August 22, 2016

Donald Trump is not a deep thinker

He has never demonstrated an ability to plan a project and see it through to completion without an undue amount of drama or fraud or some other malfeasance. He is incapable of playing the long game because he has a terribly short attention span. And he's not particularly bright or articulate.

Specifically, he's seriously damaged his brand. Originally, Mr. Trump was a real estate developer. But for more than the last ten years, he hasn't been able to raise or borrow the capital to actually build and own the buildings that bear his name. Banks won't lend to him because they know he's a huge risk. So, he's merely licensed the "Trump" brand for those structures which were built with other peoples' money. Likewise with the products that he promoted including the steaks, vodka, bottled water and board games.

But after all the things that he's said and done over the course of his campaign, he's ruined that brand. There will be very, very few organizations that will want to associate with him when the campaign is over. Keep in mind that corporations desire to sell their goods and services to the greatest number of customers. They avoid controversies- and controversial people as spokespersons- because trouble tends to diminish their sales. Donald Trump's imprimatur will not help grow sales after this is finished.

The signs of that damage have already occurred: Macy's terminated their partnership with Mr. Trump. Univision dropped Trump's Miss USA pageant from their programming. NBC ended their relationship with the star of "The Apprentice." And the Professional Golf Association moved a marquee event from Trump Doral in Miami to, get this, Mexico City! These are just some of the many organizations that don't want to be associated with Mr. Trump.

Simply put, he's insulted far too many people and groups. His lame attempt at apologizing doesn't mask the ugliness and sincerity of what he's said. People know this.

I do agree with you, onehandle: "The joke's on the GOP."

Hope you have a good week.

August 15, 2016

Interesting quote in the article

Greg from Michigan called into C-SPAN and said, "there are a lot of us who are gun owners who are going to object to that very strongly. And since we do have firearms, it might if it comes down to it be us having to defend our rights with those guns, just as the revolutionaries did in the Revolutionary War."

Let me make certain I understand him. If near-future President Clinton repeals the Second Amendment, (something she has NEVER suggested she would attempt), then "a lot" of people will defend their rights by using their firearms against the US Government.

First of all, Greg from Michigan needs a history lesson. The American revolutionaries were fighting against a foreign power as they sought independence. In his scenario, Greg from Michigan is suggesting attempting to over-throw the US Government. These events are not analogous as he isn't proposing a new sovereign and constitutional state.

Second, the premise is a ridiculous fantasy as the government isn't going to take away people's guns. No one has seriously proposed such an overreach.

Third, does Greg from Michigan really think that his AR-15 or AK-47 or any other weapon he can own will be of any use against the US Military? If he were a serious threat and had taken violent actions against the government, his bank accounts would be seized as well as his property. Then he'd be arrested or shot by a sniper or a drone. The foolish fantasy that paramilitary groups could fight against the US Government is stupid beyond belief.

Fourth, these so-called patriots don't understand civics. A repeal of any Amendment to the Constitution is a process that involves all of the states and the Legislative and Executive branches of the US Government. Such an act could not be effectively accomplished by Executive Order.

Lastly, these so-called patriots don't understand that taking up arms against the US Government is called treason.

Greg from Michigan shares a common trait with Donald Trump: they're both idiots.

August 10, 2016

What about the Trump brand?

Your point that Donald Trump never loses, is an excellent observation, malthaussen. The failures are never his fault, they are always other incompetent peoples' fault. He never bears any responsibility.

I believe something else has happened. For more than the last ten years, Mr. Trump hasn't been able to raise the capital to actually build and own the buildings that bear his name. He's merely licensed the Trump brand for those structures which were built with other peoples' money. Likewise with the products that he promoted including the steaks, vodka, bottled water and board games.

But after all the things that he's said and done over the course of his campaign, he's ruined that brand. There will be very, very few organizations that will want to associate with him when the campaign is over. Keep in mind that corporations seek to avoid controversies because they tend to diminish their sales. Donald Trump's imprimatur will not grow sales after this is finished.

I hope that he stays in the race until November 8th when he is utterly crushed taking with him as many Republicans as possible. In late November, the Trump University trial will begin and it would be wonderful if he loses that, too. Then it's essentially "lights out" for Mr. Trump. He has been such a toxic force in our election system that he must be eradicated. His defeat and demise should be total annihilation for him and a warning to anyone who seeks to follow his fetid path.

August 5, 2016

"...all the investigations and still no charges."

You're correct, liberal N proud, that propaganda works. Hillary Clinton has been investigated more than any other candidate in our history. She has been vetted continuously for nearly 30 years. It's actually quite ridiculous. Only one of these things can be true:

- Hillary Clinton is guilty not only of all the things she's allegedly done but probably scores of more violations. She's so deceitfully smart, however, that she's evaded all attempts to prosecute her.

= OR =

- Hillary Clinton has done nothing wrong. Every investigation of her has come up empty.

But the general public hears our corporately-owned news report only the allegation or they create false equivalencies. With the constant repetitions and scandalous lack of media corrections, the public has developed a negative perception of Mrs. Clinton. Remember, she's never been charged, let alone convicted, for anything!

I believe she will once again overcome any obstacles, become our 45th president and be a worthy successor to President Obama.