4 Comments

  1. Mike

    I have to say, I agree with all of your political positions, but I strongly disagree with the notion of voting against Trump in the primaries. In fact, I did the opposite and requested a Republican ballot this year just so I could vote FOR Donald Trump.

    Ted Cruz (and even Marco Rubio) is infinitely more dangerous than Trump would ever be. Trump’s rhetoric is toxic, but what he’s saying isn’t any different from what other federally-elected GOP officials and media figures have been saying for years, just painted in different tones. “Build a wall,” “deport the Mexicans,” “ban Muslims and spy on mosques” is absolutely nothing new from this party. See Steve King, Don Young, Todd Akin, a handful of Southern Senators and Representatives, and right-wing radio hosts for more. Furthermore, there’s zero evidence that Trump would actually institute some of his policies, much less know how to go about doing it.

    The contrast between Trump and other Republicans does occur, however, on trade and social issues. Trump is not foaming at the mouth to ban reproductive rights or gay marriage like almost every other Republican running for office. He’s not trying to mandate waiting periods and transvaginal probes for rape victims. He’s in touch with how “free trade” and illegal wars might actually hurt this country more than help it. When was the last time you heard a Republican admit Iraq was a terrible idea and a sham? When was the last time a Republican said that maybe it’s not the best thing to deregulate and ship jobs overseas if all it means is a big corporation getting a little bit more of a profit margin, because everyday people’s jobs are at stake? Hillary is very beholden to Wall Street and there’s no evidence or real hope that she’ll stand up to banks or free trade deals that corporations love.

    That’s who Trump is speaking to, arguably more than the racists: everyday people who feel betrayed by party elites and special interests who hold both parties hostage. Even bourgeoisie and leading Democrats try to act like NAFTA and TPP is no big deal and just something we have to accept, because hey, there are probably fringe benefits somewhere. They follow Silicon Valley and Wall Street’s lead (tech and Manhattan Democrats =/= Rust Belt Democrats), which is why they are losing working-class votes.

    Ted Cruz is a sleazy, snake oil salesman, government shutdown artist, son-of-a-preacher-man liar who is widely reviled by colleagues and people who know him, and he and his father have repeatedly implied that they believe their presence and role on Earth is divinely sanctioned. He believes that everything he is saying is true, and he is so fake, canned, and televangelist-for-cash in his media appearances, it’s painful. Marco Rubio supported an anti-choice bill with no exceptions for rape or incest, and his tax plan is more regressive and supply-side than anything Reagan or the Bushes ever proposed. I refuse to accept that these are less damaging than Trump engaging in demagoguery that already existed

    Finally, if Republicans had any sense, they’d run John Kasich and most likely win, but I cannot vote for him because of his economic and reproductive platforms, even if he is more moderate on immigration and gay rights. However, they will not, and nominating Donald Trump is the easiest way for a Democrat to win the White House, which is ultimately why I made the decision I did. He’s the only remaining Republican who cannot topple either Democrat in the polls, and if he were elected, I would not be fearing for my dignity and civil liberties or feel that an ultra-right wing judge would be marching in to declare uteruses to be property of the new God-state of America.

    • Well, my point was not so much to cross over in the primary, although I know many people are doing that. My point was what I’d do if Trump was running against a Republican candidate in the general election.

      Eight years ago I was having trouble choosing between Clinton and Obama, and ultimately voted for Clinton because I wanted to be able to say I had done so. I figured if she won, Obama would run in eight years, but Clinton might be too old. Obviously that was wrong.

      Tomorrow I am planning to vote for Sanders, because I agree strongly with his policies, and, unlike in some other years, my vote for the underdog (e.g., Ralph Nader) will not hurt the other good Democratic candidate. It’s a win-win, as long as sane people outnumber the crazies at the polls.

  2. Anonymous

    Love this Laurie. I really do have faith that the rational people out there would not hold to party lines if Trump is on the general election ballot. However, I’m concerned by the number of irrational people who have come out in droves and fear that Clinton can’t win against him because she doesn’t stir people in and it seems that stirring people up is working this election cycle…

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