Trump's Riskiest Move: Going Without a Real Ground Game

I've heard it myself -- people want to caucus, but haven't been told where to go, or people have volunteered to speak on his behalf (as one does in a caucus), but have not been told whether they've been appointed to do that myself.

Trump is trying to win this election on the cheap -- free media, as-little-as-possible spent on campaign activities. On the advertisement front, fine, that works; he's got plenty of free advertising.

But I don't think you can skimp on GOTV. I believe that remains the thing you absolutely have to spend money on.

If Iowa and even NH turn into unexpected losses, it will have been lost largely due to this factor.

Trump's decision to spend (mostly) his own money is a double-edged sword. Sounds good in a campaign pledge.

On the other hand, when you're spending your money instead of donors', I guess you get very cheap and stingy and start wondering "Do we really need to spend on that...?"

I guess, as with everything else about Trump, this will remain a total X Factor until Brandon and the AoS Decision Desk start putting up numbers Monday night.

Posted by: Ace at 02:30 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 st?

Posted by: johnd01 at January 28, 2016 02:31 PM (ukNFU)

2 SECOND!

Posted by: SECOND! at January 28, 2016 02:31 PM (5DJW4)

3 Yay! Trump-a-palooza! I'll go get the others.

Posted by: johnd01 at January 28, 2016 02:31 PM (ukNFU)

4 THIRD!

Posted by: THIRD! at January 28, 2016 02:32 PM (5DJW4)

5 cheers Ace, opening a bottle for this one.

Posted by: spypeach at January 28, 2016 02:32 PM (nyYhO)

6 Dammit.

Posted by: NOT THIRD! at January 28, 2016 02:32 PM (5DJW4)

7 Man I wish I could bring myself to just ignore all primary coverage at least till IA and NH vote. Or caucus, or whatever.

Posted by: WhatWhatWhat? at January 28, 2016 02:32 PM (r9tFS)

8 Trumpbots: ATTACK!

Posted by: Roland THTG at January 28, 2016 02:34 PM (QM5S2)

9 Its worked for him so far, but there hasn't been a single vote yet. He's running on personality and free coverage, without spending almost anything on advertising either. But what happens when the actual votes start taking place? Will it work?

If it does, that could really change politics.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 02:34 PM (39g3+)

10

I don't think he has a lot of "liquid" cash to spend.

I wonder who, if anyone, is actually contributing to his campaign.

Double-edged sword, he brags about how much money he has so people may not see the need to send him any.

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at January 28, 2016 02:34 PM (qCMvj)

11 It's going to be telling whether the base's anger at the establishment will offset any need for a massive GOTV ground game.

Posted by: Misanthrope for Trump/Cruz at January 28, 2016 02:34 PM (5DJW4)

12 Everyone else is boxing. Trump is wrestling. Professional wrestling, if you know what I mean. His plan is to jump into the ring with a chair, and take out the ref, then get the boxer in a headlock. It is so crazy it...just...might...work.

Posted by: George Orwell's Ghost at January 28, 2016 02:35 PM (VPvxh)

13 Well, I thought almost everything he's done would cause his implosion and was wrong every time, so I'm not making any guesses on this one, or on the debate drama.

Posted by: stace at January 28, 2016 02:35 PM (CoX6k)

14 I'm just hoping that Trumps falls on his face. I can stop packing the bugout bag and pricing Belize and NZ real estate if it's a Trump vs. Hillary contest.

Posted by: Dr. Spaceman at January 28, 2016 02:35 PM (RBGtZ)

15 I thought he had all of the Iowa republican establishment behind him with their machinery? Chuck Gasbag and the governor for example.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 28, 2016 02:35 PM (voOPb)

16 If it does, that could really change politics.
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 02:34 PM (39g3+)

*****

Politics has already been changed for the forseeable future.

Posted by: Tim in GA at January 28, 2016 02:35 PM (q9Mkv)

17 Meanwhile, the spreading incurable ZIKA virus will pinhead-ize newborn Americans. Where is Ellis Island when ya need it?
http://tinyurl.com/h37m6hd

Posted by: OK, Thanks, Bye at January 28, 2016 02:35 PM (ucB75)

18 I guess, as with everything else about Trump, this will remain a total X Factor until Brandon and the AoS Decision Desk start putting up numbers Monday night.

Yes, I wonder whether Trump has mastered the arcana of 99 counties in Iowa.

Given that it's Iowa and has all the drawbacks of Iowa caucuses, it will be interesting but maybe not meaningful.

I am really looking foward to New Hampshire. I've volunteered to canvas for the Decision Desk and it's the most interested I've been in a political event for ages.

Posted by: Bandersnatch, Opus/Bill the Cat 2016 at January 28, 2016 02:35 PM (1xUj/)

19 Iowa, in particular, requires some organization to pull off the caucus process.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at January 28, 2016 02:36 PM (oVJmc)

20 Gotta buy me some Iowa votes with more of that sweet sweet ethanol!

Posted by: The Donald at January 28, 2016 02:36 PM (o+SC1)

21 I mean I would be pricing it if it were Hill vs. Trump. Stupid fingers.

Go, go, Cruz.

Posted by: Dr. Spaceman at January 28, 2016 02:36 PM (RBGtZ)

22 I have heard the opposite, that his ground game in Iowa is really impressive. FWIW, he has a video on his website from his Iowa campaign chair chick who used to be on his show explaining how the caucus system works.

I can't wait to see what happens.

Posted by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 02:36 PM (2x3L+)

23 Didn't he hire the guy who pulled off Santorum's miracle last time to run his ground game? That's not nothing...

Posted by: tommylotto at January 28, 2016 02:36 PM (4Kwb9)

24 Another telling thing is that Huckabee's ground game was complete shit and he still won against Romney in 2008.

Posted by: Misanthrope for Trump/Cruz at January 28, 2016 02:36 PM (5DJW4)

25

Ground game is everything. It turns into actual votes.

Unless, of course, Trump rides the Teflon Trump Anomaly wave again.

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at January 28, 2016 02:37 PM (qCMvj)

26 >> Meanwhile, the spreading incurable ZIKA virus will
>> pinhead-ize newborn Americans.

Given the result of the 2012 election, are you sure it didn't already pinhead-ize voting-age Americans?

Posted by: JEM at January 28, 2016 02:37 PM (o+SC1)

27 "But I don't think you can skimp on GOTV. I believe that remains the thing you absolutely have to spend money on."

Donald! Call us!

::: phone to ear pantomime :::

ORCA 2.0. It's real and its's spectacular!

Posted by: The Mitt Romney Campaign Consultant Brain Trust at January 28, 2016 02:37 PM (noWW6)

28 Monday night? Whose voters are you trying to throw off, Ace?

Posted by: Kevin in ABQ at January 28, 2016 02:37 PM (BvTwT)

29 I assume this (weak ground team) would be a bigger issue with a caucus than with a primary election. Particularly when polls show heavy support for Trump from first-time participants in Iowa.

Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 02:37 PM (NUqwG)

30
I have heard the opposite, that his ground game in Iowa is really impressive.

I heard that at one point, too, but who knows?

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at January 28, 2016 02:38 PM (oVJmc)

31 How the hell do you guys do all Trump all the time?

Posted by: Chupacabra at January 28, 2016 02:38 PM (kZVsz)

32 Politics has already been changed for the forseeable future.
Posted by: Tim in GA at January 28, 2016 02:35 PM (q9Mk

Black President
Reality Star President
?
?
?

Theres got to be a broad some time. Hillary?

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 28, 2016 02:38 PM (voOPb)

33 >>Another telling thing is that Huckabee's ground game was complete shit and he still won against Romney in 2008.

No, it wasn't. He had the evangelical network which has largely gone to Cruz this time around.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 28, 2016 02:38 PM (Hxh2/)

34 Trump should bring in all of his Atlantic City and Vegas party buses to drive peeps to the voting.

If strippers and booze can't get a mug to go vote, nothing can.

Posted by: Azenogoth (Freedom or Fire) at January 28, 2016 02:38 PM (4nmNX)

35 But I don't think you can skimp on GOTV. I believe that remains the thing you absolutely have to spend money on.

I kind of want this to work just so that Trump is the anti-ORCA.

LOOK AT WHAT YOU DID ACE. YOU MADE ME TYPE SOMETHING HOPEFUL ABOUT TRUMP!

ARE YOU PROUD OF YOURSELF? ARE YOU?

*runs off sobbing*

*peeks head back in*

But, no, seriously, if Trump blows up the GOTV ground game theories as well, I must say I will respect the SMODness of it.

Gah. Now I have to go shower to get the hopeful Trump ick off.

*trudges to shower*

*yes, I remembered the laptop*

Posted by: alexthechick - Here SMOD SMOD SMOD at January 28, 2016 02:39 PM (mf5HN)

36 'Toupe or not toupe. that, is the question.
Whether 'tis Nobler in the mind to suffer
Those slinging Tampons of outrageous Fortune,
Or to take Arms against a Sea of troubles,
And by not showing up, end them: to die, to sleep
No more; and by a sleep, to say we end
The Heart-ache, and the thousand Unnatural locks
That Flesh is hair to?'

Posted by: Shit Shakespeare said at January 28, 2016 02:39 PM (qqwYn)

37 But what happens when the actual votes start taking place? Will it work?

If it does, that could really change politics.

If it does, it'll be because of his 40 years in business and the media spotlight.

I honestly don't think anyone else could come close to that exposure.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 02:39 PM (dnQ1L)

38 Iowa is meaningless. Huckabee won it in 2008 and Santorum in 2012.

Just a silly little corn field.

Posted by: Juicer at January 28, 2016 02:39 PM (FiorJ)

39 fuck it, Ace.

it's Iowa Town.

Posted by: garrett at January 28, 2016 02:40 PM (qqwYn)

40 Nice of Ace to put in a plug for the Meatloaf.

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at January 28, 2016 02:40 PM (FQKBL)

41
*trudges to shower*

*yes, I remembered the laptop*
Posted by: alexthechick - Here SMOD SMOD SMOD at January 28, 2016 02:39 PM (mf5HN

Trump ick & spiders don't like water.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 28, 2016 02:40 PM (voOPb)

42 No, it wasn't. He had the evangelical network which has largely gone to Cruz this time around.
*********************

What does that have to do with GOTV?

Posted by: Misanthrope for Trump/Cruz at January 28, 2016 02:40 PM (5DJW4)

43 Now, if Trump's ground game is bonkers in SC and Florida, he's in for some really big trouble.

Posted by: Juicer at January 28, 2016 02:40 PM (FiorJ)

44 Politicians know politics, Trump knows publicity.

I think his current position is due to bringing in a different skill set to the process.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at January 28, 2016 02:40 PM (oVJmc)

45 31:"How the hell do you guys do all Trump all the time?"

Cocaine is a hell of a drug...

Posted by: Azenogoth (Freedom or Fire) at January 28, 2016 02:41 PM (4nmNX)

46 But I don't think you can skimp on GOTV. I believe that remains the thing you absolutely have to spend money on.
---
I'm sure that's what the guys who get paid to run GOTV efforts every four years want us to believe.

Though not half as much as the guys who right the donations bleg letters so they have money to spend on GOTV

Posted by: Methos at January 28, 2016 02:41 PM (ZbV+0)

47 Let's face it. It's going to be HUUUUUUGE! And Spectacular.

Now whether it's huge and spectacular victory or a huge and spectacular flameout is still up in the air.

Posted by: Buzzion at January 28, 2016 02:41 PM (z/Ubi)

48 >Gah. Now I have to go shower to get the hopeful Trump ick off.

*trudges to shower*

*yes, I remembered the laptop*

...and the whipped cream.

Don't forget the whipped cream!

Posted by: garrett at January 28, 2016 02:41 PM (qqwYn)

49 In this election I would find my way through a blizzard with no shoes to vote if I had to (Washington's compass would be handy

)
thinking many feel the same
we shall see

Posted by: ginaswo at January 28, 2016 02:41 PM (qxNrP)

50 >>>> I heard that at one point, too, but who knows?
Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at January 28, 2016 02:38 PM
----
The only reason I think it's true is that Cruz is already semi-expecting defeat in the way he has been talking the last two weeks and him offering 1.5 million for a one on one debate seems like a desperation move.

Posted by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 02:42 PM (2x3L+)

51 >>What does that have to do with GOTV?

The evangelical vote is very organized in Iowa and very involved in GOTV. That is why Huck is striking so hard at Cruz right now, he took his block.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 28, 2016 02:42 PM (Hxh2/)

52 I mean everyone who knows politics keeps saying he's doing everything wrong
but he smashes the frame he doesn't move it

Posted by: ginaswo at January 28, 2016 02:42 PM (qxNrP)

53 15 I thought he had all of the Iowa republican establishment behind him with their machinery? Chuck Gasbag and the governor for example.

===
Yes, he has Governor Ethanol, but apparently Grassley is appearing with all the candidates and hasn't endorsed. Cruz has Steve King and that VanderPlats guy who's supposed to have a lot of evangelical sway there. OTOH, Trump got the anointment from pastors Jeffress and Falwell, two national guys.

Now tell me why a Southern Baptist would endorse a thrice married casino owner who bragged about banging married women. Life's a mystery.

Posted by: stace at January 28, 2016 02:43 PM (CoX6k)

54 Trump's a real asshole. And so are his rabid fans, most all of them non-voting democrats and unregistered "independents."

Posted by: the littl shyning man at January 28, 2016 02:43 PM (U6f54)

55 The best thing to come out of Iowa may well be just the clearing out of the lower tier. Send everyone from Paul on down packing.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at January 28, 2016 02:43 PM (oVJmc)

56 "Iowa, in particular, requires some organization to pull off the caucus process."

Obama wasn't particularly organized in 2008. He just brought in busloads of muscular, scowling yoof of dubious eligibility to participate, who physically intimidated a lot of the menopausal Boomer female Hillary caucusgoers into leaving early. Chicago rules.

Posted by: torquewrench at January 28, 2016 02:43 PM (noWW6)

57 WHUMPA- WHUMPA-WHUMPA

Posted by: the vein on amish dood's head at January 28, 2016 02:43 PM (W0RfD)

58 Lots and lots of phone calls in Iowa. Quinnipiac calls twice a night. TV is saturated with political ads. Weird, not seeing a lot of yard signs.

It's definitely political silly season here in central IA.

Posted by: Jay in Ames at January 28, 2016 02:43 PM (i2Lsf)

59 I hear he bought ORCA from Romney.

Got it real cheap.

Like, "bankruptcy sale price" cheap.

So. He's good to go.

Posted by: RoyalOil at January 28, 2016 02:44 PM (fQ/0p)

60 And more trolling.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at January 28, 2016 02:44 PM (oVJmc)

61 Well whatever happens in Iowa. I hope the 2012 losers say adios and march off into the sunset.

As the primaries roll along my thoughts are:
A 2 man race, I think Trump loses.
3-4 man race, I think Trump wins.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 28, 2016 02:44 PM (voOPb)

62 Huckabee's a dick, but that's not news to anyone.

Posted by: stace at January 28, 2016 02:44 PM (CoX6k)

63 ...and the whipped cream.

Don't forget the whipped cream!
Posted by: garrett at January 28, 2016 02:41 PM (qqwYn)

Oh hey if all y'all need another reason to be livid about ORCA and the whole Romney thingy, I was going to spray Victory in whipped cream on the Rack and post a pic for the Horde when Romney won.

Instead I ended up spraying whipped cream straight into my mouth to chase down the vodka.

Posted by: alexthechick - Here SMOD SMOD SMOD at January 28, 2016 02:44 PM (mf5HN)

64 I'm ambivalent about this for Trump. On one hand, I subscribe to Ace's comments. OTOH, it's kind of refreshing to see someone not being prodigal with other people's money.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at January 28, 2016 02:45 PM (oKE6c)

65 54: "Trump's a real asshole. And so are his rabid fans, most all of them non-voting democrats and unregistered "independents.""

Judging by your post, they aren't the only ones...

Posted by: Azenogoth (Freedom or Fire) at January 28, 2016 02:45 PM (4nmNX)

66 I'm looking at it this way. If it's really true that Trump doesn't have ground game in Iowa and he still wins, not only will it change that particular element, but it also might change the importance of Iowa altogether.

Posted by: Soona at January 28, 2016 02:45 PM (Fmupd)

67 54 Trump's a real asshole. And so are his rabid fans, most all of them non-voting democrats and unregistered "independents."
Posted by: the littl shyning man at January 28, 2016 02:43 PM (U6f54

his rapid fans. understatement.
They are as rude & obnoxious as he is. Yeah, I see that kind of behavior uniting the folks who would vote R this fall.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 28, 2016 02:45 PM (voOPb)

68 The evangelical vote is very organized in Iowa and very involved in GOTV. That is why Huck is striking so hard at Cruz right now, he took his block.
**********************

Not so sure about that, nationwide Trump has 37% evangelical support to Cruz's 20%. Not sure what it is for Iowa but I suspect it's similar.

Posted by: Misanthrope for Trump/Cruz at January 28, 2016 02:45 PM (5DJW4)

69 Trump's a real asshole. And so are his rabid fans, most all of them non-voting democrats and unregistered "independents."

Here we go again.

Shitass comments like that are making me avoid Trump threads like the plague.

I'm out.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy at January 28, 2016 02:46 PM (LUgeY)

70 However Trump is also raising money from supporters. The self-funded argument is bullshit.

Posted by: Kaitian at January 28, 2016 02:46 PM (AJ+4+)

71 Dang, torquewrench beat me to the ORCA joke.

Posted by: RoyalOil at January 28, 2016 02:46 PM (fQ/0p)

72 But I don't think you can skimp on GOTV. I believe that remains the thing you absolutely have to spend money on.

I don't know any more. Could social media and free publicity substitute? We will find out but I have a sneaking suspicion that those gigantic Trump rally crowds might translate well into a caucus system.

Weird, not seeing a lot of yard signs.

Almost none in 2012 either, I think they are a thing of the past. Too physical and permanent for modern culture.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 02:46 PM (39g3+)

73 So he's depending on a bunch of Iowans to figure out where to vote? Risky...

[Ducks, waddles as quickly as possible]

Posted by: joncelli, Boned like You at January 28, 2016 02:46 PM (RD7QR)

74 "Send In the Trump"

I'm really rich, her head's full of air
She's a blonde bimbo - what's with my hair?
Send in the Trump

Here are my terms, don't you approve?
You're holding firm, say you won't move
There'll be no Trump, you need the Trump

Just when you thought I would cave in
You finally learned I don't need you to win
You won't have my zingers or my personal flair
My saying "It's Yuuuge!"
Or my weird hair.

Fox is a farce, like that debate there
You should have taken my deal, I don't really care
They say where is the Trump? Send in the Trump
It's boring right there.

I'm really rich, the debate's awful bare
Mess with me? Shouldn't have dared.
Where is the Trump? You'll get lots of Trump
I'll be here all year.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 02:46 PM (hLRSq)

75 I've never caucused before (didn't see the need in '04, was on our honeymoon in '08, was getting the husband ready for deployment in '12), so I'm a bit nervous. I will try to get an on-the-ground report to you guys and the DD.

Trump has sent some mail to my parents' house, but it pales in comparison to the truckload of stuff from the other candidates they're getting. Watch TV in NW Iowa and it's a lot of Rubio, Jeb! and Huckabee. I agree with Ace-Trump just seems to be coasting on free publicity.

Posted by: pookysgirl at January 28, 2016 02:46 PM (K27gs)

76 I'd like to point out to the (thankfully few here) doubters and (even fewer, thankfully) H8ers, that Chelsea Clinton spoke at a Soul Cycle fundraiser yesterday in New York City, and said she liked me best of the candidates on the Republican side.

Additionally, she said I am "the only voice on the other side that is demonstrating strong American values".

There you have it. Strong American Values.

Jeb can fix it!

Posted by: Jeb! at January 28, 2016 02:46 PM (ml1PM)

77 There's a big think-piece today about "why isn't rubio catching on?" which has been repeated several times.

For me, I think of how Quayle, Palin and other young, seemingly fresh and exciting political figures were smeared as stupid, callow, uninformed, etc by a compliant media. biden can say 1000 stupid ass things and nothing sticks, obama can talk about 57 states and "corpse-men" and 1000 other things and it doesn't stick, but Quayle reads "potatoe" and it's a national story that dogs him forever. They will do the same thing with Rubio. They can't do it to Trump. Cruz is being smeared as the second coming of adolph hitler and a right wing loony so crazy his own party ostracizes him. Only Trump is immune to this kind of stuff. I'm not committed for anyone, but I don't see anyone who can win the general OTHER than Trump. Forget the polls with rubio and others beating clinton right now: the press hasnt started their work on them yet. There's also some wisdom in the fact that mexicans are racist and won't vote for a cuban, because they hate cubans. I didn't say it: the Wash Post says it:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2016/01/10/32d20f8e-b4bc-11e5-a842-0feb51d1d124_story.html

Posted by: docweasel at January 28, 2016 02:47 PM (XxzcU)

78 This story is sort of stunning. Can it be correct?

Trump can't win of his caucus goers don't know whose house to go to in order to caucus.

Posted by: MTF at January 28, 2016 02:47 PM (LISuA)

79 Just maybe if there's a 'product/candidate' people want to buy/elect because it suits their needs/desires, just maybe these people will be self motivated and go vote/caucus

If people are really undecided with all that's going on those people may need a van and a person to lead them in

I don't know people untouched by past 8 years (15 realky) who are undecided

Everyone I come a Ross has been RET TO GO for YEARS but never had an option to vote f I r

Until trump no one spoke for the white working class that got traction

Posted by: ginaswo at January 28, 2016 02:47 PM (qxNrP)

80 "Meanwhile, the spreading incurable ZIKA virus will pinhead-ize newborn Americans."

Oh good. We had been falling behind the rest of the world in terms of obscure dangerous Third World imported pathogens. Especially the sort which cause permanent brain damage.

We cannot tolerate a microcephaly gap!

Forward into the tiny brained future! Brawndo has electrolytes!

Posted by: torquewrench at January 28, 2016 02:47 PM (noWW6)

81 Politicians know politics, Trump knows publicity.

Then how do Republican politicians always end up wearing their asses as hats?

Posted by: Jay Guevara at January 28, 2016 02:47 PM (oKE6c)

82 Trump's a real asshole. And so are his rabid fans, most all of them non-voting democrats and unregistered "independents."
*******************************

Whatever helps you sleep at night, dearie.

Posted by: Misanthrope for Trump/Cruz at January 28, 2016 02:47 PM (5DJW4)

83 I have heard the opposite, that his ground game in Iowa is really impressive.

I heard that at one point, too, but who knows?

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at January 28, 2016 02:38 PM (oVJmc)

Same here. I've heard it's great and then not great. Basically I've no idea what's going on. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 28, 2016 02:47 PM (4ErVI)

84 Trump does have a ground game in Iowa. It may be only second to Cruz's.

As a bell-weather state, its pretty much signifies nothing.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at January 28, 2016 02:48 PM (LXJ1e)

85 >>>> Now tell me why a Southern Baptist would endorse a thrice married casino owner who bragged about banging married women. Life's a mystery.
Posted by: stace at January 28, 2016 02:43 PM (CoX6k)
-----
Newt Gingrich won SC and he is on his third marriage as well, and his current wife he committed adultery with before they got married.

Posted by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 02:48 PM (2x3L+)

86 Personally I want to see live video of the precinct amishdude is at. I figure his unhinged insulting rants will push everyone to Trump just to get away from him.

Posted by: Buzzion at January 28, 2016 02:48 PM (z/Ubi)

87 There are persistent rumors that Obama bused in lots of folks from neighboring Illinois to game the 2008 Iowa caucuses. Any truth to that?

Recall that Hillary came in 3rd in Iowa in 2008, behind Obama and Edwards. Edwards was effective at drawing voters that would otherwise have gone to Hillary. I've wondered whether MSM sat on the Edwards two-headed love child story that The Enquirer was running in order to keep Edwards in the race to take votes away from Hillary.

Posted by: Ignoramus at January 28, 2016 02:48 PM (r1fLd)

88 Maybe he can shift a Billion to Romney for ORCA...

Posted by: ChocoCheese at January 28, 2016 02:48 PM (OvUux)

89 Not so sure about that, nationwide Trump has 37% evangelical support to Cruz's 20%.

Those numbers strike me as implausible. But who knows, the world doesn't make any sense to me any longer.

After Clinton and Obama I think voters have given up completely on the idea of a president with any dignity or character. They just want someone who can do the damn job.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 02:48 PM (39g3+)

90 Caucus is a funny word.

Posted by: Weasel at January 28, 2016 02:48 PM (6xtq3)

91 So sorry guys it's a visual disability and typos abound

Posted by: ginaswo at January 28, 2016 02:48 PM (qxNrP)

92 From a Business Insider report on Trump's 3rd Q campaign fundraising report:

More striking, Trump received almost $4 million in what his campaign called "unsolicited donations."

His average donation is quite small, around $50.

He put in around $2 million of his own money in the 3rd Q.

Posted by: GnuBreed at January 28, 2016 02:48 PM (gyKtp)

93 Instead I ended up spraying whipped cream straight into my mouth to chase down the vodka.

Posted by: alexthechick - Here SMOD SMOD SMOD at January 28, 2016 02:44 PM (mf5HN)

Another reason to hate Romney!

Posted by: Velvet Ambition at January 28, 2016 02:49 PM (QPdNE)

94 63 Oh hey if all y'all need another reason to be livid about ORCA and the whole Romney thingy, I was going to spray Victory in whipped cream on the Rack and post a pic for the Horde when Romney won.
==========================

Fucking Romney!!!!

Posted by: MTF at January 28, 2016 02:49 PM (LISuA)

95 On GOTV? I don't know. He could be using social media as his GOTV. Obama used a lot of it the last two times around, and Trump has proven to be really good at this. He doesn't need to knock on doors so much when he is already inside everyone's phone.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 02:49 PM (hLRSq)

96 I will try to get an on-the-ground report to you guys and the DD.

That would be great!

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 28, 2016 02:49 PM (w4NZ8)

97 63 ...and the whipped cream.

Don't forget the whipped cream!
Posted by: garrett at January 28, 2016 02:41 PM (qqwYn)

Oh hey if all y'all need another reason to be livid about ORCA and the whole Romney thingy, I was going to spray Victory in whipped cream on the Rack and post a pic for the Horde when Romney won.

Instead I ended up spraying whipped cream straight into my mouth to chase down the vodka.
Posted by: alexthechick - Here SMOD SMOD SMOD at January 28, 2016 02:44 PM (mf5HN)

DAMN YOU ROMNEY!!!!!!!

Posted by: joncelli, Boned like You at January 28, 2016 02:49 PM (RD7QR)

98 As cruz guy, I am not tied what so ever to trump. EXCEPT if he starts to stumble and fall I just would hate to see the Left and RINOs gloating and happy.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 28, 2016 02:50 PM (kzdjp)

99 >>Not so sure about that, nationwide Trump has 37% evangelical support to Cruz's 20%. Not sure what it is for Iowa but I suspect it's similar

Doesn't matter. Huck's only chance to remain somewhat relevant, ok with a pulse, in this election was to do well in Iowa. Not necessarily win but do respectably.

He wasn't going to go after Trump but he was counting on the Vander Plaats to deliver evangelicals big time for him in Iowa as he did in '08.

Vander Plaats went with Cruz this cycle and Huck is still on the JV stage. He'll probably come in 5th or 6th and then figure out its time to spend more time with his money.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 28, 2016 02:50 PM (Hxh2/)

100 24 Another telling thing is that Huckabee's ground game was complete shit and he still won against Romney in 2008.

or.....

25 Ground game is everything. It turns into actual votes.

Posted by: WhatWhatWhat? at January 28, 2016 02:50 PM (r9tFS)

101 Let's see...

shower, check

boobs, check

whipped cream on boobs, check

vodka, check.

Horde. AWOL.

DO I EVEN KNOW YOU PEOPLE?

Posted by: Bandersnatch, Opus/Bill the Cat 2016 at January 28, 2016 02:50 PM (1xUj/)

102 I agree with Ace-Trump just seems to be coasting on free publicity.
Posted by: pookysgirl at January 28, 2016 02:46 PM (K27gs)

Well he is living in a lot of peoples heads rent free.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 28, 2016 02:50 PM (voOPb)

103 Trump can't win of his caucus goers don't know whose house to go to in order to caucus.

You try caucusing at my house, I'll shoot yer ass off.
We don't go for that kinky shit.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 02:50 PM (dnQ1L)

104 Trump's a real asshole. And so are his rabid fans, most all of them non-voting democrats and unregistered "independents."
---
That's some deep analysis you've got right there

Posted by: Methos, AoS commenter since 2006, apparently also non-voting democrat at January 28, 2016 02:50 PM (ZbV+0)

105 Politicians know politics, Trump knows publicity.

Yeah, but these days, politics is publicity. Especially in the campaign. That's what Hillary is horrible at: she is lousy at publicity, despite the desperate flailing attempts by a sycophantic media.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 02:50 PM (39g3+)

106
54 Trump's a real asshole. And so are his rabid fans, most all of them non-voting democrats and unregistered "independents."
Posted by: the littl shyning man at January 28, 2016 02:43 PM (U6f54)

Fortunately, you'll have full 8 years of sniffing The Real Asshole from real close.

Posted by: Juicer at January 28, 2016 02:50 PM (FiorJ)

107 The IA GOP changed the caucus rules after they fucked up in 2012. Remember how they got the winners wrong and it took a week to realize what's his name won, and it wasn't the Romneybot?

Now you just have to show up, put your ballot in the box, and you are done. And all the GOP has to do is phone in the results and add them up.

(And they'll still fuck it up!)

Posted by: rd at January 28, 2016 02:50 PM (v0YLX)

108 Fucking Romney.

Posted by: garrett at January 28, 2016 02:51 PM (qqwYn)

109 GOP caucusing in Iowa is quite easy. Be there before 7, listen to the reps speak, write down your candidate on a sheet of paper (secret ballot, unlike the dems), then stick around for election of convention reps.

Posted by: Jay in Ames at January 28, 2016 02:51 PM (i2Lsf)

110 93
Instead I ended up spraying whipped cream straight into my mouth to chase down the vodka.

Posted by: alexthechick - Here SMOD SMOD SMOD at January 28, 2016 02:44 PM (mf5HN)

I saw this out of context and it sounds like the punch line to a joke.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 28, 2016 02:51 PM (4ErVI)

111 Pookysgirl

Awesome I will look for your updates

Posted by: ginaswo at January 28, 2016 02:51 PM (qxNrP)

112 I envision Trump's GOTV to be something like "The Ol' Number 6". Similar, not exactly.

https://tinyurl.com/ze3fuyk

But then I'm a Cruz guy soo.....

Posted by: CozMark at January 28, 2016 02:51 PM (CbGSW)

113 >> Huckabee's a dick, but that's not news to anyone.

Hey! Could you generate some of those jokes that this place is intragalactically famous for? Asking for a friend.

Posted by: Amy Schumer at January 28, 2016 02:51 PM (ml1PM)

114 Posted by: Bandersnatch, Opus/Bill the Cat 2016 at January 28, 2016 02:50 PM (1xUj/)

Even sex, booze and sugar can't come between the posters and their Trump mania. ;^)

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 28, 2016 02:52 PM (w4NZ8)

115 Gah. Now I have to go shower to get the hopeful Trump ick off.

Remember the car off a cliff analogy.

Now picture Donald sticking his head out the window.
We're hoping the skull ferret drag will take enough spin out that we hit crumple zone first. It'll be a YUUGE and luxurious wreck.

Posted by: DaveA at January 28, 2016 02:52 PM (DL2i+)

116 Chelsea Clinton spoke at a Soul Cycle fundraiser

Why does every word of that sentence make me laugh? Including "at" and "a."

Posted by: WhatWhatWhat? at January 28, 2016 02:53 PM (r9tFS)

117 The idea of vodka and whipped cream together is very disturbing. ;^)

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 28, 2016 02:53 PM (w4NZ8)

118 Make sure you know where your caucus location is. It isn't always where your voting precinct is.

#iowacaucushelpfulhints

Also, don't wander into the dem room. It will feel like Mars.

Posted by: Jay in Ames at January 28, 2016 02:53 PM (i2Lsf)

119 But I don't think you can skimp on GOTV. I believe that remains the thing you absolutely have to spend money on."

Donald! Call us!

::: phone to ear pantomime :::

ORCA 2.0. It's real and its's spectacular!

Call Dan Centinello.

Posted by: John P. Squibob at January 28, 2016 02:54 PM (DQZLr)

120 Those numbers strike me as implausible. But who knows, the world doesn't make any sense to me any longer.
*********************

On its face it does seem implausible until you drill down to see why this is so. I'm an evangelical with friends of devout backgrounds. They all support Trump but express reservations about him being only nominally a Christian, until they remember Bush was supposed to be devout and look how that turned out, and those reservations tend to fade away.

If we didn't have Bush as a pretext I suspect Trump wouldn't be getting the amount of support he is from the evangelical block. We've seen that electing someone who was devout or at least serious about his faith did not work out for us last time.

Posted by: Misanthrope for Trump/Cruz at January 28, 2016 02:54 PM (5DJW4)

121 I saw Zika and Sexual Transmission open for Air Bonsai at the Agora in '77.

Posted by: Officer Paddy O'Irony at January 28, 2016 02:54 PM (R1a9g)

122 That's what Hillary is horrible at: she is lousy at publicity, despite the desperate flailing attempts by a sycophantic media.

At least she's got Chelsea out there stumping for her.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at January 28, 2016 02:54 PM (oKE6c)

123 Hasn't the Donald worked whatever local "system" he had to to get what he wanted?

Posted by: DaveA at January 28, 2016 02:54 PM (DL2i+)

124 Trump's a real asshole. And so are his rabid fans, most all of them non-voting democrats and unregistered "independents."

===

bwahahaha

the simpering cry of the nigh-extinct. You don't think other politicians and would-be's are taking notes? Other billionaires? After business-as-usual fucked up 2012 its over. Good riddance, losers.

Posted by: Bigby's Hands, Fingers, Knees, and Toes at January 28, 2016 02:54 PM (3ZtZW)

125 I'm out ... Got no predictions anymore.

I do feel like Social Media has changed how this all works - and we're probably seeing no more than the infancy it all.

Posted by: Irony at January 28, 2016 02:54 PM (BHaRb)

126 /that'll be all , Officer.

Posted by: Mortimer at January 28, 2016 02:54 PM (R1a9g)

127 100 24 Another telling thing is that Huckabee's ground game was complete shit and he still won against Romney in 2008.

or.....

25 Ground game is everything. It turns into actual votes.

Posted by: WhatWhatWhat? at January 28, 2016 02:50 PM (r9tFS

It will be interesting to see how it all plays out. Iowa has never been a be all or end all for any candidate.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 28, 2016 02:54 PM (voOPb)

128 109 GOP caucusing in Iowa is quite easy. Be there before 7, listen to the reps speak, write down your candidate on a sheet of paper (secret ballot, unlike the dems), then stick around for election of convention reps.
Posted by: Jay in Ames at January 28, 2016 02:51 PM (i2Lsf)

But how do people know where to go? Are the caucuses held in halls or in people's houses?

Posted by: joncelli, Boned like You at January 28, 2016 02:54 PM (RD7QR)

129 This is one of the reasons that I've been skeptical that Trump plans to see this election through to completion. Not the ground game per se, but the fact that he'll have to start spending what Elizabeth Warren would call "heap big wampum" very soon.

Trump is very, very wealthy, in the sense of having a lot of assets. But I don't know how much cash he actually has access to. If he's like most super-rich guys, most of his money is stuck in something illiquid. And when it's time to put cash on the barrelhead to make campaign payrolls, fly around the country, and run television spots, that might mean liquidating some assets that he doesn't want to get rid of.

And as far as I know, Trump hasn't been asking for much in the way of donations (or perhaps d'nations). He doesn't appear to have a fundraising apparatus in place and he's not getting the kind of PAC money that major candidates get.

So is he going to rattle the tin cup and ask for money? Is he going to get a lot of little Obama or Bernie-style donations? I don't see that happening.

So... I think Trump runs out of money pretty soon, and free publicity isn't going to put Jet A-1 in his campaign plane.

Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 02:55 PM (xRA8Q)

130 Can't wait for an epic circular firing squad!

Posted by: Max Power at January 28, 2016 02:55 PM (q177U)

131 I thought I would be happier, after all Obama is almost gone, but here we go again, I have the same sick pit in my stomach that I had with all the hype and fan love from the obama campaign... It's playing out again right before my eyes, only this time it's our side and it's trump, I could puke.

Posted by: spypeach at January 28, 2016 02:55 PM (nyYhO)

132 117 The idea of vodka and whipped cream together is very disturbing. ;^)
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 28, 2016 02:53 PM (w4NZ

Vodka, like black clothing, goes with everything.

Posted by: joncelli, Boned like You at January 28, 2016 02:55 PM (RD7QR)

133 I saw Zika and Sexual Transmission open for Air Bonsai at the Agora in '77.

i saw them open for the Allman Brothers at the Filmore West in '74.

Posted by: John P. Squibob at January 28, 2016 02:56 PM (DQZLr)

134
Also, don't wander into the dem room. It will feel like Mars.
Posted by: Jay in Ames at January 28, 2016 02:53 PM (i2Lsf

Unless your a ....
deletes.
walks away

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 28, 2016 02:56 PM (voOPb)

135 Can't wait for an epic circular firing squad!

It's already started and some of us are bailing.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 28, 2016 02:56 PM (w4NZ8)

136 I do feel like Social Media has changed how this all works - and we're probably seeing no more than the infancy it all.

Posted by: Irony at January 28, 2016 02:54 PM (BHaRb)

It might be likened to the role that TV began to play in Presidential elections, starting most famously with the Nixon-Kennedy debate in 1960, where Nixon came off as uncomfortable, sporting five o'clock shadow (he had a heavy beard, and needed to shave all the time, apparently), and sweating under the lights.

Some think that that alone cost him the election.
Well, that plus a boatload of electoral fraud.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at January 28, 2016 02:57 PM (oKE6c)

137 Trump's a real asshole. And so are his rabid fans, most all of them non-voting democrats and unregistered "independents."
Posted by: the littl shyning man at January 28, 2016 02:43 PM (U6f54)

"You are in more dire need of a blowjob than any white man in history."

Bless you, Mr. Trump, for providing me the opportunity to use that quote.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 02:57 PM (hLRSq)

138 You want the Trump??
You can't handle the Trump!

Posted by: Roland THTG at January 28, 2016 02:57 PM (QM5S2)

139 This looks like just the latest talking point--yesterday's "Trump has high unfavorables" made no sense, so on to "Trump is disorganized" as he pinpoints rally sites, and keeps building on his lead.
I wish we had some real information, but I guess we'll have to wait for the primary results to see what's what.

Posted by: artemis at January 28, 2016 02:57 PM (AwPyG)

140 Vodka, like black clothing, goes with everything.
Posted by: joncelli, Boned like You at January 28, 2016 02:55 PM (RD7QR

Or in Hillarys case, Vodka, like Hotel draperies, goes with everything

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 28, 2016 02:57 PM (voOPb)

141
DO I EVEN KNOW YOU PEOPLE?

Posted by: Bandersnatch, Opus/Bill the Cat 2016 at January 28, 2016 02:50 PM (1xUj/)
_________________________

*cough,,cough-cough-cough-cough-cough,,cough...*

I'd hit it....

*hic*

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at January 28, 2016 02:57 PM (HSmrB)

142 "There's also some wisdom in the fact that mexicans are racist and won't vote for a cuban, because they hate cubans."

I don't know that it's about Mexicans hating Cubans so much as it is Mexicans simply not giving a shit about Cubans. Just not on the radar to them.

The idea that "Hispanics" all have some sort of a magically shared, mutually amicable cultural identity is weak sauce pushed by lily-white gringo campaign consultants. There are enormous fissures and lacunae within the "Hispanic" world, across which there is little or no bonding occurring.

Now if you want to know who Mexicans really do hate, with the heat of ten thousand exploding suns? Other Mexicans who hail from different parts of the old country.

Posted by: torquewrench at January 28, 2016 02:58 PM (noWW6)

143 120 Misanthrope

"They all support Trump but express reservations about him being only nominally a Christian, until they remember Bush was supposed to be devout and look how that turned out, and those reservations tend to fade away."

- - - - - -

I'm not an Evangelical (although I am a Christian). And there are any number of ways that I can say that Bush was a disappointment. But my question is: in what ways was Bush a disappointment to Evangelicals *in particular*? What should a dedicated Evangelical president do that Bush didn't?

Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 02:58 PM (xRA8Q)

144 Huckabee and Santorum are joining Trump. Please let this be the last we hear from either of them ever again.

Posted by: no good deed at January 28, 2016 02:58 PM (GgxVX)

145 Apparently Cruz has a very solid ground game. We shall see.

Posted by: Lauren at January 28, 2016 02:58 PM (Kqit+)

146 I've signed up to do call in to Iowa to get out the vote.

I report how it works.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at January 28, 2016 02:58 PM (LXJ1e)

147 Trump only accepts small, unsolicited donations. Because, as he correctly surmises, it would be flat-out rude to return them.

He's asked people not to donate, but if some hard working Joe takes the time to send a small donation, and the billionaire returns it, the optics would be terrible.

Posted by: WhatWhatWhat? at January 28, 2016 02:58 PM (r9tFS)

148 Hey guys -- have you heard that real-estate mogul Donald Trump is planning to run for president of the US?

That's the craziest rumor I've heard in quite a while.

Posted by: zombie at January 28, 2016 02:59 PM (jBuUi)

149 Almost none in 2012 either, I think they are a thing of the past. Too physical and permanent for modern culture.
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 02:46 PM (39g3+)

Maybe it depends on the race. There are a lot of signs in my neighborhood for our state rep and for his challenger in the GOP primary. They both live in this part of town.

Actually, though, come to think of it, that's why I DON'T have a yard sign. I know one and I know the other's wife, and I don't want to offend either.

Posted by: stace at January 28, 2016 02:59 PM (CoX6k)

150 Now if you want to know who Mexicans really do hate, with the heat of ten thousand exploding suns? Other Mexicans who hail from different parts of the old country.

Posted by: torquewrench at January 28, 2016 02:58 PM (noWW6)

And El Salvadorans. For some reason they really hate those people.

Posted by: joncelli, Boned like You at January 28, 2016 02:59 PM (RD7QR)

151 I'm not an Evangelical (although I am a Christian). And there are any number of ways that I can say that Bush was a disappointment. But my question is: in what ways was Bush a disappointment to Evangelicals *in particular*? What should a dedicated Evangelical president do that Bush didn't?
Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 02:58 PM (xRA8Q)

---------------

Light bulb ban.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at January 28, 2016 02:59 PM (LXJ1e)

152 wow, you so need GOTV. You need to spend money on it. W won in 2004 with it, the two losers in 08 and 12 had zero and lost.

Posted by: joe-impeachin44 at January 28, 2016 03:00 PM (EjBTO)

153 >>>> So is he going to rattle the tin cup and ask for money? Is he going to get a lot of little Obama or Bernie-style donations? I don't see that happening.
----
It has and is happening. He asks for only small donations so people will invest in his campaign and that's what he has been getting. His website has a way to donate.

Posted by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 03:00 PM (2x3L+)

154 Trump is trying to win this election on the cheap

No, he's not trying to win at all. His popularity got out of his control.

He was going to Buchanan1992 to foster discontent in the GOP and then Perot1992 to break up the electorate 3-way.

But it didn't go as planned.

His strategy is clearer now, inasmuch as he's collecting grievances. He's going to leave the primary in a huff. Bank on it.

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:00 PM (Xd2w5)

155 But how do people know where to go? Are the caucuses held in halls or in people's houses?

Posted by: joncelli, Boned like You at January 28, 2016 02:54 PM (RD7QR)Iowa Secretary of State has a site up:

https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/pollingplace/search.aspx

Plus all the campaigns have sites to let you know where they are. Go to the site, type in your address, that gives you the precinct, and there you are.

It's in halls and churches in large and medium areas. I've heard that people host them in small towns, but all of them usually have a place, too.

Posted by: Jay in Ames at January 28, 2016 03:01 PM (i2Lsf)

156 "Nixon came off as uncomfortable, sporting five o'clock shadow (he had a
heavy beard, and needed to shave all the time, apparently), and sweating
under the lights."

Nixon was also injured. He had blown out a knee on the campaign trail, and couldn't walk or even stand without great discomfort, but declined pain meds for fear it would impair his acuity during the debate.

Posted by: torquewrench at January 28, 2016 03:01 PM (noWW6)

157 Now if you want to know who Mexicans really do hate, with the heat of ten thousand exploding suns?

Guatemalans, Nicaraguans, Hondurans,

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:01 PM (dnQ1L)

158 54 Trump's a real asshole. And so are his rabid fans, most all of them non-voting democrats and unregistered "independents."

Howler monkeys. You forgot to call them howler monkeys.

Posted by: WhatWhatWhat? at January 28, 2016 03:01 PM (r9tFS)

159 At this point I have to be honest, as flawed as all the candidates are, I don't care who gets the nomination as long it isn't Trump.

If Cruz fades in Iowa, I'll support whoever else is coming up. At some point, even if it's Jeb Bush (haha) or Rand Paul (hahaha) this will be a two-man. Trump must lose that race.

Trump, Sanders, and Clinton all carry the real potential for the death of the Republic, in the respective forms of unrestrained populism, socialism, and corruption.

Posted by: TallDave at January 28, 2016 03:01 PM (74ZYB)

160 Question?

Didn't Iowa caucuses achieve their current importance because Jimmy Carter won them in 1976?

Did anyone pay attention to them before?

Posted by: rd at January 28, 2016 03:01 PM (v0YLX)

161 If Trump wins, it does change the game. It shows that anyone who tries to run for President is a fool if they don't have a reality TV show for LIVs. There was no "Meet the Rubios!" or "Cruzin!" on prime time, so sorry.

Why do Trumpers persist in saying he's well-liked? He's well-known. And a plurality of primary voters may usher him in to destroy the GOP.

But he's known and despised by a majority of Americans because of the tacky con man he is. The negatives on him have never wavered. And the Dems aren't even putting the press on him, yet.

Posted by: Dr. Spaceman at January 28, 2016 03:01 PM (RBGtZ)

162 Hell Mexicans even hate other Mexicans. That's why they're helping Mestizos from Chiapas get here.

Posted by: CozMark at January 28, 2016 03:02 PM (CbGSW)

163 No, it wasn't. He had the evangelical network which has largely gone to Cruz this time around.Posted by: JackStraw at January 28, 2016 02:38 PM (Hxh2/)

Yeah, and Huckabee and Santorum have made complete asses out of themselves by being so vindictive toward Cruz about what they view as encroachment on their turf. Shameful stuff coming out of both camps.

I can't help but harbor a certain amount of resentment toward those two--Huckabee and Santorum--aside from their baseless attacks on Cruz. Neither has a possible path to the nomination yet they both stick around to act as spoilers.

Had high hopes for Carly, though. She just couldn't overcome the name recognition hurdle, and her campaign people have done a dismal job exploiting her strong media appearances and debate performances. Time for her to go.

Posted by: Pissed Off, Sore Loser Gron From That Star Trek Episode at January 28, 2016 03:02 PM (Hz/9Y)

164 The Trump haters are out in force

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 28, 2016 03:02 PM (kzdjp)

165 Whipped cream titties and unsolicited $50 dollar donations.

I can handle this thread.

*whumpa whumpa whumpa*

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:02 PM (xuouz)

166 Oh hey if all y'all need another reason to be livid about ORCA and the whole Romney thingy, I was going to spray Victory in whipped cream on the Rack and post a pic for the Horde when Romney won.
------------------------------------------------------

I can't wait to hear about the Empress' plans when Yan Gomes hits the winning home run to take the 2016 World Series from the Cubbies.

Posted by: MTF at January 28, 2016 03:02 PM (LISuA)

167 Yep caucus isn't a primary, I still wouldn't be surprised if Trump's support here fails to show up when it counts.

Posted by: brak at January 28, 2016 03:03 PM (xwPSp)

168 Speaking of Cruz, he's out in Flint giving away bottled water.

And liberals are flipping out because one of the groups he donated the water to are crisis pregnancy centers.

The horror! How dare he give water to pregnant women! Doesn't he know that CPC's are just there to scare women out of having blessed abortions?

Posted by: Lauren at January 28, 2016 03:03 PM (Kqit+)

169 Off, Star Trek monster sock.

Posted by: troyriser at January 28, 2016 03:03 PM (Hz/9Y)

170 I envision Trump's GOTV to be something like "The Ol' Number 6". Similar, not exactly.

I can't wait for the dance!

Posted by: Muslim "refugee" at January 28, 2016 03:04 PM (39g3+)

171 Now if you want to know who Mexicans really do hate, with the heat of ten thousand exploding suns? Other Mexicans who hail from different parts of the old country.

Posted by: torquewrench

A while back in Oakland I saw a car with big sign that said "Sinaloense" in one of the back windows, and a Sinaloa flag hanging from the rear-view mirror. They drove slowly down the street giving the stink-eye to every chollo they passed, and got a lot of verbal threats and abuse thrown back at them.

May have been a gang thing, but I think it was mostly just a regional rivalry thing.

Posted by: zombie at January 28, 2016 03:04 PM (jBuUi)

172 159 sorry

I'll vote for Cruz, Trump, or Bern It Down with Bernie!

The GOPe must die!

Posted by: rd at January 28, 2016 03:04 PM (v0YLX)

173 The Iowa Caucuses should be outlawed.

2000 people in green jeans high on ethanol determining who the Next President is....yeah makes a lot of sense. Sigh

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 28, 2016 03:04 PM (kzdjp)

174 Trump's a real asshole. And so are his rabid fans, most all of them non-voting democrats and unregistered "independents."

But do you think I'm pretty?

Posted by: ME-AGYN! at January 28, 2016 03:04 PM (R1a9g)

175 @docweasel Rubio isn't catching on because of The Gang of Eight amnesty betrayal. Why the people.at WaPo are even wondering, much less wasting ink, on the question speaks to their intelligence.

Posted by: Dancing Queen at January 28, 2016 03:04 PM (7jTtI)

176 164 The Trump haters are out in force
Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 28, 2016 03:02 PM (kzdjp)

----------

Nah brah, those aren't Trump haters - they are Rubio fans.........wait.....same difference I guess.

Posted by: Stay out da bushes at January 28, 2016 03:04 PM (rZJS9)

177 164 The Trump haters are out in force
Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 28, 2016 03:02 PM (kzdjp)

It is always darkest before the dawn.

The dentist is pulling the tooth and it hurts and won't stop hurting and just as you begin to wonder if you'll be able to stand it anymore, the tooth is out.

You are dying and dying and then you are beyond death.

Sorry, CS Lewis always leads very swiftly to talking about god.

Trump isn't god but he's not claiming to be either. I don't see anything about stopping the rise of the oceans and healing our planet on his site.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:05 PM (xuouz)

178 I have to admit I'm a bit underwhelmed by Trump's campaign in Iowa. I signed up as a "supporter" on his site earlier this week and got an initial confirmation email, but that's it so far. I was expecting info on his rally, caucus info, etc., but so far, nothing. I've caucused before, so it's not an issue for me, but if he's banking on tons of new voters, he'll need to do a lot more work than I've seen so far.

Posted by: Grimaldi at January 28, 2016 03:05 PM (CVhPs)

179 A while back in Oakland I saw a car with big sign that said "Sinaloense" in one of the back windows, and a Sinaloa flag hanging from the rear-view mirror. They drove slowly down the street giving the stink-eye to every chollo they passed, and got a lot of verbal threats and abuse thrown back at them.

May have been a gang thing, but I think it was mostly just a regional rivalry thing.

THAT was a cartel thing.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:05 PM (dnQ1L)

180 All the polls that show Trump beating Cruz in the caucuses have huge Ind. turnout assumptions. I mean Trumps support is breathtaking.
But they have to find the caucus site, register as R's, and then participate. Virtually every old political hand says that you need an organization to win in Iowa.
Cruz has one, Trump apparently does not, but we will see if Trump supporters are savvy enough to work the system without as much organization as Cruz has.

Posted by: standfast24 at January 28, 2016 03:05 PM (uPiL/)

181 The idea that "Hispanics" all have some sort of a magically shared, mutually amicable cultural identity is weak sauce pushed by lily-white gringo campaign consultants. There are enormous fissures and lacunae within the "Hispanic" world, across which there is little or no bonding occurring.

This is 100% true. However...consider Puerto Ricans. If there's any group who should be almost violently anti-immigrant, it's them.

They carry US passports but go to the mainland to find work, more often than not unskilled. Illegals are direct competition for them. And yet, they're not on that side of the issue.

The thing is that polls (at least in the past) have shown US Hispanics as being more anti-anti-immigrant. They're not crazy about more immigration, but they regard any anti-immigrant sentiment as being anti-Hispanic.

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:05 PM (Xd2w5)

182 Apparently Cruz has a very solid ground game. We shall see.
---
I keep hearing he has representatives at 75% of the caucus sites.

From the half dozen fundraising emails his campaign sends me daily, among other sources.

But that doesn't mean anything without some count of what other campaigns are doing, but the closest I seen of any of the rest is "Trump has no ground game". With no explanation for how this contradicts earlier reports that Trump has a massive ground operation in Iowa. Just that and more theories on why the guy who, according to all available numbers today is walking away with the nomination, is going to abandon the thing for no particular reason.

Posted by: Methos, AoS commenter since 2006, apparently also non-voting democrat at January 28, 2016 03:05 PM (ZbV+0)

183 caucusing caucasians

Posted by: phoenixgirl, i was born a rebel at January 28, 2016 03:06 PM (0O7c5)

184 Did anyone pay attention to them before?

I don't know the history, but they've always been first, haven't they? As long as I can remember, Iowa has always been idiotically overblown in electoral importance.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 03:06 PM (39g3+)

185 Not sure how accurate this is since Trump paid for the best in Iowa...Chick Laudner. See the first minute or 2 of this to see his thoughts just recently.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_-V7w_7PUs&feature=youtu.be&t=42m29s

Posted by: InTheKnow at January 28, 2016 03:06 PM (GHtJF)

186 The Trump haters are out in force

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 28, 2016 03:02 PM (kzdjp)

Yeah, they're great customers - Buy the Vocal Vitriol by the drum, the Seething Furies by the pallet.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 03:07 PM (hLRSq)

187 I guess the question becomes...

does it really matter what the very strange Iowa Caucus system says...

and how much EFFORT do you put into the idea that you NEED to win Iowa... if you are the front runner Nationally.

ie.... does it matter to people voting in later States, what Iowa says??? or does it just matter to Media talking heads and pundits...

Posted by: Don Quixote at January 28, 2016 03:07 PM (f7rv6)

188 At The Right Scoop - both Santorum & the Huckster are joining Trump after the undercard debate, to take Christian & Evangelical votes from Cruz.
Huck has video that Cruz doesn't tithe (?right word) enough. It makes him bad Christian. I think turning to one who is pro choice & has been most of his life, is less Christian.

That's only me.

Posted by: Carol at January 28, 2016 03:07 PM (sj3Ax)

189 I'll say this, a ground game is necessary for a political "type" like Buchanan or any of the rest.

Trump is a reality show clown so people might just show up for the fun of it. It's hard to tell. I really think missing the debate will hurt him considerably.

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:07 PM (Xd2w5)

190 176 164 The Trump haters are out in force
Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 28, 2016 03:02 PM (kzdjp)

----------

Nah brah, those aren't Trump haters - they are Rubio fans.........wait.....same difference I guess.
Posted by: Stay out da bushes at January 28, 2016 03:04 PM (rZJS9)

-----------

Nah, Bro. Would vote for any GOP candidate against Hill except Trump. Would never vote for a sleaze like Trump to represent my side.

Trump vs. Hill means I've already lost and it doesn't matter any more.

Posted by: Dr. Spaceman at January 28, 2016 03:07 PM (RBGtZ)

191 The thing is that polls (at least in the past) have shown US Hispanics as being more anti-anti-immigrant. They're not crazy about more immigration, but they regard any anti-immigrant sentiment as being anti-Hispanic.

Yeah, that's been pretty successfully sold. They see it as an attack on them (well, some, a lot of immigrants who worked hard to get here legally HAAAATE illegals with the fury of ten thousand burning suns).

Its a difficult barrier to break through, too. No matter what you say, they always slouch back to that sneering "racist gringo" crap.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 03:08 PM (39g3+)

192 No, he's not trying to win at all. His popularity got out of his control.

He was going to Buchanan1992 to foster discontent in the GOP and then Perot1992 to break up the electorate 3-way.
---
Tinfoil is clearly a growth industry.

Posted by: Methos, AoS commenter since 2006, apparently also non-voting democrat at January 28, 2016 03:08 PM (ZbV+0)

193 I don't know the history, but they've always been first, haven't they? As long as I can remember, Iowa has always been idiotically overblown in electoral importance.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 03:06 PM (39g3+)

which is the only reason we have the insane policy on Ethanol subsidies.... which make both Gas and FOOD more expensive.

Posted by: Don Quixote at January 28, 2016 03:08 PM (f7rv6)

194 57
WHUMPA- WHUMPA-WHUMPA

Posted by: the vein on amish dood's head

Thank you, anonymous internet person who gave me a belly laugh!

Posted by: Mortimer at January 28, 2016 03:08 PM (R1a9g)

195 His strategy is clearer now, inasmuch as he's collecting grievances. He's going to leave the primary in a huff. Bank on it.
Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:00 PM (Xd2w5

AN interesting prediction.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 28, 2016 03:09 PM (voOPb)

196 http://tinyurl.com/go7oax4

Here's link to Santorum & Huckster I mentioned above.

Posted by: Carol at January 28, 2016 03:09 PM (sj3Ax)

197 Is it that Cruz' name ends with a "z"? Or is it just the celebrity thing? Why Trump and not Cruz? Why does every sin from Cruz/Rubio stain them forever but Trump cavorting with Satan get a pass?

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:09 PM (Xd2w5)

198 "Dang, torquewrench beat me to the ORCA joke."

I got beaten to a beautifully set up Harry Reid joke the other day myself.

The Horde are quick.

Posted by: torquewrench at January 28, 2016 03:09 PM (noWW6)

199 i'm afraid cruz made a fatal mistake allowing beck to be associated with his campaign

Posted by: phoenixgirl, i was born a rebel at January 28, 2016 03:09 PM (0O7c5)

200 which is the only reason we have the insane policy on Ethanol subsidies.... which make both Gas and FOOD more expensive.
Posted by: Don Quixote at January 28, 2016 03:08 PM (f7rv6

and causes a bigger carbon foot print if you want to go all green

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 28, 2016 03:10 PM (voOPb)

201 Questions for the Trump supporters:

What gives you confidence that he's a conservative, and not just saying conservative stuff to get elected? How strongly do you believe that in the trade of your vote for his promise to be conservative, he's going to hold up his end of the bargain?

I don't think anyone who has thought hard about Trump can conclude that he can be trusted.

Now, if your argument for supporting him is "the GOP establishment needs to be taught a lesson," okay. If you think Trump is the closest thing to SMOD, and that we're better off if he wrecks the party so we can rebuild from the ashes, fine. But you don't actually think he's committed to conservatism, do you?

Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:10 PM (cdw0X)

202 I really think missing the debate will hurt him considerably.

I think the only people who really care about debates are hardcore political junkies.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 03:10 PM (39g3+)

203 Hey, off-topic. Just saw a meme from left-leaning relative on Facebook, the only Senators to show up during the blizzard were women.

I started to respond that, yes, that's because the men are used to pretending to care about what other people think, and so had gone to their home districts to listen to their constituents (the news reports say that the reason senators couldn't show up is that they were unable to return to Washington, whereas Collins and Murkowski stayed in Washington).

But then I noticed that both of the Senators were also both Republicans, which I suspect is an even better way of needling the gender warriors of the left.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at January 28, 2016 03:10 PM (2lndx)

204 I have the purest love/hate relationship with Trump that is possible. On MWF, I love him. On TTHSa, I hate him. Sunday is the decider. Last Sunday I hated him.

But you've gotta give the guy credit: he's broken a whole bunch of political theorems and made the pundits look like the clown car they claim he was driving.

Posted by: MaxMBJ at January 28, 2016 03:10 PM (Uq9ly)

205 I really think missing the debate will hurt him considerably.
Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:07 PM (Xd2w5)

-----------

Nah, Trump isn't missing the debate........the debate is missing Trump.

It will greatly depress Fox's ratings which is Trump's goal.

Posted by: Stay out da bushes at January 28, 2016 03:10 PM (rZJS9)

206 I had read something a while back that they were doing everything in Iowa really stealthy so no one could get anything to report on. Packing out their own garbage when they stay at hotels and stuff. So no one really knew if he had a ground game or not.

That would be something else though, after the totally kooky unconventional campaign that has led up to this, that he pulls some covert ground game out of his ass at the 11th hour that has been set up for months with no leaks.

Not likely it's true, but I'd think even if you were 100% anti-Trump you'd have to be amazed. Could be another quirk to not really taking any money or volunteers. He's got the Trump organization in there, he owns them, and they aren't talking.

Won't be long now til we find out.

Posted by: Dr. Shatterhand at January 28, 2016 03:11 PM (n/ogz)

207 "Dang, torquewrench beat me to the ORCA joke."

I got beaten to a beautifully set up Harry Reid joke the other day myself.

The Horde are quick.

Posted by: torquewrench

I have a great joke about ORCA!

Posted by: Amy Schumer at January 28, 2016 03:11 PM (OD2ni)

208 Now, if your argument for supporting him is "the GOP establishment needs to be taught a lesson," okay. If you think Trump is the closest thing to SMOD, and that we're better off if he wrecks the party so we can rebuild from the ashes, fine. But you don't actually think he's committed to conservatism, do you?
Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:10 PM (cdw0X)

******

Welcome to the Horde!
Please post often.

Posted by: Tim in GA at January 28, 2016 03:12 PM (q9Mkv)

209 If Trump wins, I'll be happy. If Cruz wins, I'll be happy. Pretty much sums up where I stand.

Posted by: Soona at January 28, 2016 03:12 PM (Fmupd)

210 And when the last Establishment Republican was down, and Trump turned around on you--where would you hide, Ace, the GOP all being flat? This country's planted thick with Democrats from coast to coast--full of man's laws, not God's--and if you cut down the GOP...and you're just the one to do it ... d'you really think you could stand upright in the Democratic winds that would blow-hard then?

Posted by: Dr. Spaceman at January 28, 2016 03:12 PM (RBGtZ)

211 i'm afraid cruz made a fatal mistake allowing beck to be associated with his campaign

It probably wasn't his wisest move, but its hard to foresee how much that might hurt him. In the modern world, what looms large one week disappears the next.

What was the big outrage last week? Do you even remember? Or who was involved? That's how fast things change now.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 03:12 PM (39g3+)

212 Tinfoil is clearly a growth industry.
During the rectification of the Vuldrini, the traveler came as a large
and moving Torg! Then, during the third reconciliation of the last of
the McKetrick supplicants, they chose a new form for him: that of a
giant Slor! Many Shuvs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the
depths of the Slor that day, I can tell you!

Posted by: Louis Tully at January 28, 2016 03:12 PM (R1a9g)

213 199
i'm afraid cruz made a fatal mistake allowing beck to be associated with his campaign

Posted by: phoenixgirl, i was born a rebel at January 28, 2016 03:09 PM (0O7c5)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sorta like that also ran Obama and that Rev. Wright clown right?

Posted by: CozMark at January 28, 2016 03:12 PM (CbGSW)

214 Trump vs. Hill means I've already lost and it doesn't matter any more.

Posted by: Dr. Spaceman at January 28, 2016 03:07 PM (RBGtZ)

Let It Go

The Trump has the nomination tonight
Not a GOPe to be scene
He faces off with Hillary
It looks like she'll be queen
Trumps monkey's are howling
Like the pain I fell inside
I'm out of hope, nowhere I can hide.

----

Hey! Where are you guys going? I got more!

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 03:12 PM (hLRSq)

215 This is something I've wondered about. I've heard things all over the map about his organization but it's all been anecdotal rather than anything solid. This is going to be the acid test.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:12 PM (9krrF)

216 >>>> Trump cavorting with Satan get a pass?
Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:09 PM
----
Hyperbole much?
Good Lord.

Posted by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 03:12 PM (2x3L+)

217 86 Personally I want to see live video of the precinct amishdude is at. I figure his unhinged insulting rants will push everyone to Trump just to get away from him.
Posted by: Buzzion at January 28, 2016 02:48 PM (z/Ubi)

Funny. I'm the one with the facts and retorts.

What is returned is name-calling and insults.

And, yes, I insult Trump.

Of course, I don't treat him as if he were a retarded child.

It seems Trump supporters do that. Like the supporters of another lightworker we know.

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:12 PM (Xd2w5)

218 He's going to leave the primary in a huff. Bank on it.

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:00 PM (Xd2w5)

I wouldn't take that bet.

Even if he entered to be a gadfly, the prospect of winning would be intoxicating for most people, even without his monstrous ego.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 28, 2016 03:12 PM (Zu3d9)

219 197 Is it that Cruz' name ends with a "z"? Or is it just the celebrity thing? Why Trump and not Cruz? Why does every sin from Cruz/Rubio stain them forever but Trump cavorting with Satan get a pass?
Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:09 PM (Xd2w5)

http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=361196

This is why.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:13 PM (xuouz)

220 Trumps fans are totally the first that stick to their candidate no matter what. So creepy, they just seem to defend him no matter what happens. I can't believe they just keep backing their candidate this way... during primary season no less!!!!

We have NEVER seen this kind of support before. Not from MittBots, HuckaSchmucks, Palinistos, McCainiacs... no one! Never ever!

Posted by: Mega at January 28, 2016 03:13 PM (JwLCI)

221 Just saw a meme from left-leaning relative on Facebook, the only Senators to show up during the blizzard were women.
-------------

The men were out shoveling.

Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:13 PM (xRA8Q)

222 This looks like just the latest talking
point--yesterday's "Trump has high unfavorables" made no sense, so on to
"Trump is disorganized" as he pinpoints rally sites, and keeps building
on his lead.

I wish we had some real information, but I guess we'll have to wait for the primary results to see what's what.

Posted by: artemis at January 28, 2016 02:57 PM (AwPyG)

Trump does have high unfavorables.

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 03:13 PM (OrI3J)

223 I really think missing the debate will hurt him considerably.Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:07 PM (Xd2w5)

Missing the debate will only hurt Trump if one or more of his opponents successfully exploits his absence. Frankly, so far, I haven't seen political genius at work in any of the campaigns except from that of Trump's. Whoever his guy (or gal) is, they know their stuff. Channeling the anger of the rank and fileinto almost fanatical support forTrump isthe smartest play I've seen since Obama's people stole Ryan's divorce records.

Posted by: troyriser at January 28, 2016 03:14 PM (Hz/9Y)

224 "Nah, Trump isn't missing the debate........the debate is missing Trump. It will greatly depress Fox's ratings which is Trump's goal."

And what if it doesn't? What if Fox has great ratings? I say it could happen, for a variety of reasons. If it does, Trump looks like he wasted his star power in more ways than one.

My take: Trump made a huge mistake by bypassing this debate. All the Machiavellian reasons in the world fall into the dustbin when you lose.

Posted by: MaxMBJ at January 28, 2016 03:14 PM (Uq9ly)

225 But you don't actually think he's committed to conservatism, do you?

Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:10 PM (cdw0X)

Was Mccain or Romney?

Honestly, I can't think of any politician who is.

Posted by: Louis Tully at January 28, 2016 03:14 PM (R1a9g)

226 Of course he has no ground game. In case you haven't noticed, he wings everything.

Posted by: gts109 at January 28, 2016 03:14 PM (KIvt1)

227 TRUMP IS THE DEVIL!!!!!

WHAAAAAA!

Posted by: SHRIEKING HARPIES!!!!! AARRGGHH! at January 28, 2016 03:14 PM (LA7Cm)

228 The men were out shoveling.

Good one.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at January 28, 2016 03:14 PM (2lndx)

229 Nah, Trump isn't missing the debate........the debate is missing Trump.

It will greatly depress Fox's ratings which is Trump's goal.
Posted by: Stay out da bushes at January 28, 2016 03:10 PM (rZJS9)

Betcha it won't. Betcha it is higher than the lowest Trump-infused debate.

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:14 PM (Xd2w5)

230 >> Meanwhile, the spreading incurable ZIKA virus will

>> pinhead-ize newborn Americans.

DDT

Posted by: Simon at January 28, 2016 03:14 PM (ZLAox)

231 /sockbusters

Posted by: Mortimer at January 28, 2016 03:14 PM (R1a9g)

232 Psssstt

I heard that cruz is up a huge + 8 in Iowa polls.
Keep it on the DL mkay?

Posted by: kestrel987 at January 28, 2016 03:14 PM (G5q+6)

233 Bias at FOX? Maybe Trump was correct to walk? If true, BIG black eye for FOX.

Fox news executive in charge of debates has daughter working for Marco Rubio

http://tinyurl.com/gvmcwnd

Posted by: I'm the Honey Badger, BITCH! at January 28, 2016 03:14 PM (x5Aob)

234 Drudge has the siren up at the top of the page

Posted by: Stay out da bushes at January 28, 2016 03:14 PM (rZJS9)

235 "221 Just saw a meme from left-leaning relative on Facebook, the only Senators to show up during the blizzard were women.
-------------
The men were out shoveling."

Ain't that the truth ... even if it wasn't in this case.

Posted by: MaxMBJ at January 28, 2016 03:15 PM (Uq9ly)

236 We have NEVER seen this kind of support before. Not from MittBots, HuckaSchmucks, Palinistos, McCainiacs... no one! Never ever!
Posted by: Mega at January 28, 2016 03:13 PM (JwLCI)

There were McCainiacs? Wow.

Posted by: troyriser at January 28, 2016 03:15 PM (Hz/9Y)

237 Frankly, so far, I haven't seen political genius at work in any of the campaigns except from that of Trump's.

Genius? If any of them even had competence we wouldn't be having this conversation...

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:15 PM (9krrF)

238 Now, if your argument for supporting him is "the GOP establishment needs to be taught a lesson," okay. If you think Trump is the closest thing to SMOD, and that we're better off if he wrecks the party so we can rebuild from the ashes, fine.

But you don't actually think he's committed to conservatism, do you?

Never said he was. It's the anti-trumpers that think we think that.
I want him to burn it down.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:15 PM (dnQ1L)

239 208 - Tim in GA

"Welcome to the Horde!"
------------------

Son. *Son*.

You have no idea who you're speaking to.

Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:15 PM (xRA8Q)

240 216 >>>> Trump cavorting with Satan get a pass?
Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:09 PM
----
Hyperbole much?
Good Lord.
Posted by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 03:12 PM (2x3L+)

Yes, of course it's hyperbole.

Maybe I should have put it this way:

Trump could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters, OK?

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:15 PM (Xd2w5)

241 Do you doubt that he's more conservative than Barack Obama, Sanders, or Clinton? Do you doubt he would demand less corruption in the DOJ, IRS, EPA, State, and other government agencies than there is and has been for 7 years?

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:16 PM (xuouz)

242 Newt Gingrich won SC and he is on his third marriage as well, and his current wife he committed adultery with before they got married.
Posted by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 02:48 PM (2x3L+)

Yep. He screwed around constantly on wife numbers one and two, and dumped one while she was sick. I could personally never vote for that fucker. I know he did a lot of good things too, but I can't tolerate what he did to his wives.

Posted by: stace at January 28, 2016 03:16 PM (CoX6k)

243 Drudge siren call to Trump: you better attend. I think he knows he made a big mistake. Sometimes your gut tells you the truth, sometimes it lies. When it lies, the best course of action is to alter course of action.

As Trump will.

Posted by: MaxMBJ at January 28, 2016 03:16 PM (Uq9ly)

244 I was seeing problems with illegal immigration, legal immigration, terrorism, wage stagnation, trade deficits, carbon dioxide as a pollutant, and so on. However, I now recognize that they all rotate about a single evil axis, with the fate of the nation hanging by a corn silk, and that axis is ETHANOL.

The whole country is at rick because Iowa is first. Why?

Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 03:16 PM (NUqwG)

245 160
Question?

Didn't Iowa caucuses achieve their current importance because Jimmy Carter won them in 1976?

Did anyone pay attention to them before?

Posted by: rd

I just read a post yesterday somewheres about Iowa and the stupid caucuses. I'll try to find it. Goes to '68 with the Donks. AFTER they had their mental breakdown, McGovern decided to use the Iowa caucus process. It was all on the Donk side in the 70's. Theres a lot to it, but it was all accidental that Iowa's caucus got moved to Feb and started being used to judge viability.

GOP went along with it, but did change the way they do it because the whole system is so retarded.

Posted by: Yip & 2 Corinthians at January 28, 2016 03:16 PM (e7T6D)

246 Trump could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters, OK?

Of course not. Probably not many Trump voters there for him to hit...

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:16 PM (9krrF)

247 Oh FFS, I give up, trumpsters win, he's awesome, pure pure awesomeness. He can do no wrong, everything he does is 3 dimensional chess, he might even lower the tides and bring the world together. I think I need my smelling salts.

Posted by: spypeach at January 28, 2016 03:17 PM (nyYhO)

248 But you've gotta give the guy credit: he's broken a whole bunch of political theorems and made the pundits look like the clown car they claim he was driving.
Posted by: MaxMBJ at January 28, 2016 03:10 PM (Uq9ly)

I'm not disputing your point.

But shit's not funny anymore. And really good candidates like Walker and Perry got buried because people like the angry clown who goes on TV.

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:17 PM (Xd2w5)

249 Betcha it won't. Betcha it is higher than the lowest Trump-infused debate.
Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:14 PM (Xd2w5)

-------------

Any why would anyone watch? Who do they want to see? What questions haven't been asked/answered yet?

My guess, their ratings will be less than half of what they would have been if Trump did attend.

Posted by: Stay out da bushes at January 28, 2016 03:17 PM (rZJS9)

250 Posted by: troyriser at January 28, 2016 03:15 PM (Hz/9Y)

Pepperidge Farm remembers.

Posted by: Mega at January 28, 2016 03:17 PM (JwLCI)

251
I really think missing the debate will hurt him considerably.
Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:07 PM (Xd2w5)
______________________

What?? There's a debate??? *cough,,cough-cough-cough-cough-cough,,cough...* Huma,, fetch my slippers I've got some debate'n to do....
*cough,,cough-cough-cough-cough-cough,,cough...*

*hic*

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at January 28, 2016 03:17 PM (HSmrB)

252 Posted by: Simon at January 28, 2016 03:14 PM (ZLAox)

And eradicate malaria while we're at it.

Oh...never mind....that's just poor coloreds in Africa. A nonexistent threat to birds of prey that has been debunked by science is more important than their lives.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 28, 2016 03:17 PM (Zu3d9)

253 THIS WILL BE THE HIGHEST RATED DEBATE.....EVAHHHHHH!

WHAAAAAA!!!!

Posted by: SHRIEKING HARPIES!!!!! AARRGGHH! at January 28, 2016 03:18 PM (LA7Cm)

254 >>Just saw a meme from left-leaning relative on Facebook, the only Senators to show up during the blizzard were women.

Rosa DeLaurio (sp?) just scared the snow off the sidewalks for them.

Posted by: garrett at January 28, 2016 03:18 PM (qqwYn)

255 Ok, seriously, the idea that people here of all places aren't supporting Cruz because of his ethnicity is just ridiculous.

I would wager that 80% of the posters here are either on Team Cruz or would happily vote for him. We have maybe a handful of hardcore Trump supporters, and everyone else just thinks the whole thing is a fun screw you to the GOPe.

So let's take it down a few notches, k?

Posted by: Lauren at January 28, 2016 03:18 PM (Z/8dZ)

256 219 197 Is it that Cruz' name ends with a "z"? Or is it just the celebrity thing? Why Trump and not Cruz?

Why does every sin from Cruz/Rubio stain them forever

BECAUSE THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE THE CONSERVATIVE

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:18 PM (dnQ1L)

257 "Do you doubt that he's more conservative than Barack Obama, Sanders, or Clinton?"
- - - - -

Considering that he gave money to and spoke highly of Clinton, yes I do doubt that.

Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:18 PM (cdw0X)

258 "But you don't actually think he's committed to conservatism, do you?"

I don't see any candidates who clear my bar for "committed to conservatism".

Wish that Jeff Sessions had run. And I even have a few bones to pick with him.

Posted by: torquewrench at January 28, 2016 03:19 PM (noWW6)

259 Great, now I am compelled to try vodka infused whipping cream in a can.

Posted by: Victim of the Power of Suggestion at January 28, 2016 03:19 PM (FtrY1)

260 you got to love it:

"Trump is hitler for saying illegal aliens from Mexico are criminals who are raping and murdering and DUI'ing all over America, while sucking up welfare."

"I know, right? But why are they coming here?"

"because Mexico is a crime riddled hell hole full of rapists, murderers, and drunk drivers, and there's not even any good welfare"

"verily, trump is hitler."

Posted by: joe-impeachin44 at January 28, 2016 03:19 PM (EjBTO)

261 >>>> Nah, Trump isn't missing the debate........the debate is missing Trump.
It will greatly depress Fox's ratings which is Trump's goal.
Posted by: Stay out da bushes at
-----
Fox was originally asking for 750K for each ad buy. They have since had to drop it to 150K since Trump pulled out.

Posted by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 03:19 PM (2x3L+)

262 "227 TRUMP IS THE DEVIL!!!!!

He's got my vote then.

Posted by: David Puddy at January 28, 2016 03:19 PM (OD2ni)

263 Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:10 PM (cdw0X)

Welcome back!

And yes, if it is not Cruz, the Trump, and if not Those two, then Bern it all down.

Posted by: rd at January 28, 2016 03:20 PM (v0YLX)

264 Trump cavorting with Satan get a pass?

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:09 PM

----

Hyperbole much?

Good Lord.

Posted by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 03:12 PM (2x3L+)

No... here he is literally cavorting with Satan: http://tinyurl.com/ze6we9o

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 03:20 PM (OrI3J)

265 But shit's not funny anymore. And really good candidates like Walker and Perry got buried because people like the angry clown who goes on TV.

Hey now. I wouldn't say those were Trump casualties. Perry never felt ready for prime time and Walker made his own mistakes.

I say again, the only reason Trump is a thing is because the GOP got so stupid. Hate the game, not the playa.

(Remember, I'm pretty much Team Cruz as of this week. Accusations of being a Trump apologist or fanboi will be directed to /dev/null.)

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:20 PM (9krrF)

266 246 Trump could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters, OK?

Of course not. Probably not many Trump voters there for him to hit...
Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:16 PM (9krrF)

And he'd be shooting yankees anyway.......

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:20 PM (dnQ1L)

267 234 Drudge has the siren up at the top of the page
Posted by: Stay out da bushes at January 28, 2016 03:14 PM (rZJS9)

Nothing there now.

Posted by: joncelli, Boned like You at January 28, 2016 03:20 PM (RD7QR)

268 "Instead I ended up spraying whipped cream straight into my mouth to chase down the vodka."

I usually do that the other way around. Oh, yeah-Go Trump!

Posted by: Gunga Done at January 28, 2016 03:20 PM (pnRrB)

269 I wouldn't take that bet.

Even if he entered to be a gadfly, the prospect of winning would be intoxicating for most people, even without his monstrous ego.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 28, 2016 03:12 PM (Zu3d9)

I agree. That's why I said it got out of hand. I think he was expecting Buchanan-like numbers, which are pathetic if running against one guy (30%) but look yuge against a broken field, especially with an LIB contingent.

He got too big. He wasn't supposed to. He was supposed to be the anti-Jeb. But, in fact, he's the only thing keeping Jeb in the race.

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:21 PM (Xd2w5)

270 Someone is spreading the rumor that you can't vote for Trump via Facebook.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at January 28, 2016 03:21 PM (Qvgg/)

271 Haven't read the comments yet but I bet there are at least two that say this is a genius strategy on Trump's part.

Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:21 PM (ziriD)

272 Why does every sin from Cruz/Rubio stain them forever but Trump cavorting with Satan get a pass?
Posted by: AmishDude

it's the betrayal dude. you're soaking in it. Trump hasn't betrayed anyone yet.

Rubio and Cruz and the rest fooled us once. shame on them. you want to be fooled by them again. shame on you.

Posted by: x at January 28, 2016 03:21 PM (nFwvY)

273 Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:10 PM (cdw0X)

speaking for myself... a Trump supporter....

I don't think he is a Conservative...

He is a Pro American Asshole... he is a business man in a time our Economy is in shatters... he is pro Military... and he is someone the rest of the world Leaders will not be able to roll, like we have been for the last FIFTEEN years.

I can see him as EFFECTIVE.... and that is not something the GOP has had since the 80's...

Perfect? far from it.... but the 'conservative' leaders we currently have can't seem to get ANYTHING accomplished...

I'd rather support someone who can get me half a Conservative Loaf.... than someone totally ineffective who promises me a whole conservative loaf, but delivers nothing but more Progressive victories.

Posted by: Don Quixote at January 28, 2016 03:21 PM (f7rv6)

274 I think peeps will turn on debate for 2 minutes to see how they handle The Donalds absence then turn it off

If they give ratings 5 min into the program it will likely be waaaaay lower than the other debates

Posted by: ginaswo at January 28, 2016 03:21 PM (qxNrP)

275 >> Trump could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot >> somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters, OK?

This is another one of those things that really redounds to Trump's advantage.

He's saying "I could do something utterly beyond any moral code and get away with it." He's saying it with astonishment, with a sense of wonder and without any suggestion he's actually going to do it.

Unlike, say, Hillary, who's already done something even more harmful just to keep her emails out of the prying hands of Congress and FOIA, and regards it as Just What Clintons Do because Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy.

Posted by: JEM at January 28, 2016 03:21 PM (o+SC1)

276 Fox was originally asking for 750K for each ad buy. They have since had to drop it to 150K since Trump pulled out.

That's gonna leave a mark.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:21 PM (dnQ1L)

277 "Great, now I am compelled to try vodka infused whipping cream in a can."

Can I come over? Hic.

Posted by: Grandma Hillary at January 28, 2016 03:21 PM (OD2ni)

278 I want him to burn it down.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:15 PM (dnQ1L)

And you think that is the best way to rescue this country?

I disagree.

A Cruz presidency (or even better, a Perry presidency) would have a fighting chance. But I simply don't see Trump doing anything substantive to slow the slide into the shitstorm I expect.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 28, 2016 03:21 PM (Zu3d9)

279 Trump does have high unfavorables.

So does Hillary, but everyone assumes she's a shoo-in. I dunno what it means, just pointing out that they only seem to matter sometimes.

And really good candidates like Walker and Perry got buried because people like the angry clown who goes on TV.

That is a frustration. I'd be more upset if I didn't think the next guy in office is going to have to eat a huge greasy baby-diarrhea sandwich and I'd rather someone I really respected wasn't in there.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 03:22 PM (39g3+)

280 Was stuck in a room this morning with The View on (I think I must have had some information that somebody wanted) and the hags were all calling Trump a "coward" for not facing Fox News.

Hilarious, considering that line of attack was written by Democrat operatives, whose entire party of course NEVER attends debates on Fox News. Those ugly, old, dried up she-rags forgot to mention that part.

Posted by: Mega at January 28, 2016 03:22 PM (JwLCI)

281 TRUMP IS A CLOWN!!!!!!

WWWHHHAAAAA!!!!!!!

Posted by: SHRIEKING HARPIES!!!!! AARRGGHH! at January 28, 2016 03:22 PM (LA7Cm)

282 241 Do you doubt that he's more conservative than Barack Obama, Sanders, or Clinton? Do you doubt he would demand less corruption in the DOJ, IRS, EPA, State, and other government agencies than there is and has been for 7 years?

=======

Dude, Kasich is more conservative than Obama. Huntsman is more conservative than Obama. That doesn't matter.

Y'know why I don't want Huntsman or Kasich or McCain as President? Because they have a habit of trying to the "moderate" who always ends up criticizing conservatives and thus neutering their side.

Why do Trump supporters thing he will do anything but vex any Conservatives in Congress trying to get things done? He'll either be played by the establishment, or be fighting personal, petty battles which is what he has always done in his entire professional history.

He's not a genius. He's Dunning-Krueger made flesh. And he has a reality show.

Of all the possible shitheads that could sit impotently in the White House, choosing a sleazy casino-owner reality show star seems to be the worst scenario.

I don't mind if the GOP gets burned down. As long as it is burned on principle.

Posted by: Dr. Spaceman at January 28, 2016 03:22 PM (RBGtZ)

283 Trump could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters, OK?

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:15 PM (Xd2w5)

They're enthusiastic people, his supporters. The best ever. Classy guys and gals. Trump always has the best, he insists on the best, and his supporters, they're the best.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 03:23 PM (hLRSq)

284
No... here he is literally cavorting with Satan:

I gave Satan a medal.

Posted by: HEB ! at January 28, 2016 03:23 PM (R1a9g)

285 Considering that he gave money to and spoke highly of Clinton, yes I do doubt that.
Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:18 PM (cdw0X)

So making a political donation makes you an untouchable? It's red vs blue and everybody has to be pure and 100% certain on all topics at all times? We don't want to sway, convince, and convert other Americans who lean left, we want to disparage, marginalize, and defeat them?

Remember Brendan Eich?

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:23 PM (xuouz)

286 (Please like me.)

Posted by: HEB ! at January 28, 2016 03:23 PM (R1a9g)

287 Now, if your argument for supporting him is "the GOP establishment needs
to be taught a lesson," okay. If you think Trump is the closest thing
to SMOD, and that we're better off if he wrecks the party so we can
rebuild from the ashes, fine. But you don't actually think he's
committed to conservatism, do you?
---
Not really, no.

I expect him not to want to be a one-termer, so he'll have to make some serious attempt to perform on some of his campaign promises and cracking down on mexican and mohammadan colonization efforts are things he can do just by forcing the rest of the executive to carry out existing law. And I trust him to do a better job of negotiating with America's enemies than Ryan and McConell do...because of Ryan and Mcconnell.

Beyond that, the next presidency is going to be pretty shitty due to economic implosion and a world war starring Iran and Saudi Arabia, regardless of who's in the WH. So why not use it as a mulligan to make the GOP an unreliable investment for the CoC goons?

Posted by: Methos, AoS commenter since 2006, apparently also non-voting democrat at January 28, 2016 03:23 PM (ZbV+0)

288 "Fox was originally asking for 750K for each ad buy. They have since had to drop it to 150K since Trump pulled out. "

Damn.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at January 28, 2016 03:23 PM (LA7Cm)

289 Caucuses are losahs! Weak. Soft! They're failing for a reason! Caucuses steal my publicity- just look at the polls! Amazing. The cameras never show
my polls-- throw the damn cameras out of here! The cameras are weak because they're losahs! That's who they are. I'm amazing, not the caucuses-- not the cameras either!
ME! Btw, have I mentioned how many amazing married
brawds I've schlonged? If I wrote about it, it'd be an amazing bestseller!

Posted by: mnw (fair and ballast) at January 28, 2016 03:23 PM (rqQ57)

290 Ah, Trump mania. Might attend after all. We shall see. (When does this happen, anyway?)

Posted by: joncelli, Boned like You at January 28, 2016 03:23 PM (RD7QR)

291 I'm hoping Trump wins and wins big....just to piss off AmishD.

Posted by: Soona at January 28, 2016 03:23 PM (Fmupd)

292 Fox was originally asking for 750K for each ad buy. They have since had to drop it to 150K since Trump pulled out.

And ultimately this is the problem with debates. They aren't about informing the public, they aren't about getting to know candidates or finding their stand on issues. Its about making news media companies money and they're, what, mid-20th century technique? Enough, already.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 03:24 PM (39g3+)

293 I think I need my smelling salts.

Posted by: spypeach at January 28, 2016 03:17 PM (nyYhO)

I know, the whole thing is so exciting it makes me giddy also!

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 03:24 PM (hLRSq)

294 225 Louis Tully

"Was Mccain or Romney?

Honestly, I can't think of any politician who is."

- - - - - -

With both of those gents I could reasonably expect them to govern consistent with their prior experience. Super-conservative? Of course not, but I could say with confidence that they were to the right of their Democratic opponent.

You can't assure me that Trump would govern to Hillary's right.

Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:24 PM (IRqa0)

295
(Remember, I'm pretty much Team Cruz as of this week. Accusations of being a Trump apologist or fanboi will be directed to /dev/null.)
Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:20 PM (9krrF

Being a Walker & a Perry & Jindal guy I find nothing inaccurate in what you said. Perry suffered from 2012. Walker got a case of the waffles & Jindal never caught on.

Trump has been hitting the right notes on things that the base are pissed off about. He's a cult of personality. The things we are pissed off about he wont do squat if elected. He's more interested in working with the left.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 28, 2016 03:24 PM (voOPb)

296 They're enthusiastic people, his supporters. The best ever. Classy guys and gals. Trump always has the best, he insists on the best, and his supporters, they're the best.
Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 03:23 PM (hLRSq)
-----
Have you seen the cars in the parking lots for his events? Very shiny. Very classy. The best cars. Really great cars.

Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 03:24 PM (NUqwG)

297 Trump seems to bring out all the Dems claiming to be life long Republicans? Must be s syndrome or seomthing

Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 28, 2016 03:25 PM (kzdjp)

298 I can't wait until the Trump supporters find out that the media wasn't "stumped" by Trump, so much as hoping he wins so cankles has a better chance.

Just wait until the real dirt comes out.

There's a reason there has been little dirt yet.

Posted by: Harun at January 28, 2016 03:25 PM (UBBWX)

299 So let's take it down a few notches, k?

Posted by: Lauren at January 28, 2016 03:18 PM (Z/8dZ)

Aw mom! You never let me have any fun!

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 03:25 PM (hLRSq)

300
You can't assure me that Trump would govern to Hillary's right.

*shrug*

The form of the Destructor has been chosen.

Posted by: Mortimer at January 28, 2016 03:26 PM (R1a9g)

301 "don't interrupt your enemy when he's making a mistake."

That said, Trump may still pull it off.

Posted by: Harun at January 28, 2016 03:26 PM (UBBWX)

302 it's a good thing i have short term memory.........the back and forth pissing contests are getting old....but i can't remember who is saying what so.....i still like the ones of you i originally liked.....

Posted by: phoenixgirl, i was born a rebel at January 28, 2016 03:26 PM (0O7c5)

303 296 They're enthusiastic people, his supporters. The best ever. Classy guys and gals. Trump always has the best, he insists on the best, and his supporters, they're the best.
Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 03:23 PM (hLRSq)
-----
Have you seen the cars in the parking lots for his events? Very shiny. Very classy. The best cars. Really great cars.
Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 03:24 PM (NUqwG)

I'll bet they're yuge and luxurious too.

Posted by: joncelli, Boned like You at January 28, 2016 03:26 PM (RD7QR)

304 And you think that is the best way to rescue this country?

Can't rescue a corpse.

The divide seems to be whether or not it's too late to stop what's coming. Those of us on Team LiB say it's too late and we should look to the other side of it. Those of you of a more optimistic bent think it can still be stopped. I respect that, even if I think it's sadly wrong, but you go ahead.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:26 PM (9krrF)

305 Aw fuck, not this shit again. For me, anybody but Hildebeast.

Posted by: chavez the hugo at January 28, 2016 03:26 PM (ucDmr)

306 The anti-Trumpers are just speculating wildly.

Trump has never *done* anything politically. The things he has done are build his own personal brand, build a real estate empire, build a media career and persona, and profit profit profit.

In the meantime he's said lots of things. He'll say anything, that much is clear.

So what is he saying now?

All I'm trying to do is let events guide my opinion, and not the other way around. And I can't help but pull for the guy. He's not conservative. He's not republican. He's just taking a stand on things that are for some reason not supposed to be said, and he's having fun doing it.

You're all still invited to the big yuge show.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:26 PM (xuouz)

307 >>>> Yes, of course it's hyperbole.
Maybe I should have put it this way:
Trump could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters, OK?
Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:15 PM
-----
And why would you? You're so much more dignified and smarter and sophisticated than any of us who are considering voting for Trump. You do know that most of the people here who are willing to vote for Trump prefer Cruz, right?

Your big problem seems to be you support neither of those guys and are all butthurt that your chosen candidate that you have refused to disclose repeatedly isn't going anywhere.
You're not married to 80sBaby, are you?

Posted by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 03:27 PM (2x3L+)

308 71 Haven't read the comments yet but I bet there are at least two that say this is a genius strategy on Trump's part.

Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:21 PM (ziriD)

And even more who will say he's an idiot... and anyone who supports him is stupid...

Posted by: Don Quixote at January 28, 2016 03:27 PM (f7rv6)

309 Methos:

"I expect him not to want to be a one-termer, so he'll have to make some serious attempt to perform on some of his campaign promises and cracking down on mexican and mohammadan colonization efforts are things he can do just by forcing the rest of the executive to carry out existing law."
- - - - - - - - -

Or he could win a second term by tossing Free Shit at the Free Shit Army once he gets in office. There's no reason that he needs your vote twice. He can get your vote now, and some leftist's vote next time.

Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:27 PM (IRqa0)

310 If you look back at the posting and comments during the 2012 election , people were angry that there was not a true conservative to select and that if only we had one to run everyone would see the voters accept the message but the establishment wouldn't allow it. People were adamant that all we needed was a real conservative candidate. Well we got one now and those same people are flocking to a liberal populist instead. It would be hilariously ironic if it was so sad.

Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:27 PM (ziriD)

311 I can see him as EFFECTIVE.... and that is not something the GOP has had since the 80's...

Perfect? far from it.... but the 'conservative' leaders we currently have can't seem to get ANYTHING accomplished...

I'd rather support someone who can get me half a Conservative
Loaf.... than someone totally ineffective who promises me a whole
conservative loaf, but delivers nothing but more Progressive victories.

Posted by: Don Quixote at January 28, 2016 03:21 PM (f7rv6)

I don't want a non-conservative EFFECTIVELY fucking us over... we've had enough of that for the last 7+ years with our current lightbringer.

Trump is not going to give you half of a conservative loaf because a) he is not conservative so that is not the loaf in his hand to be split and b) he has already promised to "make deals" with the establishment both Democratic and Republican.

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 03:27 PM (OrI3J)

312 Aw fuck, not this shit again. For me, anybody but Hildebeast

I hear You except No Jeb! or Kasich for Me...

Posted by: donna at January 28, 2016 03:27 PM (/dSsq)

313 OT but that sidebar story about the cops killing that family's dog makes me sick. The poor critter was already at the end of a catch pole, but officer asshole has to go and shoot it five times? WTF is wrong with these fuckers? Are they that eager to kill something?

Posted by: Insomniac - Pale Horse/Death 2016 at January 28, 2016 03:27 PM (kpqmD)

314 Yeah, somehow Perry hit the ground with his hat in his hand. Besides hiring those McCain schmucks cast a dark shadow.

Posted by: Simon at January 28, 2016 03:27 PM (ZLAox)

315 But shit's not funny anymore. And really good candidates like Walker and Perry got buried because people like the angry clown who goes on TV.
Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:17 PM (Xd2w5)

Perry screwed himself over when he demonstrated that he still hadn't learned his lesson that people are pissed about the unsecured border. Walker screwed up with going big on spending too early.

Posted by: buzzion at January 28, 2016 03:27 PM (z/Ubi)

316 Can't rescue a corpse.

The divide seems to be whether or not it's too late to stop what's
coming. Those of us on Team LiB say it's too late and we should look to
the other side of it. Those of you of a more optimistic bent think it
can still be stopped. I respect that, even if I think it's sadly wrong,
but you go ahead.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist

I will repeat my self:

2008 was America's suicide.
2012 was just the body flopping in the tub.

Posted by: Mortimer at January 28, 2016 03:28 PM (R1a9g)

317 Here in SC, our Lt. Governor has just endorsed Teh Donald. As an ally of Nikki Haley, I wonder what she thinks of his endorsement.

Posted by: Lady in Black - Death to the Man Bun at January 28, 2016 03:28 PM (pVkEV)

318 .....WASN'T so sad.

Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:28 PM (ziriD)

319 "305 Aw fuck, not this shit again. For me, anybody but Hildebeast.
Posted by: chavez the hugo"

Yup. Even, God forbid, Heb. I despise that woman.

Posted by: Benji Carver at January 28, 2016 03:28 PM (OD2ni)

320 And you think that is the best way to rescue this country?

I disagree.

A Cruz presidency (or even better, a Perry presidency) would have a fighting chance. But I simply don't see Trump doing anything substantive to slow the slide into the shitstorm I expect.

Honestly? I don't see ANYONE doing anything to slow the slide.
Cruz will get rolled.

WHEN, except for Ronaldus Maximus, has ANY republican slowed the growth of the leviathan?

WHEN? WHO?

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:29 PM (dnQ1L)

321 286 (Please like me.)
Posted by: HEB ! at January 28, 2016 03:23 PM (R1a9g)

Go away Jeb, ya fuckin milquetoast. Go and shop for some platform shoes you clown.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:29 PM (xuouz)

322 Russian fighters are thumping US recon planes over the Black Sea again. The 80s called to thank Obama for bringing them back. Everything old is new again. http://tinyurl.com/z3rbecx

Posted by: no good deed at January 28, 2016 03:29 PM (GgxVX)

323 Went for a walk.
The Geese are caucusing overhead.
It was noisy, they didn't come to a consensus on which way to go.
Pretty sure grass will be turned into shit.
It's not a great fuel.
It will mess up the golf course.
They're Canadians.

Posted by: DaveA at January 28, 2016 03:29 PM (DL2i+)

324 s/b myself

Posted by: Mortimer at January 28, 2016 03:29 PM (R1a9g)

325 I'm going back to watching documentary on National Lampoon.

Posted by: Carol at January 28, 2016 03:29 PM (sj3Ax)

326 "The form of the Destructor has been chosen."

-------------

Good, I just want to make sure that that's what you guys are doing with your Trump votes. I would despair for my country if I thought you actually thought that he could serve as anything other than a wrecking ball for the awful GOPe.

Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:29 PM (IRqa0)

327 I'm hoping Trump wins and wins big....just to piss off AmishD.
Posted by: Soona at January 28, 2016 03:23 PM (Fmupd)

I guess as long as your team is winning then pay no attention to the stadium burning around you.

Posted by: spypeach at January 28, 2016 03:30 PM (nyYhO)

328 201 Questions for the Trump supporters:

What gives you confidence that he's a conservative, and not just saying conservative stuff to get elected? How strongly do you believe that in the trade of your vote for his promise to be conservative, he's going to hold up his end of the bargain?

I don't think anyone who has thought hard about Trump can conclude that he can be trusted.

Now, if your argument for supporting him is "the GOP establishment needs to be taught a lesson," okay. If you think Trump is the closest thing to SMOD, and that we're better off if he wrecks the party so we can rebuild from the ashes, fine. But you don't actually think he's committed to conservatism, do you?
Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:10 PM (cdw0X)

-----------------

Just a few things, but honestly, I've been voting Republican all my life and am used to getting stabbed in the back.

I don't think he's committed to conservatism, but he is committed to winning. And I think he thinks his winning strategy is to ride the conservative horse to victory. Also I hear stories that he really relates to common people. There's the one about him helping some old lady in Georgia about to lose her farm. He read about in the paper and ended up saving her farm for her. Erick Ericsson, no friend of Trump, related that he met Trump way back when and he would stop to talk to somebody that he thought was having some problem.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at January 28, 2016 03:30 PM (LXJ1e)

329 Oh and I almost forgot - you're a bunch of Nazis who jack it to tentacle hentai. Well, if the very mention of Trump's name doesn't send you into a spittle-flecked hate-fueled rage that is.

Posted by: Insomniac - Pale Horse/Death 2016 at January 28, 2016 03:30 PM (kpqmD)

330 -----------------------------------------------
Questions for the Trump supporters:

What gives you confidence that he's a conservative, and not just saying conservative stuff to get elected?
-----------------------------------------------

I'm not confident he's conservative. I'm confident that exactly nobody in the running is conservative. Sure, we get hopeful about some, but in the end they *all* play by the DC-Media-Liberal Queensbury Rules which are there specifically to reward them and their cronies, and to destroy conservatism and eventually this country as the last great hope on Earth.

Now... who is the only (R) in the running who gives absolutely no appearance of a flying fuck about the "rules"?

Posted by: Mega at January 28, 2016 03:30 PM (JwLCI)

331 303 296 They're enthusiastic people, his supporters. The best ever. Classy guys and gals. Trump always has the best, he insists on the best, and his supporters, they're the best.
Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 03:23 PM (hLRSq)
-----
Have you seen the cars in the parking lots for his events? Very shiny. Very classy. The best cars. Really great cars.
Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 03:24 PM (NUqwG)

I'll bet they're yuge and luxurious too.
Posted by: joncelli, Boned like You at January 28, 2016 03:26 PM (RD7QR

Their haircuts are Fabulous. Barber shop business is Yuuge

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 28, 2016 03:30 PM (voOPb)

332 I gave Satan a medal.

Posted by: HEB ! at January 28, 2016 03:23 PM (R1a9g)

Yes you did HEB!... yes you did.

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 03:30 PM (OrI3J)

333 Trump not spending money on his ground game is absolutely part of the ESTABLISHMENT~!'s plan to elect RUBIO!!!!

RIGHT?!?!?!?!?1111

Diabolical!!!!!!

Posted by: Vyce at January 28, 2016 03:30 PM (25KoR)

334 Just wait until the real dirt comes out.

There's a reason there has been little dirt yet.

Posted by: Harun at January 28, 2016 03:25 PM (UBBWX)

Opposition research will consist of reading back issues of People and the New York Post.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 03:30 PM (hLRSq)

335 Of all the possible shitheads that could sit impotently in the White House, choosing a sleazy casino-owner reality show star seems to be the worst scenario.

Over a dog eating crach-head, a felon, or an admitted commie? Srsly?

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:31 PM (dnQ1L)

336 "Yeah, somehow Perry hit the ground with his hat in his hand. Besides hiring those McCain schmucks cast a dark shadow."

Steve Schmidt is the GOP version of Bob Shrum. Automatic kiss of death. I liked Perry, too.

Posted by: Benji Carver at January 28, 2016 03:31 PM (OD2ni)

337 My big curiosity on the IA and NH primaries is going to the dem race. If Bernie wins, what is the Hildebeast going to do.

Will she be clawing at the casket lid hoping the super-delegates save her.......or what?

Posted by: Soona at January 28, 2016 03:31 PM (Fmupd)

338 "Can't rescue a corpse."

Oh, I beg to differ.

Posted by: Dr. Herbert West at January 28, 2016 03:31 PM (kpqmD)

339 Posted by: Don Quixote at January 28, 2016 03:27 PM (f7rv6)

You must be one who thinks it's genius.

Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:32 PM (ziriD)

340 139 This looks like just the latest talking point--yesterday's "Trump has high unfavorables" made no sense,

According to the RCP average, Trump is at 34.4% favorable/57.8% unfavorable. What part of that makes no sense?

Posted by: Baron Von Ottomatic at January 28, 2016 03:32 PM (desdq)

341 "Great, now I am compelled to try vodka infused whipping cream in a can."

They have that?????

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 03:32 PM (OrI3J)

342 I would despair for my country if I thought you actually thought that he could serve as anything other than a wrecking ball for the awful GOPe.

One would think that had been made painstakingly clear by now.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:32 PM (9krrF)

343 314 Yeah, somehow Perry hit the ground with his hat in his hand. Besides hiring those McCain schmucks cast a dark shadow.

Posted by: Simon

it's weird how that guy be an ex dem is not an issue for certain people. or his immigration crap.

Posted by: x at January 28, 2016 03:32 PM (nFwvY)

344 Geez lousie here We go again..... Everyone needs to lighten up...

Posted by: donna at January 28, 2016 03:32 PM (/dSsq)

345 How good are your candidates if they get beaten out of the gate by a clown.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at January 28, 2016 03:33 PM (LXJ1e)

346 341 "Great, now I am compelled to try vodka infused whipping cream in a can."

They have that?????

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 03:32 PM (OrI3J)

No but you can get whipped cream flavored vodka.

Posted by: buzzion at January 28, 2016 03:33 PM (z/Ubi)

347 it's a good thing i have short term memory.........the back and forth pissing contests are getting old....but i can't remember who is saying what so.....i still like the ones of you i originally liked.....

Posted by: phoenixgirl, i was born a rebel at January 28, 2016 03:26 PM (0O7c5)

I'm here to provide entertainment and discounts on hard to find synonyms, antonyms and homonyms for words of rage, despair, and cackling hair-pulling madness.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 03:33 PM (hLRSq)

348 If I vote, I will vote (R)
In a hope that more Scalias, Alitos & Thomases are appointed to SCOTUS.

I know a weak dream, but it is all i have

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 28, 2016 03:33 PM (voOPb)

349 I know its conventional wisdom that get out the vote is what wins, but that seems to presume two things

1) your candidate is so lacking in charisma and excitement people need motivation to go vote
2) your voters are basically stupid and lazy and won't know where or how to vote until hand held.

Now maybe there's validity to that, but it seems to me that a candidate that's just really interesting would be a better deal.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 03:33 PM (39g3+)

350 Trump is a two'fer. If he goes conservative we win if he goes typical Trump we get a fast Bern. Either way, as they say on TV, we will have closure.

Posted by: Simon at January 28, 2016 03:33 PM (ZLAox)

351 But shit's not funny anymore. And really good candidates like Walker and
Perry got buried because people like the angry clown who goes on TV.
---
That is funny actually.

Perry got booted for being pro-mexican out of some misguided notion that non-uniformed invaders somehow deserve humane treatment.

Walker got tossed for changing his position on the invasion after some donor goon demanded it.

They're both losers whose presidential aspirations came to the end they deserved.

Posted by: Methos, AoS commenter since 2006, apparently also non-voting democrat at January 28, 2016 03:33 PM (ZbV+0)

352 "Opposition research will consist of reading back issues of People and the New York Post."

One of my favorite NY Post front page headlines was when his affair with Marla Maples became public:

IVANA DIVORCE!

Posted by: Benji Carver at January 28, 2016 03:33 PM (OD2ni)

353 "I liked Perry, too."

When reflecting upon the current shitshow in Houston, where the filmmakers who blew the whistle on Planned Parenthood's sale of aborted baby organs just got slapped with felony indictments by the local DA's office, we should remember that the DA in question originally ended up in that office because Rick Perry appointed her to it.

I get more and more of a "dodged the bullet" sensation every time Perry is mentioned.

Posted by: torquewrench at January 28, 2016 03:34 PM (noWW6)

354 Sigh. I need to fall off the wagon just so I can comment drunk on these threads.

Posted by: joncelli, Boned like You at January 28, 2016 03:34 PM (RD7QR)

355 Great, now I am compelled to try vodka infused whipping cream in a can.

Use that with root beer-flavored vodka and some vanilla ice cream to make a really hardcore float.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:34 PM (9krrF)

356 But you don't actually think he's committed to conservatism, do you?
---------
No, I don't. I find that an actual strength and not a weakness. The 'committed conservatives' and their politics have failed the country. Their laundry list of 'important issues' is no longer the key list of changes needed for the future of the country.

Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 03:34 PM (NUqwG)

357 I would despair for my country if I thought you actually thought that
he could serve as anything other than a wrecking ball for the awful
GOPe.

On the whole Trump thing?

I am just shocked that Oprah didn't beat him to the punch re: celebrity candidacy.

Of course, he has not yet picked a VP...

Posted by: Mortimer at January 28, 2016 03:34 PM (R1a9g)

358 I guess as long as your team is winning then pay no attention to the stadium burning around you.
Posted by: spypeach

Psssst. It's been burning. For a long f'n time.

$19 Trillion in debt. $123 TRILLION in unfunded liabilities.

Oh yeah. It's burning. Been burning.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:34 PM (dnQ1L)

359 So let's take it down a few notches, k?

Posted by: Lauren at January 28, 2016 03:18 PM (Z/8dZ)

Cruz? Sure. I'll vote for him.

Unless he's a Joooo. He's not a Joooo, is he?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo...Anti-Semite at January 28, 2016 03:35 PM (Zu3d9)

360 352 "Opposition research will consist of reading back issues of People and the New York Post."

I'm just curious what is in the 500 pages on Trump the Clinton Presidential library is gonna release in April...

Posted by: donna at January 28, 2016 03:35 PM (/dSsq)

361 Glad weaseltop has plenty of moolah, I will hold on to my hard earned scratch.

Posted by: maddogg, now certified infrequently vile at January 28, 2016 03:35 PM (xWW96)

362 Their haircuts? Amazing. Like their cars. Like my polls. Just amazing. Nasty guys, not good guys. They don't have amazing cars and haircuts.

Posted by: mnw (fair and ballast) at January 28, 2016 03:35 PM (rqQ57)

363 Fox was originally asking for 750K for each ad buy. They have since had to drop it to 150K since Trump pulled out.

That's gonna leave a mark.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:21 PM (dnQ1L)

Trump has a beard but all of the ad time at 150 and now will announce he is in and sell @ 750

Posted by: Velvet Ambition at January 28, 2016 03:35 PM (QPdNE)

364 Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:27 PM (ziriD)

2012 was four years ago. I think some people have reached the stage where they're saying "Frack it," and rolling flashbangs under the flaps of the GOP big tent.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 03:35 PM (hLRSq)

365 Perry's problem was twofold.

A) he listened to the terrible advice to go hard after Trump.

B) the indictment hampered his fundraising efforts. Fuck the libs in Austin for that one.

Posted by: Lauren at January 28, 2016 03:35 PM (Kqit+)

366 310 If you look back at the posting and comments during the 2012 election , people were angry that there was not a true conservative to select and that if only we had one to run everyone would see the voters accept the message but the establishment wouldn't allow it. People were adamant that all we needed was a real conservative candidate. Well we got one now and those same people are flocking to a liberal populist instead. It would be hilariously ironic if it was so sad.
Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:27 PM (ziriD)

In the meantime bubblegum pop-liberalism has become more entrenched, the nation is more polarized, there are millions more illegal aliens, and the government has begun jailing and legally targeting and murdering its political opponents.

We can't afford to score political points anymore. We need common sense and competence and honesty, and to reach out to those on the left so the next president has a mandate to make real changes. He could begin simply by exposing the dept of corruption and outright abuse of the population by the federal bureaucracy.

Who in the race is willing to say what needs to be said, not equivocate, and not back down? AND could win the general?

I will vote for Cruz with enthusiasm. Unfortunately I don't live in IA or NH or SC, so I might not have the opportunity to do so.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:35 PM (xuouz)

367 2) your voters are basically stupid and lazy and won't know where or how to vote until hand held.

Sadly, there's mounds of evidence backing up that one.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:35 PM (9krrF)

368 "No but you can get whipped cream flavored vodka."

Any flavor will do. Hic.

Posted by: Grandma Hillary at January 28, 2016 03:35 PM (OD2ni)

369 I was going to spray Victory in whipped cream on the Rack

Now I'm surprised the blog still functions.

Posted by: DaveA at January 28, 2016 03:36 PM (DL2i+)

370 Questions for the Trump supporters:

What gives you confidence that he's a conservative, and not just saying conservative stuff to get elected?

--------------

Trump is the only GOP candidate that has ever stood up to the media (yes, Fox News is part of the media). The media needs to be taught a lesson that they don't choose our candidates and that they damn sure don't choose the agenda.

Posted by: Stay out da bushes at January 28, 2016 03:37 PM (rZJS9)

371 B) the indictment hampered his fundraising efforts. Fuck the libs in Austin for that one.
Posted by: Lauren at January 28, 2016 03:35 PM (Kqit+)
-----
Yep

Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 03:37 PM (NUqwG)

372 "If I vote, I will vote (R). In a hope that more Scalias, Alitos Thomases are appointed to SCOTUS."

For the last seven years, the Senate GOP have been operating essentially according to Lindsay Graham's rule that "the President is entitled to the nominees of his choice" and that such nominees should be speedily confirmed absent anything like obvious criminality.

I kinda sorta vaguely doubt that this rule is going to be carried over and honored by Senate Democrats if the White House happens to go Republican.

Posted by: torquewrench at January 28, 2016 03:37 PM (noWW6)

373 How good are your candidates if they get beaten out of the gate by a clown.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at January 28, 2016 03:33 PM (LXJ1e)

Good point, children do love their clowns don't they.

Posted by: spypeach at January 28, 2016 03:37 PM (nyYhO)

374 buy not but!

Posted by: Velvet Ambition at January 28, 2016 03:37 PM (QPdNE)

375 No but you can get whipped cream flavored vodka.

Posted by: buzzion at January 28, 2016 03:33 PM (z/Ubi)

That is not nearly as awe inspiring, buzz :-/

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 03:37 PM (OrI3J)

376 Unless he's a Joooo. He's not a Joooo, is he?

eww

Posted by: Pon Raul at January 28, 2016 03:37 PM (R1a9g)

377 cdb

cruz rhymes with jews......so maybe........

Posted by: phoenixgirl, i was born a rebel at January 28, 2016 03:38 PM (0O7c5)

378 2000 people in green jeans high on ethanol determining who the Next President is....yeah makes a lot of sense. Sigh
Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 28, 2016 03:04 PM (kzdjp)

Trump is pandering HARD for ethanol.

Rubio wants them to expire.

Cruz wants them to expire faster.

Trump stands for everything people say they hate about politics as usual.

But he's on TV!

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:38 PM (Xd2w5)

379 No, I don't. I find that an actual strength and not a weakness. The 'committed conservatives' and their politics have failed the country. Their laundry list of 'important issues' is no longer the key list of changes needed for the future of the country.
Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 03:34 PM (NUqwG)

---------------------

You probably have no idea how scary your comment is.

Posted by: Soona at January 28, 2016 03:38 PM (Fmupd)

380 >>>...DA in question originally ended up in that office because Rick Perry appointed her to it.
...
.
Posted by: torquewrench at January 28, 2016 03:34 PM (noWW6)
<<<

How does a governor appoint an assistant DA of a city?

Posted by: Simon at January 28, 2016 03:38 PM (ZLAox)

381 I would rather have Whitey Bolger than Hildebeast. At least he's sober once in a while.

Posted by: chavez the hugo at January 28, 2016 03:38 PM (ucDmr)

382 But you don't actually think he's committed to conservatism, do you?

What the hell is "conservatism" any more?

Seriously, all the crap I saw when the GOP ran everything? Was that "conservatism"? Medicare part D? The Patriot Act? TARP? Immigration reform?

Does "conservatism" even have meaning now?

Don't blather on about "he's not conservative" or "she's really conservative". It no longer means anything to me. And why should it, it was nothing but a branding gimmick for 28 years now!

"Conservatism". God save me from "conservatism".

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:40 PM (9krrF)

383 Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 03:35 PM (hLRSq

Why can't Cruz be that flashbang instead of a liberal populist? The is no reasonable explanation.

Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:40 PM (ziriD)

384 "we should remember that the DA in question originally ended up in that office because Rick Perry appointed her to it.

I get more and more of a "dodged the bullet" sensation every time Perry is mentioned.
Posted by: torquewrench"

Fair point. But kind hard to blame Perry unless she was open about her love for PP. Reagan appointed Mr. Gay Marriage is Sacred Anthony Kennedy.

Posted by: Benji Carver at January 28, 2016 03:40 PM (OD2ni)

385 Great, now I am compelled to try vodka infused whipping cream in a can.

Use that with root beer-flavored vodka and some vanilla ice cream to make a really hardcore float.
Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:34 PM (9krrF)

man that sounds good.

Posted by: Lea at January 28, 2016 03:40 PM (lIU4e)

386
Of course, he has not yet picked a VP...
Posted by: Mortimer at January 28, 2016 03:34 PM (R1a9g

His choice will be to the left of him.
I cant wait to see the rationalization on that.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 28, 2016 03:40 PM (voOPb)

387 >>Unless he's a Joooo. He's not a Joooo, is he?
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo...Anti-Semite at January 28, 2016 03:35 PM (Zu3d9)

True Fact : Calgary is Canadian for 'Hymietown'.

Posted by: garrett at January 28, 2016 03:40 PM (qqwYn)

388 Long time reader of this blog, but I seldom comment. Moments from the womb, everyone knew I was destined to be conservative. So conservative that I've never gotten around to replace my 300 baud modem with the latest, but I only see one candidate who fulfills the criteria going forward. That man is [drop carrier].........

Posted by: lace wigs at January 28, 2016 03:40 PM (fbovC)

389 Sebastian Maniscalco on Comedians In Cars is pretty good.

Posted by: Bruce With a Wang! at January 28, 2016 03:40 PM (iQIUe)

390 No... here he is literally cavorting with Satan: http://tinyurl.com/ze6we9o

I'm sure you're equally judgmental about the Pope partying with the Ayatollah, when even the French had the spine not to cower before him.

Posted by: Methos, AoS commenter since 2006, apparently also non-voting democrat at January 28, 2016 03:40 PM (ZbV+0)

391 297 Trump seems to bring out all the Dems claiming to be life long Republicans? Must be s syndrome or seomthing
Posted by: Nevergiveup at January 28, 2016 03:25 PM (kzdjp)

=====

I see comments like this and have to wonder if you think that's what is going on with us Trump haters. Some of you really do, don't you, think that we're socks for Hillary volunteers?

I shake my head. I keep thinking, well, if you enjoy pissing us off so much and want to see Trump win just to "show us," I guess you might get what you want.

I enjoy Ace of Spades. I desperately want to see Hillary stopped, if not put in jail. But it turns out that even though we all want that, we're otherwise not on the same side at all.

If Trump does win the primary and run, well, won't these comment boards look funny years from now?

Posted by: Dr. Spaceman at January 28, 2016 03:41 PM (RBGtZ)

392 Why can't Cruz be that flashbang instead of a liberal populist? The is no reasonable explanation.

Why? Because he is beholden to donor money.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:41 PM (dnQ1L)

393 "381 I would rather have Whitey Bolger than Hildebeast. At least he's sober once in a while.
Posted by: chavez the hugo"

Sober once in a while? What teetotaler. Hic.

Posted by: Grandma Hillary at January 28, 2016 03:41 PM (OD2ni)

394 You probably have no idea how scary your comment is.
Posted by: Soona at January 28, 2016 03:38 PM (Fmupd)
------
Regardless of what a candidates positions are on abortion, moar tax cuts, ethanol subsidies, most EPA regulations, and the Dept, of Education, they are not the key problems facing our country in my scary opinion.

Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 03:41 PM (NUqwG)

395 With Trump, I am hoping that his sense of narcissism and need to be loved by his followers will convince him to follow through on his campaign promises.

If he does, he will be better than any other GOP candidate lately. Remember McCain and build the damned wall? Boehner and regular order, pass the budget bills, defund Obamacare? McConnell and all his promises?

Trump is a big flyer of a chance, but if it isn't Cruz, I'll take that chance, and hope that he will do what he promised because that is how he gets on Mount Rushmore.

Posted by: rd at January 28, 2016 03:41 PM (v0YLX)

396 Trump is pandering HARD for ethanol.

Rubio wants them to expire.

Cruz wants them to expire faster.

Trump stands for everything people say they hate about politics as usual.

But he's on TV!
Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:38 PM (Xd2w5)

****

Well, we finally have our answer on who you support.

Posted by: Tim in GA at January 28, 2016 03:41 PM (q9Mkv)

397 Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:40 PM (9krrF)

You know what conservatism is. I don't know why you think you have to abandon that ideal.

Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:42 PM (ziriD)

398 Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:40 PM (9krrF)

Thanks for articulating that.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:42 PM (xuouz)

399 Do you doubt that he's more conservative than Barack Obama, Sanders, or Clinton?

Trump?

Yes.

What would make you think otherwise? And remember, he's a liar.

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:42 PM (Xd2w5)

400 Word is that Rupert Murdoch was going to have Trump sandbagged tonight including by the use of call-in questions from a militant Muslim who has compared Trump to Hitler, and from an Illegal Immigrant. So Trump's best move, not without some risk, was to not show up.

Fox News is a loser, which is why O'Reilly was carrying water for his bosses last night by begging Trump to reverse course.

Fox and the other candidates may try the Clint Eastwood empty chair trick, but I doubt it'll be effective. It'll just call attention to the elephant that's not in the room.

Cruz may be a loser, if the ire intended for Trump hits him instead.

Mixed bag for Megyn. Her celebrity goes up, but her street cred as a journalist goes down.

Posted by: Ignoramus at January 28, 2016 03:42 PM (r1fLd)

401 Well, we finally have our answer on who you support.
Posted by: Tim in GA at January 28, 2016 03:41 PM (q9Mkv)

No I'm gonna need it in writing. His writing.

AD. Out with it. Who's your man. Or woman?

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:42 PM (xuouz)

402 You know what conservatism is. I don't know why you think you have to abandon that ideal.

I didn't abandon it. It abandoned me.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:43 PM (9krrF)

403 >>> Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:40 PM (9krrF)
------
I like this comment. Very nice and well put, Brother Cavil. That's exactly how I feel.

Posted by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 03:43 PM (2x3L+)

404
Good point, children do love their clowns don't they.
Posted by: spypeach at January 28, 2016 03:37 PM (nyYhO)

-----------------

I know your butt hurts, but the whining is not very becoming.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at January 28, 2016 03:43 PM (LXJ1e)

405 Why can't Cruz be that flashbang instead of a liberal populist? The is no reasonable explanation.
Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:40 PM (ziriD

Cult of Personality

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 28, 2016 03:43 PM (voOPb)

406
Perry's problem was twofold.

A) he listened to the terrible advice to go hard after Trump.

B) the indictment hampered his fundraising efforts.

Posted by: Lauren

Actually, Perry's problem was threefold:

1) he listened to the terrible advice to go hard after Trump.

2) the indictment hampered his fundraising efforts.

3) uhhhh - I forget the third one

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at January 28, 2016 03:43 PM (kdS6q)

407 297 Trump seems to bring out all the Dems claiming to be life long Republicans? Must be s syndrome or seomthing
Posted by: Nevergiveup

I know, right?

Posted by: Rick Perry at January 28, 2016 03:44 PM (nFwvY)

408 IT'S A TRAP!

Posted by: Admiral Trumbar at January 28, 2016 03:44 PM (qqwYn)

409 Wait, did somebody say Cruz is a JOOOOO?

Posted by: Cloyd Freud, Unemployed at January 28, 2016 03:44 PM (u5gzz)

410 Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 03:27 PM (OrI3J)

And that's your OPINION...

Stated... as many anti Trumps do.... as FACT...

I see it differently.

Your 'conservatives' brought me the EPA, Education Dept., DHS, Military drawdown, and a National debt that is so large it is an existential threat to the nation...

they also seem to want to replace me as a citizen with Foreigners....

So why should I vote for people from INSIDE the system, that has already damaged this country to the place where we may not be able to recover at all?

I'll take outsider for 100 Alex...

Posted by: Don Quixote at January 28, 2016 03:44 PM (f7rv6)

411 "True Fact : Calgary is Canadian for 'Hymietown'.
Posted by: garrett"

Hey, that's my word. Don't make me squeeze your nuts.

Posted by: Jesse Jackson at January 28, 2016 03:44 PM (OD2ni)

412 Some people haven't caught on yet. This is not an ideology election Nobody represents
you. Ideology is gone. No matter how loud you stand astride history shouting "stop". And whether you like it or not. There is only left, further left and further left again.

For anyone who was still in denial, willful or otherwise, John Roberts proved it in 2012, and the Left rubs it in your face with every new story of criminality against We The People. Every single day. There is no Constitution. The country as you knew it is gone.

Trump is the only person running with the intestinal fortitude to roll back the Left's slash and burn destruction of our culture, history and politics, because he's the only one who understands their "rules", and he beats them at their own game. Is he at heart a lefty? Probably. That's why he plays their damn game so well. But he's probably more like a 1985 lefty (loves America, its people and enjoys capitalism) as opposed to a 2015 one (hates you and would secretly love to put you on your knees in front of a skeleton pile for disagreeing).

This election is not about ideology, it is about preserving anything precious to us, because the modern left aims to take it all, and is succeeding.

Posted by: Mega at January 28, 2016 03:44 PM (JwLCI)

413 These guys, look. Low energy. Frostback. Look at her face- ugly. I wouldn't schlong her-- not even with a borrowed schlong! Ha. Fat Boy Slim-- you mean Big Tiny Little?

Posted by: mnw (fair and ballast) at January 28, 2016 03:44 PM (rqQ57)

414 402 You know what conservatism is. I don't know why you think you have to abandon that ideal.

I didn't abandon it. It abandoned me.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:43 PM (9krrF)

The disconnect is between the ideals and the policy. We don't even get to see congress at work. The rest of the government we don't even know about. Where are they? Who works there? What are they doing? We only hear about it from news organizations that are considered beyond the pale by anyone not a committed "conservative."

See that? It's just come to mean anti-establishment. Not mainstream.

Look at that.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:44 PM (xuouz)

415 Or he could win a second term by tossing Free Shit
at the Free Shit Army once he gets in office. There's no reason that he
needs your vote twice. He can get your vote now, and some leftist's vote
next time.

Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:27 PM (IRqa0)

So the worst case scenario is he turns out to be a Republican?

Posted by: Methos, AoS commenter since 2006, apparently also non-voting democrat at January 28, 2016 03:44 PM (ZbV+0)

416 Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:41 PM (dnQ1L)

Right. Whatever you have to tell yourself to make you comfortable with your choice.

Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:44 PM (ziriD)

417 Hillary! has a great ground game, it's called faceplant in the gutter.

Posted by: wth at January 28, 2016 03:44 PM (HgMAr)

418 I wonder if that Trump thing in Winterset was at the Duke's boyhood home (now a museum).

I went there years ago with the ex-wife and everyone signs in. They had a thing where you could see Ronald Reagan's signature when he visited. The address he signed with was 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Pretty neat.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 28, 2016 03:45 PM (4ErVI)

419 I think Trump really does have to come in first or second in this dumb event or he'll develop a paper tiger reputation: lots of sound and fury, plenty of people gawking, but no depth of support. He can't come in third here to some schmoe like Huckabee.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 03:45 PM (39g3+)

420 Actually, Perry's problem was threefold:

1) he listened to the terrible advice to go hard after Trump.

2) the indictment hampered his fundraising efforts.

3) uhhhh - I forget the third one

Posted by: Amy Schumer at January 28, 2016 03:45 PM (kpqmD)

421 This thread is about Trump's Riskiest Move. I would contend his riskiest move was eating at the complimentary breakfast bar at Holiday Inn Express.

Posted by: DJ Jazzy Mel at January 28, 2016 03:45 PM (22uju)

422 412 - Posted by: Mega at January 28, 2016 03:44 PM (JwLCI)

!!!

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:45 PM (xuouz)

423 but it seems to me that a candidate that's just really interesting would be a better deal.

You forgot (3): your candidate's opponents are using get-out-the-vote to successfully compensate for lack of excitement and not being able to lock up the intelligent voter demographic.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at January 28, 2016 03:45 PM (2lndx)

424 409 Wait, did somebody say Cruz is a JOOOOO?

Posted by: Cloyd Freud, Unemployed at January 28, 2016 03:44 PM (u5gzz)

No..... but Obama said he was one this morning (Obama that is)...

/facepalm

Posted by: Don Quixote at January 28, 2016 03:46 PM (f7rv6)

425 Excuse me, but where can I find the Trump Thread?

Posted by: A Lifelong Loyal Republican Voter at January 28, 2016 03:46 PM (QTsgL)

426 No... here he is literally cavorting with Satan: http://tinyurl.com/ze6we9o

I'm
sure you're equally judgmental about the Pope partying with the
Ayatollah, when even the French had the spine not to cower before him.

Posted by: Methos, AoS commenter since 2006, apparently also non-voting democrat at January 28, 2016 03:40 PM (ZbV+0)

That was partially meant as a funny, Methos... so loosen up:-)

I am Southern Baptist so normally it doesn't occur to me to care what the Pope does. Given that the present Pope is a liberation theology loon, I can't say I am shocked that he was partying with supporters of Islamic terrorism. For the record, he is wrong... as is every leftist jerk who is welcoming the Islamic anschluss of the West.

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 03:47 PM (OrI3J)

427 I know your butt hurts, but the whining is not very becoming.
Posted by: Make America Great Again at January 28, 2016 03:43 PM (LXJ1e)

sorry, my butt doesn't hurt, and where is the whining? I was agreeing with you dude. Seems you are the one that needs some vagisil.

Posted by: spypeach at January 28, 2016 03:47 PM (nyYhO)

428 Heard Murdoch is encouraging Bloomberg to run.

Posted by: Simon at January 28, 2016 03:47 PM (ZLAox)

429 Who the hell decided that Iowa and New Hampshire were that important? They should be the last not the first... It would be more telling to have one of the bigger States first...

Posted by: donna at January 28, 2016 03:47 PM (/dSsq)

430 Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:40 PM (ziriD)

I dunno, but Trump has really got things twisted up, hasn't he? Everybody talks about Trump. He has the White House trolling him about debates, he has his fellow candidates going after him about debates. The pearl-clutchers have been getting regular workouts on their fainting couches everytime he opens his mouth. He goes after the media, he doesn't apologize, he has nearly everybody emptying their arsenals down range at him.

It's sort of like he's the Alpha Male out there, for both party's campaigns, and they know it.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 03:47 PM (hLRSq)

431 402 You know what conservatism is. I don't know why you think you have to abandon that ideal.

I didn't abandon it. It abandoned me.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:43 PM (9krrF)

How did the conservative ideal / philosophy abandon you?

Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:47 PM (ziriD)

432 400 Word is that Rupert Murdoch was going to have Trump sandbagged tonight including by the use of call-in questions from a militant Muslim who has compared Trump to Hitler, and from an Illegal Immigrant. So Trump's best move, not without some risk, was to not show up.

Posted by: Ignoramus at January 28, 2016 03:42 PM (r1fLd)
-------------

Really? Do you really think that Fox is going to say "oh drat, foiled again!!" and not bring those people on?

No way. They'll be in the debate, asking their same question, except now Trump can't defend himself.

We'll see if was a "good move" by Trump soon enough but I assure, it's not a 100% guarantee.

Posted by: WisRich at January 28, 2016 03:47 PM (hdpay)

433 Regardless of what a candidates positions are on abortion, moar tax cuts, ethanol subsidies, most EPA regulations, and the Dept, of Education, they are not the key problems facing our country in my scary opinion.
Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 03:41 PM (NUqwG)

---------------------

Perhaps you're not realizing that all these things are connected to the leftist march through the institutions. The Borg is our leader.

Posted by: Soona at January 28, 2016 03:48 PM (Fmupd)

434 her street cred as a journalist goes down.

Posted by: Ignoramus at January 28, 2016 03:42 PM (r1fLd)

Eh...I'd still like to bang her.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 28, 2016 03:48 PM (Zu3d9)

435 'It. rubs, ah.
The, er. Lo-tion. On my, skin...'

Posted by: Reverend Jesse Jackson at January 28, 2016 03:48 PM (qqwYn)

436 And why would you? You're so much more dignified and smarter and sophisticated than any of us who are considering voting for Trump. [bYou do know that most of the people here who are willing to vote for Trump prefer Cruz, right?

Your big problem seems to be you support neither of those guys and are all butthurt that your chosen candidate that you have refused to disclose repeatedly isn't going anywhere.
[bYou're not married to 80sBaby, are you?
Posted by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 03:27 PM (2x3L+)

But Trump fans don't make it personal.

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:48 PM (Xd2w5)

437
Perry's problem was twofold.
.....................

[ . ] [ . ]

Posted by: Rick Perry at January 28, 2016 03:48 PM (HgMAr)

438 If Trump isn't willing to drop over $200 million of his own money on this, he needs to just drop out.

If he's worth close to what he says he's worth, that would be like buying a car for most middle class people.

to be leader of the free world, I would consider it a no brainer

Posted by: Tobasco at January 28, 2016 03:49 PM (6U2tl)

439 399 Do you doubt that he's more conservative than Barack Obama, Sanders, or Clinton?

Trump?

Yes.

What would make you think otherwise? And remember, he's a liar.
Posted by: AmishDude

you make yourself ridiculous. Trump would never say "you didn't build that". boom, he's more conservative than those assholes.

Posted by: Rick Perry at January 28, 2016 03:49 PM (nFwvY)

440 I have to say this though, as a Cruz supporter, his emails are annoying as hell and he really needs to stop saying "My Friend Donald Trump."

Posted by: Lauren at January 28, 2016 03:49 PM (Kqit+)

441 427 I know your butt hurts, but the whining is not very becoming.
Posted by: Make America Great Again at January 28, 2016 03:43 PM (LXJ1e)

sorry, my butt doesn't hurt, and where is the whining? I was agreeing with you dude. Seems you are the one that needs some vagisil.
Posted by: spypeach at January 28, 2016 03:47 PM (nyYhO)

Yeah but which one of you has the stones to go knock out a window in old man Potter's house?

Or are you CHICKEN? Buk buh-BAWK

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:49 PM (xuouz)

442 I thought otherwise but mebbe not

Posted by: oddnot not liking these times at January 28, 2016 03:49 PM (g1MTt)

443 How did the conservative ideal / philosophy abandon you?

Point to a conservative that is running. You know, the real conservative conservatism you know. Not some RINO squish.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:49 PM (dnQ1L)

444 Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at January 28, 2016 03:43 PM (kdS6q)

A tip of the hat to you!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 28, 2016 03:49 PM (Zu3d9)

445 Besides [Perry] hiring those McCain schmucks cast a dark shadow.

Posted by: Simon at January 28, 2016 03:27 PM (ZLAox)

That was a baffling move on Perry's part. I suspect he made such an unforced error because the people who surround him have a Texas Is The World problem and think regionally, not nationally. Steve Schmidt is anathema to the GOP base and they were too out of touch to know it.

Posted by: troyriser at January 28, 2016 03:49 PM (Hz/9Y)

446 TRUMP IS A LIAR! PANTS ON FIRE!!!!

WHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

Posted by: SHRIEKING HARPIES!!!!!!! AARRGGHH! at January 28, 2016 03:49 PM (LA7Cm)

447 BTW, Huck's attack on Cruz is going to hurt Cruz.

You court the evangelical vote AS AN EVANGELICAL and you better walk the walk. Giving 1% to charity as devout person is a joke, especially for a millionaire.

And saying that gay marriage is not going to be a big thing in your campaign to your gay friends in low key meetings with them doesn't play well either.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at January 28, 2016 03:49 PM (LXJ1e)

448 >>No..... but Obama said he was one this morning (Obama that is)...

'Bout time he gave us a break.

Posted by: Christians at January 28, 2016 03:50 PM (NOIQH)

449 My initial impression is that a Bloomberg run will cause far more problems for Hillary than Trump, if that's how it ends up being.

The rabid anti-gun stuff doesn't fly with most people.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 28, 2016 03:50 PM (4ErVI)

450 "Some people haven't caught on yet. This is not an ideology election"

Yes it is and if you think it is not, I would prefer you hide under your bed awaiting the burning times instead of deliberately trying to hasten them with what you perceive as the "destruction candidate".

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 03:50 PM (OrI3J)

451 >>>> How did the conservative ideal / philosophy abandon you?
Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:47 PM
-----
Umm, historic majority in the House and winning the Senate. I worked and voted to make that happen. Please name one "conservative" victory that has given us?

Posted by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 03:50 PM (2x3L+)

452 429 Who the hell decided that Iowa and New Hampshire were that important? They should be the last not the first... It would be more telling to have one of the bigger States first...
Posted by: donna at January 28, 2016 03:47 PM (/dSsq)

If you start with places that have big population centers then nobody sees candidates personally, candidates don't have to work hard, they can just go on TV and have no real campaign. Big money would rule the day.

Then again, that seems to be happening now.

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:50 PM (Xd2w5)

453 How did the conservative ideal / philosophy abandon you?
Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:47 PM (

-------------

IT'S A TRAP!!!!

Posted by: Admiral Akbar at January 28, 2016 03:50 PM (QTsgL)

454 Or he could win a second term by tossing Free Shit
at the Free Shit Army once he gets in office.

I think a President Trump will end up the biggest RINO-y RINO that has ever walked the earth. As much as the establishment GOP hates him now, they'd find a way to get along with him just fine in office. But hey, maybe he'd surprise us all.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 03:51 PM (39g3+)

455 That was a baffling move on Perry's part. I suspect he made such an unforced error because the people who surround him have a Texas Is The World problem and think regionally, not nationally. Steve Schmidt is anathema to the GOP base and they were too out of touch to know it.
Posted by: troyriser at January 28, 2016 03:49 PM (Hz/9Y)

---------------

That was a bad move.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at January 28, 2016 03:51 PM (LXJ1e)

456 he really needs to stop saying "My Friend Donald Trump."

That's the Senate for ya. Fakey gentleman garbage.

Posted by: Dang at January 28, 2016 03:51 PM (2oWD2)

457 by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 03:50 PM (2x3L+)

Are you guys being intentionally obtuse?

Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:51 PM (ziriD)

458 All of this circular firing squad fighting is coming to an end. There will be hard results out of Iowa and New Hampshire next week, and then one group of us here in the comments at the old 'Q is gonna have to shove those numbers up their asses while the other side watches. Probably too closely for anyone's comfort.

I'm so glad to be here with all of you, here at the end of all things.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:51 PM (xuouz)

459 Asymmetric warfare. Reagan appointed Kennedy after Bork got borked. Obama got Kagan appointed without any Congressional inquiry about her personal connections to the Anointed One. There are now four rubber stamp votes on SCOTUS for neraly nay decision of consequence.

Posted by: Ignoramus at January 28, 2016 03:51 PM (r1fLd)

460 I dunno...but I think the "ground game" may be over-hyped (excepting the buses that take folks to church to vote (D). Could be wrong, but if someone came to my door I don't answer. Not for politics, not for Jehovah Witness, not for anyone.

As for the phone calls...welp, I think that is a relic, too. Just saying. I don't understand those who "can't make up their minds" without the political call. I guess there are some, but whatevah.

It will be what it will be.

More interesting is that Huckabee AND Santorum are going to the fund raiser for our veterans tonight. Velly interesting. And I hope FOX's ratings tank, all thanks to Megyn's bias and revenge "Look at ME!" crapola.

Posted by: ChristyBlinky, aging supermodel Redneck Queen at January 28, 2016 03:52 PM (7lqMl)

461 While you dickwads are trashing Trump, here's where you can go to help him raise money for vets. I gave.

https://www.donaldtrumpforvets.com/

Posted by: Gunga Done at January 28, 2016 03:52 PM (pnRrB)

462 3) uhhhh - I forget the third one

Bravo!

Posted by: rd at January 28, 2016 03:52 PM (v0YLX)

463 Hey, you gotta lie to win, amirite?

Posted by: Dr. Hussein - Captain Climate, AA, BFD at January 28, 2016 03:52 PM (HgMAr)

464
Posted by: Tim in GA

You really didn't notice that, random monster encounters aside, that ones screaming the loudest that Trump isn't conservative enough are primarily the most moderate/liberal GOPe types?

Which is what makes it all so transparent -- in a sad way amusing.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at January 28, 2016 03:52 PM (kdS6q)

465 Point to a conservative that is running. You know, the real conservative conservatism you know. Not some RINO squish. Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:49 PM (dnQ1L)

Cruz. Fiorina. Walker and Jindal, beforethey dropped out.That said, all of the other GOP candidates--and that includes moderates Jeb! and Kasich and Christie--are more ideologically right-of-center than Trump.

Posted by: troyriser at January 28, 2016 03:52 PM (Hz/9Y)

466 My initial impression is that a Bloomberg run will cause far more problems for Hillary than Trump, if that's how it ends up being.

The rabid anti-gun stuff doesn't fly with most people.
Posted by: Dack Thrombosis

+1

I would think 10-1 it takes away votes from Democrats

I could see upscale, white suburban female "Obama republicans" going for Bloomberg, but they probably were going to go Hillary anyway.

Posted by: Tobasco at January 28, 2016 03:52 PM (6U2tl)

467 I love the smell of napalm in the afternoon. It sells like, burning horde.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 28, 2016 03:53 PM (Hxh2/)

468 So I think I have my answer. Thanks, Trump people. By and large, you don't care that he's not a conservative. Some of you hope that he might be, but others of you aren't yourselves "conservative," and thus would welcome a non-conservative Trump. All of you want him to burn the establishment down.

I mean, I agree that the establishment needs to go, and I see that as a probable silver lining to what I imagine would be a rather awful presidency.

It's good to have this clarity. You don't think that he's conservative. You're not rubes. Good.

Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:53 PM (xRA8Q)

469 Posted by: Don Quixote at January 28, 2016 03:44 PM

*Fist bump*

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at January 28, 2016 03:53 PM (i0ykY)

470 sorry, my butt doesn't hurt, and where is the whining? I was agreeing with you dude. Seems you are the one that needs some vagisil.
Posted by: spypeach at January 28, 2016 03:47 PM (nyYhO)

------------

Wa Wa

Posted by: Make America Great Again at January 28, 2016 03:53 PM (LXJ1e)

471 Are you guys being intentionally obtuse?
Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:51 PM (ziriD)

What is wrong with her answer? The Republicans were handed majorities in both houses and not only didn't accomplish anything, they didn't even try. They didn't even put up a fight. Look at Ryan's budget. It's a fucking travesty.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:53 PM (xuouz)

472 In case you haven't noticed, he wings everything.

Appears to - a phrase much needed in any Trump discussion.
Buildings don't get built on a wing.

Posted by: DaveA at January 28, 2016 03:53 PM (DL2i+)

473 you make yourself ridiculous. Trump would never say "you didn't build that". boom, he's more conservative than those assholes.
Posted by: Rick Perry at January 28, 2016 03:49 PM (nFwvY)

Are you kidding me?

That? I guess it's OK. Not really classy. I could make it better. Much better. It'd be a lot classier. Luxurious. I almost made one of those in New York. Didn't get around to it. Too busy with Trump Steaks. Trump Steaks are delicious. The very best. Just like in my hotels.

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:54 PM (Xd2w5)

474 Umm, historic majority in the House and winning the Senate. I worked and voted to make that happen. Please name one "conservative" victory that has given us?
Posted by: L, Elle

We won "Impeachment is off the table!!"

Wait, ......

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:54 PM (dnQ1L)

475 by: Gunga Done at January 28, 2016 03:52 PM (pnRrB)

Fuck off. I've got my own veteran charities. I don't need you to insinuate that bad mouthing Trump is somehow a slight on supporting Zveterans.

Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:54 PM (ziriD)

476 Want to know why Trump is a winner? Just look how he's living rent free in some of y'all's heads.

Posted by: CSMBigBird at January 28, 2016 03:54 PM (jsWA8)

477 can we stop pretending Iowa caucasus matter beyond whatever importance the chattering class gives it?

Posted by: Shiggz at January 28, 2016 03:54 PM (G7wcY)

478 BTW, Huck's attack on Cruz is going to hurt Cruz.

You court the evangelical vote AS AN EVANGELICAL and you better walk
the walk. Giving 1% to charity as devout person is a joke, especially
for a millionaire.

And saying that gay marriage is not going to be a big thing in your
campaign to your gay friends in low key meetings with them doesn't play
well either.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at January 28, 2016 03:49 PM (LXJ1e)

As an evangelical, I am able to confidently say that I don't care what Huck says about anything including Cruz.
As an evangelical, I can also tell you that I, and many other Christians, do not declare charitable contributions on tax forms. See Matthew 6:3 and 4 to understand why.

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 03:55 PM (OrI3J)

479 Are you guys being intentionally obtuse?

Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:51 PM (ziriD)

Archimedian Angles are Now In at the Outrage Outlet!
We have Obtuse, we have Acute! Get them while they last!

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 03:55 PM (hLRSq)

480 Perhaps you're not realizing that all these things are connected to the leftist march through the institutions. The Borg is our leader.
Posted by: Soona at January 28, 2016 03:48 PM (Fmupd)
--------
I recognize the failure of the committed conservative agenda and approach to do anything about it.

Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 03:55 PM (NUqwG)

481 There is no conservatism. Conservatism is dead. It lost the argument. Nobody arguing honestly on its merits has any real currency now. The Left did its job all too well. It's just the far (academic) Left and the center (corporate) Left duking it out, Bolsheviks and Mensheviks, and us White Russians fading into nothing.

My internal struggle is between the long view, for the time when it can return and flourish again, and the short view, vengeance. It's damn near all I have left and it hurts like hell. All my life has been a caretaker for things dying and a rear guard in a hopeless battle. Why I keep going, God only knows.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:55 PM (9krrF)

482 461 While you dickwads are trashing Trump, here's where you can go to help him raise money for vets. I gave.

https://www.donaldtrumpforvets.com/
Posted by: Gunga Done at January 28, 2016 03:52 PM (pnRrB)

--

Why does it go to the Trump foundation and not directly to the charities? Looking like a repeat of Clinton Foundation.

Posted by: WisRich at January 28, 2016 03:55 PM (hdpay)

483 TRUMP SUPPORTERS ARE POOPYHEADS!!!!!!

WHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!

Posted by: SHRIEKING HARPIES!!!!!!! AARRGGHH! at January 28, 2016 03:55 PM (LA7Cm)

484 >>>> Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:51 PM (ziriD)
-----
Again, with the insults. I asked you a simple question that you chose not to answer. Who is the conservative candidate running? Tell me. I have already said many times including in this thread that I prefer Cruz.

Posted by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 03:56 PM (2x3L+)

485 41 Trump ick & spiders don't like water.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 28, 2016 02:40 PM (voOPb)

Me neither! **hiss**

Posted by: batshit crazy "cat lady" at January 28, 2016 03:56 PM (jV8Mq)

486 I think the primary election system should select states in groups and have like 4 elections where each one is a significant gain in delegates Have them in regularly spaced intervals rather than strewn across the year. Have small states like Wyoming mixed in with mega states like Florida and Texas, so each block has roughly the same number of delegates offered.

None of this "we go first so we matter and you go so late there's no point even voting" crap.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 03:56 PM (39g3+)

487 I think a President Trump will end up the biggest RINO-y RINO that has ever walked the earth. As much as the establishment GOP hates him now, they'd find a way to get along with him just fine in office. But hey, maybe he'd surprise us all.
Posted by: Christopher Taylor

It depends on what's important to you.

The "Mccain" version of conservatism is we need to stop all of these pork barrel projects, but open up the floodgates of illegal immigration.

Trump will be a porker, but solid on the border. Which do you think will be more consequential to the USA's future?

Posted by: Tobasco at January 28, 2016 03:56 PM (6U2tl)

488 You really didn't notice that, random monster encounters aside, that ones screaming the loudest that Trump isn't conservative enough are primarily the most moderate/liberal GOPe types?

Which is what makes it all so transparent -- in a sad way amusing.
Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at January 28, 2016 03:52 PM (kdS6q)

*****

Sure I did. I saw an opening to tweak a little and I went for it.

Posted by: Tim in GA at January 28, 2016 03:56 PM (q9Mkv)

489 We a post-Constitutional Republic and, if Trump gains the nomination, a post-character electorate.

Posted by: xnycpeasant at January 28, 2016 03:56 PM (k8tEg)

490 So I think I have my answer. Thanks, Trump people. By and large, you don't care that he's not a conservative. Some of you hope that he might be, but others of you aren't yourselves "conservative," and thus would welcome a non-conservative Trump. All of you want him to burn the establishment down.

I'm not a conservative, I'm a constitutionalist.
"If it isn't in the constitution, the fedgov has no authority."

I can count on one hand those here that feel the same way.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (dnQ1L)

491 Fox was originally asking for 750K for each ad buy. They have since had to drop it to 150K since Trump pulled out. "

Damn.
Posted by: Ricardo Kill

Wow. Trump is doomed then.

Posted by: Suck the Wonder Bat at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (326rv)

492 And I hope FOX's ratings tank, all thanks to Megyn's bias and revenge "Look at ME!" crapola.
Posted by: ChristyBlinky, aging supermodel Redneck Queen at January 28, 2016 03:52 PM (7lqMl)

Ha. Yeah, I have mixed feelings because I like Cruz and want him to do well/get exposure, but I don't think these stupid debates should be about these dumb journalists and their gotcha questions and all that nonsense. So, I want the debate system to lose, really.

Posted by: Lea at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (lIU4e)

493 We need to try and be as inclusive as our morally superior muzzie guests.

http://tinyurl.com/ze7zbls

Muslims are trying to expel the Christians: Gunfight erupts between gangs at migrant camp in France

We're not going to learn from this are we?

Posted by: RWC - Team BOHICA at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (fWAjv)

494 >>>He's running on personality and free coverage...
...

Which is pretty much what Obama did and it worked for him.

Seriously, take a step back. Trump is effectively running the same campaign that Obama did in 2008.
- 2008: "George Bush" vs. 2016 "Establishment"
- 2008: "War in Iraq" vs. 2016 "Immigration"

All other issues are patently avoided in favor of social media sound bites and rallying around manufactured, trumped up (pun intended) anger. Plans or details are avoided to intentionally be a blank slate that people can make their own projections on.

Think about it: Ask Obama or Trump about anything, even their core straw men. You always get the same non-answer and big, Yuge!, promises of how great everything will be.

Out: Hope and Change
In: Make America Great Again

Posted by: Damiano at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (XItbt)

495 it's weird how that guy be an ex dem is not an issue for certain people. or his immigration crap.
Posted by: x at January 28, 2016 03:32 PM (nFwvY)

Trump switched parties 5 times!

Perry became a Republican more than 20 years ago and ran as a Republican and governed as a conservative in Texas for 3+ terms.

What is wrong with people?

Posted by: AmishDude at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (Xd2w5)

496 But, to the subject of this post, Cruz' website is on the ball in terms of Iowa Caucus stuff.

It very clearly directs people to their caucus site.

Meanwhile, I can't even get on Trump's site.

Posted by: Lauren at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (Kqit+)

497 457
by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 03:50 PM (2x3L+)

Are you guys being intentionally obtuse?

Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:51 PM (ziriD)

l'elle like all 'ette's is acute

Posted by: phoenixgirl, i was born a rebel at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (0O7c5)

498 Desocking

Posted by: Insomniac - Pale Horse/Death 2016 at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (kpqmD)

499 Wa Wa
Posted by: Make America Great Again at January 28, 2016 03:53 PM (LXJ1e)

Wow that was great, Yuge, Amazing. You are a quality person, let me retweet that.

Posted by: trump and change at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (nyYhO)

500 I mean, I agree that the establishment needs to go, and I see that as a probable silver lining to what I imagine would be a rather awful presidency.

It's good to have this clarity. You don't think that he's conservative. You're not rubes. Good.
Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:53 PM (xRA8Q)
----
I find myself agreeing with the eponymous captain of this fine HQ on the matter.
http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=361196
It's probably why I spend so much time here.

You are all entitled to your opinion. When you ask a question of a fellow moron, please try to process their response before firing your followup salvo.

And, as I've said time and again, it's difficult to imagine he would be worse than Barack Obama, a tool for global socialism whose administration had a plan to erode the constitution on every single front, in every speech, in every crisis. Trump is a lot of things, but a global socialist he is not.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (xuouz)

501 "We'll see if was a "good move" by Trump soon enough but I assure, it's not a 100% guarantee."

I said it had risk for Trump, but it was his best move.

"No way. They'll be in the debate, asking their same question, except now Trump can't defend himself. "

I expect they'll be there, but it can really backfire on Fox. The ploy will be clear, and can validate that Megyn never intended to be fair and balanced. The ire may get directed at Cruz instead.

Posted by: Ignoramus at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (r1fLd)

502 We a post-Constitutional Republic and, if Trump gains the nomination, a post-character electorate.

..."If"?

IF?!?

Have you paid NO attention whatsover since 1996?

Posted by: Brother Cavil, Restorationist at January 28, 2016 03:58 PM (9krrF)

503 >>Point to a conservative that is running. You know, the real conservative conservatism you know. Not some RINO squish.

This kind of stuff gets so silly. Everyone has someone they think is a RINO squish.

A year ago, Ted Cruz was a conservative war god around here and anyone who dared question that wisdom was a RINO squish. Somehow, he has morphed into a RINO and despite a lifetime of conservative heresies, Donald Trump is somehow the hero of many of the same people who insisted that Ted Cruz was purer than Ivory Soap not so long ago.

I'm completely bored by the who is a conservative argument around here. It is completely meaningless.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 28, 2016 03:58 PM (Hxh2/)

504 Why does it go to the Trump foundation and not directly to the charities? Looking like a repeat of Clinton Foundation.
Posted by: WisRich at January 28, 2016 03:55 PM (hdpay)

You can tell because it has a really patriotic looking background.
Also you get an e-mail confirmation.

Posted by: jwb7605 at January 28, 2016 03:58 PM (DofIg)

505 Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:10 PM (cdw0X)

******

Welcome to the Horde!

Please post often.

Posted by: Tim in GA at January 28, 2016 03:12 PM (q9Mkv)
---------------
Masturbatin' Pete's been around a while, but doesn't post frequently.He comes and goes, so to speak.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at January 28, 2016 03:58 PM (oVJmc)

506 I saw Archimedian Angles open for the Shrieking Harpies at the White Coaster in '89.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 03:58 PM (39g3+)

507 can we stop pretending Iowa caucasus matter beyond whatever importance the chattering class gives it?

Posted by: at January 28, 2016 03:54 PM (G7wcY)

Yeah this will be a thing if Trump doesn't come in first. The screaming about how he's finished from pundits who know goddamn well that Iowa doesn't mean a ckufing thing will be fun to watch. And pathetic too. Fun yet pathetic.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 28, 2016 03:58 PM (4ErVI)

508 I would say Trump supporters can do what ever they want but don't be surprised when he becomes a big government pusher, and a huge compromise guy

Posted by: Skip at January 28, 2016 03:59 PM (hk3Fb)

509 if Trump gains the nomination, a post-character electorate.

That shark was jumped in 2008.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:59 PM (dnQ1L)

510
Good point, children do love their clowns don't they.

Posted by: spypeach at January 28, 2016 03:37 PM (nyYhO

How good are your candidates if they get beaten out of the gate by a clown.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at January 28, 2016 03:33 PM (LXJ1e)

cute.

but, you never answered the question.

Posted by: dDan at January 28, 2016 03:59 PM (hwYmz)

511
There will be hard results out of Iowa and New Hampshire next week, and then one group of us here in the comments at the old 'Q is gonna have to shove those numbers up their asses while the other side watches.
Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR

One must admire your optimism, but consider how desperately, and loudly, those like the Perry and Jindal fans insisted "'tis but a flesh wound" even when their faves were polling at a statistical zero.

Heck, even after their pick quit, you still see them pop-up and say, "you know who would make a good VP pick?"

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at January 28, 2016 03:59 PM (kdS6q)

512 "How does a governor appoint an assistant DA of a city?"

Not the assistant DA who brought the charges.

That assistant DA (due to her longstanding and deep ties to Planned Parenthood) should never have been allowed to directly handle a case involving Planned Parenthood. She should have been compelled to recuse by the boss DA.

The boss DA, who let the fiasco occur, is the widow of the former boss DA for Harris County, who had suddenly died in office. To fill the guy's seat, Governor Perry appointed his widow, until such time as an election could be held. The appointed DA then stood for the seat in her own right in the election.

Posted by: torquewrench at January 28, 2016 03:59 PM (noWW6)

513 I can count on one hand those here that feel the same way.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (dnQ1L)

Then you haven't been paying attention.

At the last NY/NJ Moron Meet-up there were at least five people whose nics you would recognize as regulars who are strict Constitutionalists.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 28, 2016 03:59 PM (Zu3d9)

514 As an evangelical, I am able to confidently say that I don't care what Huck says about anything including Cruz.
As an evangelical, I can also tell you that I, and many other Christians, do not declare charitable contributions on tax forms. See Matthew 6:3 and 4 to understand why.
Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 03:55 PM (OrI3J)

-----------------

That's for Cruz to explain. If he can't, it's not good for him.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at January 28, 2016 03:59 PM (LXJ1e)

515 I expect him not to want to be a one-termer,

I want film of the scalp weasel when he reads that 1st day book that turns all the other guys hair white.

Posted by: DaveA at January 28, 2016 03:59 PM (DL2i+)

516 It's good to have this clarity. You don't think that he's conservative. You're not rubes. Good.
Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 03:53 PM (xRA8Q)

----------

I support Trump because he's the only one that seems serious on immigration. Immigration is the only issue Conservatives should be concerned about right now. Unless we stop the influx of illegals, we won't have a country anymore. You can forget about electing your ideal, true conservative in the future if we don't stop this crap.

Posted by: Stay out da bushes at January 28, 2016 04:00 PM (rZJS9)

517 The Iowa Caucus is all about the ground game, but in a "normal" election, I doubt how effective that stuff really is.

If you've ever volunteered to help campaigns, I would say 99% of people are more upset than before they were contacted.

It has its place, but if you have people excited about a candidate, it can overcome a lot.

Posted by: Tobasco at January 28, 2016 04:00 PM (6U2tl)

518 @502
I had already written off about 42% of the country but I guess I'm holding onto illusions for the rest.

Posted by: xnycpeasant at January 28, 2016 04:00 PM (k8tEg)

519 I THINK this is what I heard. It might have been Cory something - One of Trump's campaign staff was on Laura Ingraham's show yesterday, IIRC, and said they are the only candidate whose website will tall you caucus location by zip code.

Posted by: Baldy at January 28, 2016 04:00 PM (1SCTq)

520 I'm completely bored by the who is a conservative argument around here. It is completely meaningless.

The way people were struggling to even identify conservative a few days ago suggests that you are correct.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 04:00 PM (39g3+)

521 >>Masturbatin' Pete's been around a while, but doesn't post frequently.He comes and goes, so to speak.

He has his hands full.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 28, 2016 04:01 PM (Hxh2/)

522 but, you never answered the question.
Posted by: dDan at January 28, 2016 03:59 PM (hwYmz)

I think I did, maybe you didn't understand.

Posted by: spypeach at January 28, 2016 04:01 PM (nyYhO)

523 WHAT IS WRONG WITH EVERYBODY!!!!!?????!!!

WHAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: SHRIEKING HARPIES!!!!!!! AARRGGHH! at January 28, 2016 04:01 PM (LA7Cm)

524 if Trump gains the nomination, a post-character electorate.

That shark was jumped in 2008.

1992.

Clinton ran on an anti-character platform.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at January 28, 2016 04:01 PM (oVJmc)

525 Yes it is and if you think it is not, I would prefer
you hide under your bed awaiting the burning times instead of
deliberately trying to hasten them with what you perceive as the
"destruction candidate".

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 03:50 PM (OrI3J)
---------------------------------Rewrite what I said all you want. I was very clear, despite you reinterpreting it into the opposite (!). And I don't give a fuck where you prefer me to go. You keep bending over for libs. They might grease you up this time. I'm going with the guy that ain't bending.

Posted by: Mega at January 28, 2016 04:01 PM (JwLCI)

526 OT: Tim Allen (Captain Peter Quincy Taggert) - still funny. Never give up, never surrender!

I think a frontrunner can get away without a gotv effort in a primary state - people just vote where they usually vote. Caucuses, though, are weird. Fortunately for the AOSHQ Strategery, it's *Cruz* who needs to win Iowa. And he's got a ground game.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at January 28, 2016 04:01 PM (FiQcC)

527 Perhaps you're not realizing that all these things
are connected to the leftist march through the institutions. The Borg
is our leader.

Posted by: Soona at January 28, 2016 03:48 PM (Fmupd)

Soona, I don't understand the lack of realization either. All of it, including the push for amnesty, is the same big ball of "STFU and vote for us while we do our big donors' bidding" crony capitalism... a system that Trump is part of and very comfortable with.

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 04:01 PM (OrI3J)

528 Ok, finally got on Trump's site. He does have a caucus finder.

Posted by: Lauren at January 28, 2016 04:02 PM (Kqit+)

529 l'elle like all 'ette's is acute
Posted by: phoenixgirl, i was born a rebel at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (0O7c5)

*highfives pheonixgirl*

Posted by: Lea at January 28, 2016 04:02 PM (lIU4e)

530 Trump is a lot of things, but a global socialist he is not.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (xuouz)

No, but he will continue, and perhaps accelerate the erosion of the Constitution.

And that's what I am afraid of.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 28, 2016 04:02 PM (Zu3d9)

531 Masturbatin' Pete's been around a while, but doesn't post frequently.He comes and goes, so to speak.
Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at January 28, 2016 03:58 PM (oVJmc)

*******

I knew that when I posted. It was a riff on the question which has been answered thirty billionty times already.

Posted by: Tim in GA at January 28, 2016 04:02 PM (q9Mkv)

532 We're not going to learn from this are we?

Speaking of learning... the Swedish think they can board 800,000 muslim youth on airplanes and send them back to where they cometh from.

Muslims and airplanes. What do I vaguely recall is wrong with this picture?

Posted by: lace wigs at January 28, 2016 04:02 PM (fbovC)

533 Nood.

Posted by: HH at January 28, 2016 04:02 PM (DrCtv)

534 so if Trump wins because he has a website that tells them where to go by zip code

a lot of "campaign geniuses" like the kind who designed ORCA, will be looking for work

Posted by: ThunderB at January 28, 2016 04:02 PM (zOTsN)

535 Thanks phoenix. I appreciate that. I am tired of being called stupid for being willing to vote for Trump. And that's all I am right now, just willing.

If Ace was actually applying his new banning policy, I would bet that the Trump haters would disappear faster than the Trump or Maybe Trump people.

Posted by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 04:02 PM (2x3L+)

536
Sure I did. I saw an opening to tweak a little and I went for it.
Posted by: Tim in GA

Oh, you naughty naughty lad!

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at January 28, 2016 04:03 PM (kdS6q)

537 Posted by: Damiano at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (XItbt)

You see it! Campaigns are emotional events, not political science lectures. They always have been more entertainment than substance, more of the calliope than Cicero.

The candidates have to make an emotional connection with the voters, because a lot of voters will make decisions based on what their gut tells them (this is pretty much true for most people on most decisions - they can only rarely get complete accurate information so they have to wing it on instinct and experience - or gut.) Which of the candidates are making that emotional connection, which ones are playing to emotions and then look at which candidates are ahead.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Small Appliance Sale at the Outrage Outlet! 10% Off Gender Blenders! at January 28, 2016 04:03 PM (hLRSq)

538 We have passed tipping point. Until several full points of voters stay home or switch sides the dems win the natonal.

Come up with a plan for that in the meantime stop ravaging each other.

Posted by: Shiggz at January 28, 2016 04:03 PM (G7wcY)

539 What is wrong with people?
Posted by: AmishDude

ask yourself. you think Bernie is more conservative than Trump. you think Hillary and Obama, 2 people who think government and taxes create jobs and businesses are more conservative. what is wrong with you?

Posted by: Rick Perry at January 28, 2016 04:03 PM (nFwvY)

540 Anyone ever try Trump Vodka ? Was it as awful as Trump the board game ? Both splashed onto the market with lots of Trump publicity but failed and disappeared because they were inferior products. One can only hope the same happens to Trump himself and soon

Posted by: mr burns at January 28, 2016 04:03 PM (1Arcq)

541 Rewrite what I said all you want. I was very clear,
despite you reinterpreting it into the opposite (!). And I don't give a
fuck where you prefer me to go. You keep bending over for libs. They
might grease you up this time. I'm going with the guy that ain't
bending.

Posted by: Mega at January 28, 2016 04:01 PM (JwLCI)

I didn't rewrite a thing Mega and I am not bending over for anyone.

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 04:03 PM (OrI3J)

542 That was partially meant as a funny, Methos... so loosen up:-)
---
Okay.

I increasingly suspect Hillary isn't so much the devil as the other guy in the old fables that made the deal and isn't quite going to get what she expected in exchange for her soul.

Posted by: Methos, AoS commenter since 2006, apparently also non-voting democrat at January 28, 2016 04:04 PM (ZbV+0)

543 Yeah this will be a thing if Trump doesn't come in first.

I think not coming in first does hurt Trump's image and feeling of overwhelming momentum and unstoppability. Its not something he can't overcome because, ultimately, Iowa means so little but it will hurt him to come in second. It may destroy his chances to come in any lower.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 28, 2016 04:04 PM (39g3+)

544 >>Fox was originally asking for 750K for each ad buy. They have since had to drop it to 150K since Trump pulled out. "

Well, that explains why O'Reilly and others were begging Trump to attend.

While I wish this were happening to another network, it's great to finally see a media outlet pay for acting like d#cks. Guess NBC paid the price, too, for their terrible GOP debate on CNBC by being dropped as hosts of the February debate.

Posted by: Lizzy at January 28, 2016 04:04 PM (NOIQH)

545 I can count on one hand those here that feel the same way.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (dnQ1L)

Count me in

Posted by: Velvet Ambition at January 28, 2016 04:04 PM (QPdNE)

546 There is a link in my nic about how Kelly got her job. I don't know if it is true. I liked Walker as my choice, but I will vote for Trump or Cruz-if we get to vote for either. I don't trust the GOPe,

Posted by: Chillin the most at January 28, 2016 04:04 PM (BI43k)

547 Clinton used to say with elections democrats fall in love and republicans fall in line. Dems certainly haven't changed. Jim wondering if conservatives break charcter this year?

Posted by: Shiggz at January 28, 2016 04:05 PM (G7wcY)

548 Sonic Boom over NJ knocked the snow cap off Fox's building/office their.

NORAD no say, FAA no say, USAF no say. NJ says maybe space aliens.

Posted by: Simon at January 28, 2016 04:05 PM (ZLAox)

549 Posted by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 03:56 PM (2x3L+)

When asked how conservative idealism / philosophy has abandoned us, both of you cited what Republicans in congress have done. This after years of complaining that there were hardly any conservatives in Congress. It can't be both.

And Cruz has been as staunch a conservative as one could be his whole life. He is also a Constitutionalist in the first order.

Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 04:05 PM (ziriD)

550
I expect him not to want to be a one-termer,

I want film of the scalp weasel when he reads that 1st day book that turns all the other guys hair white.
Posted by: DaveA at January 28, 2016 03:59 PM (DL2i+)
....................

I'm guessing it has something to do with aliens.

Posted by: Giorgio A. Tsoukalos at January 28, 2016 04:06 PM (HgMAr)

551 I've always said that for the next prez we need an asshole that loves America. That's why I like both Trump and Cruz.

Posted by: Soona at January 28, 2016 04:06 PM (Fmupd)

552 Trump is a lot of things, but a global socialist he is not.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 03:57 PM (xuouz)

Very true.

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 04:06 PM (OrI3J)

553 Whipped cream is for tits. Chase the wodka with Dr. Pepper.

Posted by: oddnot not liking these times at January 28, 2016 04:07 PM (g1MTt)

554 538 We have passed tipping point. Until several full points of voters stay home or switch sides the dems win the natonal.

Come up with a plan for that in the meantime stop ravaging each other.
Posted by: Shiggz at January 28, 2016 04:03 PM (G7wcY)

This guy gets it.

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 04:07 PM (xuouz)

555 I think not coming in first does hurt Trump's image and feeling of overwhelming momentum and unstoppability. Its not something he can't overcome because, ultimately, Iowa means so little but it will hurt him to come in second. It may destroy his chances to come in any lower.
Posted by: Christopher Taylor

It will be all how he handles it.

If he can keep his cool, it will be a minor speed bump.

Huckabee and Santorum show you how meaningful Iowa really is. All the other states have Trump up like 20 points. if he can win the next 3-4 states in a big way, he'll probably be the nominee.

If Cruz though loses Iowa, he'll be one and done.

Posted by: Tobasco at January 28, 2016 04:07 PM (6U2tl)

556 Don't argue with Max. He's right. You are wrong. Just the way it is.

Posted by: Tim in Illinois. Culinary Heathen at January 28, 2016 04:07 PM (WVsWD)

557 Masturbatin' Pete's been around a while, but doesn't post frequently.He comes and goes, so to speak.
--------------

Ewok Central became too popular for my comments to make a difference. Usually by the time I get around to reading a post there are >300 comments. And of course the comments system is an ugly mess that's stuck in 2003. I can't even count on mine getting read. It's just too much of a hassle most of the time.

Posted by: Masturbatin' Pete at January 28, 2016 04:07 PM (cdw0X)

558 Then you haven't been paying attention.

At the last NY/NJ Moron Meet-up there were at least five people whose nics you would recognize as regulars who are strict Constitutionalists.

Good. I wish all of those claiming to be conservative were.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 28, 2016 04:08 PM (dnQ1L)

559 Good point, children do love their clowns don't they.

Posted by: spypeach at January 28, 2016 03:37 PM (nyYhO

How good are your candidates if they get beaten out of the gate by a clown.

Posted by: Make America Great Again at January 28, 2016 03:33 PM (LXJ1e)

cute.

but, you never answered the question.
Posted by: dDan

It wasn't really a question; it was a smear.

Are some trump supporters children? Yes.

Is trump in some ways a clown? Yes.

Is he beating the beating everyone else in the clown car at the moment? Yes.

We already lived this shit in DE in 2010. The smartest man on the PLANET got his ass kicked by a witch.

Was she a good candidate? No.

Was she better than the smartest man on the PLANET? Apparantly yes.

Posted by: Suck the Wonder Bat at January 28, 2016 04:08 PM (326rv)

560 I have to say this though, as a Cruz supporter, his emails are annoying
as hell and he really needs to stop saying "My Friend Donald Trump."
---
That's a senate habit.

I'm more bothered by the last two I get daily which are copies of earlier ones that start "Our records indicate you haven't responded to this earlier today, here's a chance to amend your error"

Posted by: Methos, AoS commenter since 2006, apparently also non-voting democrat at January 28, 2016 04:08 PM (ZbV+0)

561 Posted by: ThunderB at January 28, 2016 04:02 PM (zOTsN)

LOL

Posted by: Mega at January 28, 2016 04:08 PM (JwLCI)

562 I think I did, maybe you didn't understand.

Posted by: spypeach at January 28, 2016 04:01 PM (nyYhO)

possible.

children do love their clowns don't they.

Posted by: spypeach at January 28, 2016 03:37 PM (nyYhO

are you saying the other candidates are children?

Posted by: dDan at January 28, 2016 04:08 PM (hwYmz)

563 405 Why can't Cruz be that flashbang instead of a liberal populist? The is no reasonable explanation.
Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:40 PM (ziriD

One is a career politician, the other is a career capitalist.

Posted by: Adrienne at January 28, 2016 04:09 PM (lVcuh)

564 That was partially meant as a funny, Methos... so loosen up:-)
---
Okay.

I
increasingly suspect Hillary isn't so much the devil as the other guy
in the old fables that made the deal and isn't quite going to get what
she expected in exchange for her soul.

Posted by: Methos, AoS commenter since 2006, apparently also non-voting democrat at January 28, 2016 04:04 PM (ZbV+0)

I can see that, although I will say Faust and Robert Johnson weren't actively evil like Hillary is.

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 04:10 PM (OrI3J)

565 I didn't rewrite a thing Mega and I am not bending over for anyone.

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 04:03 PM (OrI3J)
-------------------------I say "he represents a chance to preserve what's precious to us". You say "take your destroy everything candidate and hide under a bed"Meanwhile, I'm not getting into this. I'm not friendly in these things and Ace wants us to be friends. Best.

Posted by: Mega at January 28, 2016 04:10 PM (JwLCI)

566 Now I know why the warden went crazy when Andy ask him if he was being intentionally obtuse. I didn't know that was considered an out of bounds statement worthy of banning.

Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 04:11 PM (ziriD)

567 554 538 We have passed tipping point. Until several full points of voters stay home or switch sides the dems win the natonal.

Come up with a plan for that in the meantime stop ravaging each other.
Posted by: Shiggz at January 28, 2016 04:03 PM (G7wcY)

This guy gets it.

I go back and forth, but the only way a real traditional conservative wins the White House is they would have to be especially gifted politically (like Reagan) and we would be in a scary recession

Cruz is a smart guy, but he has negative charisma. Zero chance at actually winning a general election.

We need a new coalition, otherwise I see us just keep coming up short

Posted by: Tobasco at January 28, 2016 04:11 PM (6U2tl)

568 He's running on personality and free coverage...
...

Which is pretty much what Obama did and it worked for him.

Seriously, take a step back. Trump is effectively running the same campaign that Obama did in 2008.
- 2008: "George Bush" vs. 2016 "Establishment"
- 2008: "War in Iraq" vs. 2016 "Immigration"

And he was historic. Don't forget how historic little Barry was. Not an once of practical experience but was he ever historic

Posted by: TheQuietMan at January 28, 2016 04:12 PM (493sH)

569 Ted Cruz should work it out with The Donald to join his event, turn it into the mano on mano debate Cruz wants, and both can clown the whole Fox/RNC establishment debate and turn them into the undercard. A real debate, with the real candidates, in front of real Americans about the real issues. Leave the Youtube Gotcha Guests to Christie and Kasich.

Do it Ted, join Trump's event, patch up your differences enough to set yourself up to either beat Trump, or to be in the lead as his VP, and win Cruz 2020. Win win. Work together enough to compete fairly, and mutually beat your mutual enemies. Make Debate Great Again!

Daedalus Mugged

Posted by: Daedalus Mugged at January 28, 2016 04:12 PM (gDesX)

570 One is a career constitutionalist, the other is a career purchaser of politicians.

.... FIFY, Adrienne.

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 04:12 PM (OrI3J)

571 Ted Cruz should work it out with The Donald to join
his event, turn it into the mano on mano debate Cruz wants, and both can
clown the whole Fox/RNC establishment debate and turn them into the
undercard. A real debate, with the real candidates, in front of real
Americans about the real issues. Leave the Youtube Gotcha Guests to
Christie and Kasich.

Do it Ted, join Trump's event, patch up your differences enough to
set yourself up to either beat Trump, or to be in the lead as his VP,
and win Cruz 2020. Win win. Work together enough to compete fairly,
and mutually beat your mutual enemies. Make Debate Great Again!

Daedalus Mugged

Posted by: Daedalus Mugged at January 28, 2016 04:12 PM (gDesX)

That would be cool.

Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 04:13 PM (OrI3J)

572 "Until several full points of voters stay home or switch sides the dems win the natonal. Come up with a plan for that in the meantime stop ravaging each other."

Just win, baby. A year ago I would have scoffed at the idea of Trump being a serious contender. Now I'm convinced that he can bring more voters into the fold, and run a nasty,dirty general campaign against Hillary/Bernie/Whoever that will drive up their negatives and keep down their turnout. On Game Day it won't be Romney's 2012 electoral map. Trump can win swing states and put a few more into play.

Posted by: Ignoramus at January 28, 2016 04:14 PM (r1fLd)

573 Just wanted to say - Shrieking Harpies, whoever you are - you are pretty damn funny. As it so happens, I have a work dinner tonight so I (thankfully) will have a reason to miss the dueling GOP/Trump event. I will be looking forward to reading the usual erudite comments from the horde.

Posted by: IC at January 28, 2016 04:16 PM (a0IVu)

574 One is a career constitutionalist, the other is a career purchaser of politicians.

.... FIFY, Adrienne.
Posted by: redbanzai at January 28, 2016 04:12 PM (OrI3J)
--------
In other words, one has practical skills and the other has theoretical skills./

Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 04:17 PM (NUqwG)

575 566 Now I know why the warden went crazy when Andy ask him if he was being intentionally obtuse. I didn't know that was considered an out of bounds statement worthy of banning.
Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 04:11 PM (ziriD)

She answered your question, clearly and concisely, and you slapped it down as if she didn't give you an answer. It pissed me off too. Let's roll tape
---------------
451 >>>> How did the conservative ideal / philosophy abandon you?
Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:47 PM
-----
Umm, historic majority in the House and winning the Senate. I worked and voted to make that happen. Please name one "conservative" victory that has given us?
Posted by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 03:50 PM (2x3L+)
--------
457 by: L, Elle at January 28, 2016 03:50 PM (2x3L+)

Are you guys being intentionally obtuse?
Posted by: Max Rockatansky at January 28, 2016 03:51 PM (ziriD)

----

So uh, what's the deal?

Posted by: Ghost of kari - WAR at January 28, 2016 04:17 PM (xuouz)

576 Heard an interesting take on Rush's show the other day. A caller said that Trump was a third party candidate running within the republican party. Very astute.

Posted by: Soona at January 28, 2016 04:18 PM (Fmupd)

577 A year ago I would have scoffed at the idea of Trump being a serious contender. Now I'm convinced that he can bring more voters into the fold, and run a nasty,dirty general campaign against Hillary/Bernie/Whoever that will drive up their negatives and keep down their turnout. On Game Day it won't be Romney's 2012 electoral map. Trump can win swing states and put a few more into play.
Posted by: Ignoramus

Could ye? Certainly.

Will he? I'm still very skeptical. Everything about him screams that this is a whim or some gag.

But the reasons for most of them suck. Huckabee, Santorum, Kaisch, Bush.

Why in Hell are any of them there?

Posted by: Suck the Wonder Bat at January 28, 2016 04:19 PM (326rv)

578 https://www.donaldjtrump.com/iowa/caucus-finder/

ll I can find on Cruz' is Cruz y demuestra tu soporte a donde vayas! Desde camisetas hasta adhesivos para el auto y tazas, tenemos de todo.

Posted by: Baldy at January 28, 2016 04:19 PM (1SCTq)

579 I don't think we are done yet. Although, this may be the last election before all the open border immigrants start voting dem. Then we will be truly boned. They will be electing outright socialists/communists and the CW will get hot.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at January 28, 2016 04:19 PM (KnK6d)

580 I can find on Cruz' is Cruz y demuestra tu soporte a donde vayas! Desde camisetas hasta adhesivos para el auto y tazas, tenemos de todo.

Great. Coffee mugs and fucking bumper stickers.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at January 28, 2016 04:21 PM (KnK6d)

581 The 'committed conservatives' and their politics have failed the country. Their laundry list of 'important issues' is no longer the key list of changes needed for the future of the country.

Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 03:34 PM (NUqwG)

Actually, I think conservative issues (smaller government, strong defense - including policing our borders, cutting spending and big government) I think those are EXACTLY the changes needed for the future of the country. Abandoning those goals - which has been done by both parties - is what has landed this country in the crapper.

I'm tired of the meme that the word "conservative" does not mean anything anymore because the GOPe aholes who call themselves conservatives are really big government statists.

If some Christians suddenly started worshipping Satan but kept on insisting that they really were not only Christians but the only true Christians, that would not mean that Christianity itself had become false, only that some of the people calling themselves Christians were liars.

That Ryan lies his head off about being conservative doesn't mean that conservatism is bad. It's needed more than ever.

Every poll shows more and more Americans hate government more than ever and yet they're willing to vote for people who promise them more and more of the same because the conservative vision has been forgotten. And Trump isn't the one who is going to restore it.

He's going to continue the crony capitalism and he'll give the finger to any "loser" who challenges that, just like he's giving the finger to Fox now. When he does it to us, it won't be so funny.

Posted by: Donna and V. (sans ampersands at the present time) at January 28, 2016 04:25 PM (u0lmX)

582 See all those people at the rallies....They get tickets by registering online....... or are asked to register at the door......phone number and email address....they get emails on current events and now PHONE CALLS asking them to caucus......Ground game? hahhahahaha ASS KICKIN....is more like it..... I Betcha

Posted by: concealedkerry or submitt at January 28, 2016 04:27 PM (vXqv3)

583 Holy shiite. Cruz has picked up the endorsement of Governor Calvo of Guam. Interesting to see how Trump and Rubio will try to counter.

Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 04:28 PM (NUqwG)

584 Trinidad is leaning Trump, but Tobago is solid Rubio country.

Posted by: Lincolntf at January 28, 2016 04:30 PM (2cS/G)

585 #482 this dickwad didn't need Trump's permission to donate, march, work and protest for troops and veterans, so you can just fuck along smartly now.

As for #TheRealPussyDonaldTrump, he is already the President of Twitter, sitting up all night in his underwear tweeting deranged rants worthy of Ace at his rantiest.

Posted by: Richard McEnroe at January 28, 2016 04:31 PM (U2SEP)

586 I'm still fully convinced the Republican candidate is going to win,Trump included but he will need to help of constitutional conservatives including me. But until late in can't imagine voting Cruz.

Posted by: Skip at January 28, 2016 04:36 PM (hk3Fb)

587 Seems to me that this is a concern even if Trump wins the nomination. After you've won the nomination is probably a bad time to start building your GOTV effort.

Posted by: Madcap_Magician at January 28, 2016 04:36 PM (WzYlo)

588 Posted by: Donna and V. (sans ampersands at the present time) at January 28, 2016 04:25 PM (u0lmX)
-------
I would love to see some progress on these: smaller government, strong defense - including policing our borders, cutting spending and big government. I share those goals.

I just think our focus needs to be on securing the border(*), reforming immigration (less), revising trade policies (made less free), keeping Muslims out, and repairing infrastructure. For now, these may require bigger government and even more spending. And I think all these are areas where it is quite possible (right now - in the current year!)) to get broad public support.

Trump is willing to take the lead on these issues. Others follow or are even opposed to them.

As for concerns about Trump, that is indeed justified. He is a wild card.

Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 04:39 PM (NUqwG)

589 Trump is willing to take the lead on these issues.
Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 04:39 PM (NUqwG)
------
Except on less immigration, that is.

Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 04:44 PM (NUqwG)

590 Rio Bravo I think most everyone will agree, he's a wild card, and may do whatever he wwants.

Posted by: Skip at January 28, 2016 04:44 PM (hk3Fb)

591 Trump's going to get 38-40% in Iowa and win. Then he'll get 42-45% in NH. After that, the sky's the limit.

Calling it right now.

Posted by: Jaxon Jensen at January 28, 2016 05:03 PM (m2KLr)

592 Haven't had a chance to read the thread but new Washington Times article out today.

"Trump ramps up massive voter-turnout effort in Iowa, gunning for Cruz"

"Donald Trump's ground game here has expanded dramatically in the last couple weeks before the caucuses, with a massive phone bank that outgrew campaign headquarters and now operates out of a nearby suite of offices, according to sources close to the campaign."

"...is one sign that his ground game may have caught up with or even surpassed the Cruz campaign."

Posted by: Misfortune & Pestilence at January 28, 2016 05:06 PM (8Q043)

593
"Laudner has ramped up his ground game in Iowa dramatically," said Mr. Crow. "He had such a massive phone center that he had to open up separate offices away from the campaign offices just for the phone center - and it is packed with volunteers."

Posted by: Misfortune & Pestilence at January 28, 2016 05:11 PM (8Q043)

594 177 164 The Trump haters are out in force

I like Trump. I like Ozzy Osbourne too, but I don't want him to be President.

I just... I just want Trump to look at the flowers.

Look at the flowers, Donald. Look at the flowers.

Posted by: TallDave at January 28, 2016 05:13 PM (74ZYB)

595 Posted by: Misfortune & Pestilence at January 28, 2016 05:11 PM (8Q043)

Wow! How many phones does Donald have?

I hope they have those extra-large buttons.

Posted by: TallDave at January 28, 2016 05:15 PM (74ZYB)

596 DaveA, Trump doesn't build stuff anymore. He rents out his name. Anyway, I'm not saying that in his chosen profession, he's unprepared, but it's pretty apparent from his public appearances and debate performances that there's a LOT of winging going on. He just happens to be fantastic at getting media attention. That's the one thing at which he needs no practice.

Posted by: gts109 at January 28, 2016 05:19 PM (KIvt1)

597 Ground game? Hah!

Look! From left field it is JEB with the Hail Mary and ...

Posted by: RioBravo at January 28, 2016 05:19 PM (NUqwG)

598 WaPo says " About that Donald Trump ground game: Twice as many Iowans say Ted Cruz has contacted them"

Donald Trump is willing to take the lead on shamelessly promoting Donald Trump as the solution to every problem. No other candidate has Donald Trump's spotless record of promoting Donald Trump without regard to facts or positions or common sense!

Posted by: TallDave at January 28, 2016 05:24 PM (74ZYB)

599 If this becomes an Issues-Based primary race, and it very well could, then Trump is in trouble. His devotees aren't leaving him, but only about half of the people who say they'll vote for him are devotees. If Cruz, or even Rubio, can land a few substantive blows, they can take him down.

So far, however, neither of them have shown any competence in this.

None of the others matter

Posted by: RobM1981 at January 28, 2016 05:24 PM (zurJC)

600 Trump can't win of his caucus goers don't know whose house to go to in order to caucus.

Posted by: MTF at January 28, 2016 02:47 PM (LISuA)

because going to
https://www.donaldjtrump.com/iowa/caucus-finder/
is so difficult?

Posted by: ThisBeingMilt at January 28, 2016 05:39 PM (MbrzC)

601 The caucus finder appearing the day of the big alternative charity event is pretty clever timing, especially on the heels of things like the article driving this thread that "Trump's unprepared and doesn't know what to do".

Posted by: Jaxon Jensen at January 28, 2016 05:58 PM (m2KLr)

602 601- Actually I as I recall it was there at least 7-8 days ago, around the same time they posted the how-to-video about caucuses, cause they mention it in the video.

Posted by: ThisBeingMilt at January 28, 2016 06:28 PM (MbrzC)

603 At this point I have to be honest, as flawed as all the candidates are, I don't care who gets the nomination as long it isn't Trump.

If Cruz fades in Iowa, I'll support whoever else is coming up. At some point, even if it's Jeb Bush (haha) or Rand Paul (hahaha) this will be a two-man. Trump must lose that race.

Trump, Sanders, and Clinton all carry the real potential for the death of the Republic, in the respective forms of unrestrained populism, socialism, and corruption.
Posted by: TallDave at January 28, 2016 03:01 PM (74ZYB)
==========

I understand the feeling, believe me.

And I have the sickening fear that this is EXACTLY what the Trump supporters want because they are spoiling for a fight, itching to precipitate a new civil war because they think somehow they're going to win it.

That's what I hear when they chant "burn it down."

Posted by: DriveBy at January 28, 2016 07:51 PM (C9Vc8)

604 I'm yay trump and not spoiling for a fight. I just think he'll be better for getting something like normal life back than any of the others.

Posted by: Jaxon Jensen at January 28, 2016 08:05 PM (m2KLr)

605 @175 I'm just saying I'm not wild about Rubio catching on, even though early I thought that a hispanic was what we needed to counter the "first woman" thing but now I've been reading Hispanics dont like him any better than blacks like Clarence Thomas or Condi Rice. He's young, inexperienced and with a hostile press (something obama didnt have) they will smear him as callow and unintelligent. He hasnt blown me away at any of the debates, he seems a little out of his depth, frankly. I don't think he would be a good candidate. I don't think Cruz can win either. By default, I think its Trump, which would have the bonus of pissing off the establishment big time. So fuck them.

Posted by: docweasel at January 28, 2016 08:13 PM (XxzcU)

606 That Drake center SOLD OUT, Full, overflow Full and outside area with television for 2nd or 3rd overflow full. And the no ground game campaign will be calling all who filled out ticket requests this weekend from Floridah, Georgia, New York, South Carolina and filled up phone banks in Iowa. A ground game like NEVER BEFORE.....Everyone of the others wish they had half the phone list and half the volunteers that #Trump has.

Posted by: concealedkerry or submitt at January 28, 2016 08:18 PM (kHv/o)

607 Trump's ground game is bus loads of Democrats to the Iowa Caucus.. just saying

Posted by: mathewsjw at January 29, 2016 12:12 AM (J6bqn)

Processing 0.1, elapsed 0.1016 seconds.
15 queries taking 0.0237 seconds, 616 records returned.
Page size 337 kb.
Powered by Minx 0.8 beta.