
I ran into a woman today who was registering voters. I told her I was already registered, and we talked briefly about this campaign season. She said it was ‘interesting.’ That’s a word I hear a lot from the media. It made me think about everything that has happened since the middle of 2015. I would not use ‘interesting;’ I believe the proper term is ‘disgusting.’
Nearly a year ago when Donald Trump declared his candidacy, most politicos believed it was merely another of his publicity stunts. How could a man who has never been involved in any form of government, and has no experience other than in the business world even consider becoming the leader of the free world?
Bernie Sanders was another surprise. Everyone knew it was a possibility that the Independent Senator from Vermont might run for the presidency, but how could he challenge Hillary Clinton? Not only has he challenged her, but Sanders has drawn larger crowds at his rallies than the former Secretary of State.
In early August, the ‘manure hit the air conditioner.’ The first Republican debate was hosted by FOX Noise. Before the “debate” began, a general question revealed the tone of the evening.
Trump was far ahead in the early polls. Fearing a third party candidate, the moderator asked the candidates on the stage to promise not to run against the Republican Party; Trump refused. Then the battle began.
It was obvious that the Republican establishment, and FOX Noise President Roger Ailes, had conspired to harm Trump’s image. Megyn Kelly began personal attacks on Trump, who responded crudely to the FOX personality’s attacks. While the candidates attempted to aim their tirades at Trump, he fought back. This would continue for eleven more “debates.” The issues were taken out of the contests.
The aftermath brought fear to Republican leaders; Trump’s numbers continued to grow. Trumpenstein was alive.
Meanwhile, the Democrats actually had debates. The issues were discussed, and eventually the polls forced two candidates to withdraw, leaving Sanders and Clinton as opponents.
When the primaries began, Trump’s delegate count continued to rise. On the Democratic side Clinton was ahead of Sanders, but he remains in the race today.
There were originally 17 passengers in the GOP’s clown car. One by one they dropped out until only four were left; Trump, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and John Kasich. With one of their hopes now departed in Jeb Bush, the RNC placed their faith in Marco Rubio. Ted Cruz was the most hated Senator in Washington, and Kasich was ignored by the leadership.
As Rubio’s numbers failed to rise, he placed all of his hopes on his home state of Florida and its primary. Rubio was crushed by Trump. A loss by 20 points forced “Little Marco” to suspend his campaign.
In the most insane move of all, Republican leaders placed all of their efforts and money on Ted Cruz. They made a promise to the American people that Trump would not represent their party.
“Never make promises you can’t keep.”
So, here we are. One of the combatants is a highly qualified and experienced former First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State. The other side is offering a megalomaniac who has multiple bankruptcies and lawsuits because of his business practices. He is also an open racist, bigot, and misogynist. This election is truly between the sane and the insane.
But wait; you haven’t heard the craziest part yet. Republicans organized to defeat Donald Trump. After he became the presumptive nominee, they pledged tw support him in the biggest act of hypocrisy I have ever witnessed. That is just crazy.
On the other side of the aisle, some Bernie Sanders’ supporters claim that if Hillary Clinton receives the Democratic nomination, they will not support her, although she and the Senator have similar positions on the issues. That is definitely insanity on the progressive side.
Another word to describe this campaign season is ‘unpredictable.’ Picking a winner has proven to be futile. Because issues have not been discussed on the Republican side, a less than reputable man is now the standard bearer. If issues are important to the American people, Hillary Clinton will crush Trump. If voters choose to endanger their nation and vote for a man who will destroy our American way of life, the White House must be destroyed when he leaves office; it will be forever violated.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Photo Courtesy of DonkeyHotey
