently the Washington State Republican Convention selected 40 of its 41 delegates to represent Ted Cruz. This displays one truth; it matters little whether politicians support Trump or not, it’s the voters who will select the president.
Beginning in late July, Trump will receive extremely close scrutiny. He will be exposed. His questionable business dealings, his treatment of women, and his temper and proclivity toward violence will become issues in the campaign. His lack of qualifications is an obvious fact, but will become increasingly important in the months leading up to the election.
There is a serious problem with Republican politicians. Most members of the GOP place their party in a greater priority than the nation and the American people. Hypocrisy has become a synonym for ‘Republican.’ The majority of those on the right who damned Trump are now supporting him. I find this despicable, and it inspires me to ignore my personal beliefs and vote for Democrats only.
I am proud to be an Independent. I am disappointed because it appears that I cannot support a single Republican in November. Even in my own state, the battle to replace Harry Reid has been decided. The Republican candidate began his campaign with lies, and has demonstrated that he does nothing while sitting in the House of Representatives. His Democratic opponent has a commendable record as Nevada’s Attorney General.
Once again, I am offered but a single choice.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Photo Courtesy of DonkeyHotey
The Truth With No Restrictions 