By Tim Baldwin
Donald Trump is the presumptive GOP nominee since Ted Cruz and John Kasich have exited the race.
First, some Republican loyalists still do not support Trump. By implication, either they will vote third party or for the Democratic candidate. It appears that these Republicans are suddenly abandoning the “lesser of two evils” rationale. They were singing a different tune when George Bush and Mitt Romney were the GOP nominees and trying to convince independents and right-wing conservatives that the Republicans were better choices than the Democrats.
Second, Trump is getting endorsements from major GOP insiders (e.g. Dick Cheney and Rudy Giuliani). If Trump is supported by mainstream Republicans, does this effectively diminish Trump’s anti-establishment perception? And will it revolutionize the GOP by redefining the characteristics that unite seemingly polemical opposite groups (e.g. Tea Party and Neo-Cons)?
Third, Trump’s nomination may thrust a third party forward. Instead of getting support from the GOP, Trump has given it the middle finger while winning. The GOP was on shaky ground, but Trump has exposed the weakness. This opens a huge door for a third party. Trump is more of a Nationalist than anything, so it would seem that the Libertarian Party may still not benefit from the Trump phenomena.
Trump has broken many molds that have been formed in America over a long time. If nothing else, it’s good to see many people actively involved in the discussion.
By Joe Carbonari
We need to make some changes in the way that we run our country. A rather small slice of our countrymen have given us Donald Trump as leader of the Republican parade. He is so unsuitable, and unhealthy, that many of the Republicans best able to serve our country are considering opting out.
I hope that they will stay in the game. Review, reflect, and restructure. Take care of those among us that are hurting, as shown by their displeasure and their votes.
For our economic engine to hum again we need stable world conditions and a prepared, healthy, and cooperative work force. We need the engagement of the best and most experienced among us. Wars can be started. Economies can be wrecked. Trump needs experienced, informed help.
We have on our political stage many players with limited vision and understanding of the world. Many display little depth, or subtlety of thought. Should the stage be left to them? Would it serve us well?
If somehow Trump were to be elected, our country and the world would need a strong team on the ground. It is a time for the best of the party, and its friends, to be heard and to be seen. It is a civic duty.
Denounce Trump? That’s a cop out. Do the hard work of doing the right thing. Stay involved and give some guidance.