There Are No Angels In Politics

Sanders Impresses Florida Voters By Jumping From  Hotel Balcony Into Pool...The Onion
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I'm reminded of the time when I was on a business trip in Tampa some years ago.  I decided to go to the hotel bar to have a nightcap.  I asked the bartender if he had some good Scotch. I remember his response to this day: "Sir, there's only good Scotch and better Scotch."

I keep reminding myself of that story during this political season when I think of the Republican candidates. It's a metaphor I believe is fitting (there's only one exception to the that bartender's claim---when it comes to Democrat candidates, the two choices are bad, really bad). Every Republican candidate, even those who have already fallen by the wayside, would be a better candidate than either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders. Yes, some are more attractive than others. In my case, my preference happens to be Ted Cruz. I like his conservative core principles and his defense of The Constitution.  Yet, I fully understand the appeal of Trump. Kasich an Rubio to a lesser extent. The attraction of all four  to many voters should surprise no one.

As in the current ubiquitous narrative, most of the problems facing America today can be directly attributed to the political class, the elite on both the Right and Left side of the political isle.  The Democrat candidates actually want the electorate to believe America is in need of change even though they've been in power for the last eight years. On the other hand, the Republican Party has abandoned conservative principles. It's becoming increasingly clear they want an establishment candidate nominated. Both Trump and Cruz don't fit that bill.  As Peter Kalikow wrote recently (former publisher of the NYPost):  "The Republican Party belongs to the people who comprise its grass-roots voters, not the party bosses who profess to know what's in their best interests." They behave like whiny little children on a playground. Play by our rules or we're going home. Well, if Trump's surge has taught us anything---it's that the rules have changed. And the elite of both parties better understand this paradigm shift.  If not, they'll be on the sidelines along with Romney and McCain.

If we learned anything, it's that there are no angels in politics.

Postscript:   Since this was posted, we're learning one fact:  Hillary Clinton is no angel.

In This Political Era, It's Time To Stand Up For America & The Constitution

Hillary's New Slogan:
"If you liked Obama's incompetence, you'll love Hillary."...WH Press Secretary Tweet (satire)
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If I were a Trump supporter, I'd be angry too. (I prefer Ted Cruz, a genuine conservative. But that's for a future posting. But know this, my mission---the mission of every rational American--- should be to stop Hillary Clinton).

We already know that the Republican establishment is trying to stop Trump from getting the nomination,  And it shouldn't surprise anyone considering the Republican elite has always pushed back against the will of the people.  They never appear to focus on the real target. One of the other main reasons there is so much anger in America today can be directly attributed to the failed policies of the Obama administration.

So, in addition to the outrage we're witnessing against Trump, let's take a closer look at where this anger should be directed:

• In 2010, when speaking to Latinos, Obama told Latinos to "punish our enemies." But it's Trump who proclaims violence.
• Obama declared ISIS a JV team. But it's Trump who makes horrendous statements.
• It was Obama who claimed the "Iran Deal" would make the globe a safer place. But it's Trump who makes stupid assertions.
• In 2008, it was Obama who told his supporters to argue with their neighbors and "get in their faces." But it's Trump who makes outrageous statements.
• It was Obama who said those living in the fly-over states cling to their guns and religion. But it's Trump who makes disgraceful comments.
• It was Obama---in his first State of the Union---who made  shameless statements against the entire Supreme Court. But it's Trump who makes rude statements.
• It was Obama who skipped the funerals of Scalia and Nancy Reagan. But it's Trump who behaves disgracefully.

And regarding the violent protest in Chicago this past Friday against Trump speaking, make no mistake---those were radical progressives supported and financed by radical groups. They always appear like roaches crawling out of their hiding places. And it was disappointing to listen to some of the other Republican candidates who appeared to take the side of those nitwits when it was Trump and his supporters who were the victims---victims because their Constitutional right of free speech was infringed.

The only loser in the last eight years has been America. And it's time to stand up for this great nation and The Constitution,

Obama Signals His Contempt For The Reagan Legacy

President Obama Will Not Be Attending Nancy Reagan's Funeral. An Excuse Will Be Created By WH Staff For Release Later Today...WH Press Secretary Tweet (satire)
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It was just three weeks ago when Mr. Obama decided not to attend the late Anthony Scalia's funeral, a Supreme Court Justice.  This week the WH announced Obama will not be attending Nancy Reagan's funeral  either (the First Lady will attend). Instead, he will be the keynote speaker at a technology festival about emerging digital technologies.

As in the decision regarding Scalia, this decision is a disgrace. It's dishonorable.  It's disrespectful. And just as unnerving, it's an insult to a great president's legacy.

Mr. Obama also failed to attend the funeral of former First Lady, Betty Ford.

There was no justification for a sitting president to skip the funeral of a Supreme Court Judge. There is also no justification for this latest sight.  

Politics Today Dances On The Edge Of Reality

Nation Not Sure What Signals It Gave Off To Make Candidates Think It Would Be Into Them...The Onion
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If this political season has taught me anything, it's too many people---and largely politicians---have forgotten, don't know or simply don't care what America stands for today.

The examples are countless, but allow me to list a few.

• How does an avowed socialist like Bernie Sanders have any traction at all? Socialism has failed everywhere---every time throughout history.  Just as disturbing, it's a dangerous and toxic ideology. By the way, the same can be said for progressivism.
• How does someone as seriously flawed as Hillary Clinton able to run for the office of the presidency? While this nation's history is replete with politicians who have been imperfect and some even criminal,  it appears Clinton adds new meaning to a dishonest, lying and unethical politician.
• How is the establishment in the Republican political class even allowed---even giving serious consideration to denying the will of the electorate?  As I've indicated on several occasions, I'm no big fan of Donald Trump. On the other hand, I understand his appeal. I also clearly see the "behind-the-scenes" chicanery by the Republican elite to try to deny him his American right to run for president. This should send shivers down the spine of every American. For example, it was reported today that GOP and tech leaders met this past weekend in a "secret" meeting to stop Trump (you would think tech leaders would know in this age of social media---nothing is secret).  Included in this meeting were the CEO's of Apple and Google (no big fans of the GOP either). Also included were the usual suspects in Karl Rove, Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan and several other Republicans. This was hosted by the American Enterprise Institute's World Forum. And make no mistake, if Trump wasn't the front-runner, their target would be Ted Cruz.

This is the political environment we're experiencing in today's America. No wonder politics today appears to be dancing on the edge of reality.

Postscript:  Since this was posted it's probably Trump vs. Clinton....we'll all be dancing.

Update: It is.

Republicans Expending More Energy To Dump Trump Than They Did To Dump Obama

Oh Good. Guy that lost one of the more winnable elections in history is gonna tell us where we're all going wrong...Josh Earnst Tweet (Parody account)
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I like Mitt Romney. Always have. But the man disappointed me today. And while I will support any Republican against Hillary Clinton, his shots against Trump today were hollow.  Where was this energy four years ago to beat Mr. Obama?  Instead, Romney decided to insult millions who now reside on the Republican side of the political isle---the very base that supported him in 2012.

Romney's comments:

"An extraordinary ability to understand how our economy works." His endorsement is a "delight."  {I'm} "honored and pleased" {to have Trump's endorsement}.

That was Romney in 2012 when Trump endorsed him for president.

Romney's Comments Today:

Trump is a "phony, a fraud...and a con man" (By the way, similar to comments by Rubio last week). Romney continued: "Dishonesty is Trump's hallmark."

So which Romney are we to believe?  The fact is Romney's speech today will only help Trump. It will not hurt him. More evidence the Republican establishment is out of touch with many in their own base.

At the risk of repeating myself for many of my regular readers, this is exactly why I've referred to the Republican Party as a "mirage."  It's why they don't appear to be an opposition party anymore. And it's their behavior that clearly illustrates why Trump appeals to so many voters.

One fact is now clear. The Republican establishment created Trump. They helped create his appeal.  And if they are still searching for answers, they just need to look into a mirror. Perhaps, if they focused more energy on dumping Obama in 2012 instead of Trump in 2016, we'd be witnessing a far different campaign today.

Re: This Campaign: The Question Conservatives Should Be Asking Themselves

Discovery of Bernie Sanders' 1972 essay on rape fantasies has resulted in this morning's official endorsement by Bill Clinton...WH Press Secretary Tweet (satire)
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I've been fortunate to have almost 14,000 Twitter followers.  Always amazes me that so many fine people are interested in what I have to write or whom I retweet.  Most of my followers are into politics---big time. So it's certainly not unusual for me to read a variety of political opinions ranging from the economy, to foreign policy, to domestic policy and even extending to this current political campaign.

It's the range and diversity of political opinion that fascinates me the most.  Admittingly, most of the opinions fall on the right side of the political isle. Although I'm an independent politically, my core political principles are conservative.  In previous posts, I've explained how I evolved from a liberal in my early years to a conservative. (Hey, if Obama and others can do it, why can't I?).

Those of you who are familiar with my work also know how much I dislike progressive ideology. I find it disturbing, dangerous and destructive. If you want to "count the ways." feel free to read any number of my previous posts.  There you will find all you need to know about my feelings regarding Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.

In reviewing my archives, you'll also find I've taken Republicans to task.  Specifically, the Republican elite or as we now refer to them as the "establishment."  In short, they've also proven to be untrustworthy, weak and ineffective.  There have been numerous occasions when I even questioned if Republicans are an opposition party. Too often, they don't behave that way.  

Having said this, I find the current struggle between the Trump camp and the anti-Trump camp compelling and riveting.  My aim in this blog is not to convince anyone for whom to vote on the Republican ticket. That's up to each individual voter to decide.  The fact is both sides have appealing and even objectionable reasons in my opinion.

I've pointed out Trump's appeal should surprise no one.  His political sensibilities are often better than those of politicians.  His public relations sense is often pure genius. And he's been able to penetrate the dislike most conservatives have for the Republican political elite. He plays hardball with the media while others play T-ball.   Hence, he's where he is right now in the campaign---leading his opponents by significant numbers.

On the other hand,  Trump also has a lot of baggage that almost every conservative should show some cause for concern.  I've often taken Hillary Clinton to task for her pathological lying, double-talk, flip-flops and scandals.  And I have to be honest----if only to myself----I have to hold Trump accountable for his. In reviewing his past, I often find myself wondering what they heck he believes in---what the heck are his core principles. I know Clinton has none. But, all too often, Trump also appears to lack any himself.

As with Hillary Clinton, I'm obliged to ask myself:  Can Trump be trusted? I have my own reservations. But, as I referenced earlier, each voter has to decide for themselves. In addition , each voter should also pose that question to themselves.

Trump's Appeal Should Surprise No One

Trump Tells Iowa Dairy Farmers He Has Cows 500 Times Bigger Than Theirs...The Onion
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Prior to the last Republican debate, I posted a piece entitled: "The Establishment Is Trying To Figure Our This Rubik's Cube."  I was referring to the Republican establishment trying to understand Trump's appeal---especially to conservatives.  But understanding Trump should surprise no one. He's political sense appears to be better than most politicians. His public relations sense is pure genius. Consider this. Right after the debate last week, the narrative in most of the media was how well Cruz and Rubio performed. And they did a good job in my opinion. But what did Trump do the very next day? He received  the endorsement of Chris Christie and immediately seized the narrative in the media from Rubio to the endorsement.

I'm also old enough to remember Ronald Reagan was treated in similar fashion by the Republican establishment when he ran for president.  Reagan was criticized for being an entertainer, an actor. So is Trump. Reagan was a Democrat in his previous political life. Trump's earlier ideology was more aligned with Democrats than with Republicans. But more importantly, Reagan followed Carter.  Trump might follow Obama. Both Democrats were failures as presidents. Hence, both appealed (appeal) to millions of Americans fed up with disastrous Democrat (progressive) domestic and foreign policy.

In addition to those observations, Trump's attacks on his campaign competitors is also clever and brilliant.  In the past, he's taken shots at establishment Republicans including McCain, Lindsey Graham and others. His main target now is Marco Rubio. Yet, Trump continues to have the support of conservatives. Why? Because conservatives despise establishment Republicans. In other words, Trump gets it. Moreover, many voters believe he's not been complicit to what's happened to this nation under this administration..

As I've written in the past, I'm not a HUGE Trump supporter. In fact, my preference dropped out some time ago. Nevertheless, I would support any one of the Republican candidates opposing Hillary Clinton largely because she's a pathological liar and any one of them is more competent than she is.

So I believe I've solved the political Rubik's cube.  The question remains: Will the Republican establishment?