Trump: I don't need to be lectured [his own essay USA Today]

[truth_seeker]

With all due respect t_s, what is it with you and conservatism?  Almost every post you make is a slam at a truly superb political ideology.  Does it have its faults?  Of course, and some erroneously like to claim it to support very non-conservative positions.  But so do so-called progressives.  This is simply a question t_s, not a slam at you.  I'm just very curious.

I'm sorry my sarcasm is often misunderstood. I witnessed "conservatism" over the weekend trumpeting a draft dodger, as their latest heartthrob, in spite of his previous/other positions.

The face of conservatism is the conservatives themselves, as seen by others. I'm frequently very disappointed. I just don't express myself, well enough.

[MACVSOG68]

I'm sorry my sarcasm is often misunderstood. I witnessed "conservatism" over the weekend trumpeting a draft dodger, as their latest heartthrob, in spite of his previous/other positions.

The face of conservatism is the conservatives themselves, as seen by others. I'm frequently very disappointed. I just don't express myself, well enough.

Not getting on you t_s, but I do know that conservatism is a far better political ideology than the alternatives.  But yes, some who call themselves conservatives the most often can be seen taking some very unconservative positions as we saw over the weekend.  The media too enjoys painting conservatism in the worst light it can.  Progressivism as claimed by Obama, Sanders et al is shown to be wonderful; conservatism is shown by the media as represented by people like Todd Aiken.  Conservatives like most of the current candidates are going to be thrashed by the media. 

Did the media go into Obama's writings; his college; his black liberation religion?  Did they look carefully at his friends and associates?  His drug use?  Hardly.  When Romney was running, the media spent their time looking at what he might have done in high school, or how much he took as a tax credit on a horse, or passing on rumors about not paying his taxes or any rumor they could find.

Conservatism will take a hit again this go-around.  It is what it is, but it's time conservatives stood up and defended their ideology and not through outrageous statements.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Luis wrote above:
[[ This country needs a rest form ideologues...]]

I checked "idealogue" using the Dictionary app on my Mac:
====
ideologue |ˈīdēəˌlôg, -ˌläg, ˈidēə-|
noun
an adherent of an ideology, especially one who is uncompromising and dogmatic: a conservative ideologue.
ORIGIN early 19th cent.: from French idéologue; see also ideology.
====

I will counter your statement with the assertion that the person who I consider to be the strongest Republican contender -- Scott Walker -- is also the individual who [if viewed through his governing] is the greatest "idealogue" of all the current candidates.

Has he not pursued a somewhat ruthless and successful campaign against the left in Wisconsin by sticking to a set of conservative principles with a quiet fervor that only an "ideologue" might possess?

Walker's strength is that he is a conservative who softens the edges of his ideology with a quiet, but resolved personality.

"Uncompromising" and "dogmatic", to be sure.
And that's EXACTLY what I like about him!

I like walker, so we agree about him.

However, we don't elect rulers. Obama thinks he's a ruler.

The POTUS is the President of all the people, not the deliverer of the ideology of a portion of the people.

Most Americans have complicated beliefs that don't neatly fit into someone else's ideological boundaries, and they get a voice in the government as well.

Most Americans don’t think abortion should be outlawed, but they also don’t think it should be limitless.

They believe in background checks, some gun control, and sensible regulations, but don't for one minute believe in outlawing guns.

Most Americans support fiscally responsible government policies and spending limitations, but (unfortunately) support higher tax rates for "the rich".

Most Americans believe that the government should lend some level of support to people in need, but they also recognize that the entitlement system in the country is being abused and needs reform. 

Most Americans are in one man, one woman marriages but at the same time they have no problem with SSM.

Most Americans oppose Obamacare, but agree that something needs to be done about the rising cost of health care in the country.

Most Americans are not offended by the Washington Redskin's name. In fact, most Americans don't give a s#it about the Redskins at all.

 

[Luis Gonzalez]

Not getting on you t_s, but I do know that conservatism is a far better political ideology than the alternatives.  But yes, some who call themselves conservatives the most often can be seen taking some very unconservative positions as we saw over the weekend.  The media too enjoys painting conservatism in the worst light it can.  Progressivism as claimed by Obama, Sanders et al is shown to be wonderful; conservatism is shown by the media as represented by people like Todd Aiken.  Conservatives like most of the current candidates are going to be thrashed by the media. 

Did the media go into Obama's writings; his college; his black liberation religion?  Did they look carefully at his friends and associates?  His drug use?  Hardly.  When Romney was running, the media spent their time looking at what he might have done in high school, or how much he took as a tax credit on a horse, or passing on rumors about not paying his taxes or any rumor they could find.

Conservatism will take a hit again this go-around.  It is what it is, but it's time conservatives stood up and defended their ideology and not through outrageous statements.

Progressivism/liberalism has claimed the mantle of charity. They've taken it even from The Church.

[MACVSOG68]

Progressivism/liberalism has claimed the mantle of charity. They've taken it even from The Church.

It is hard to beat the great Democrat give-away game.  Their campaign is based on scaring hell out the electorate (Republicans hate women, minorities, the aged, the poor) and promising every one of them something, cash, new welfare programs, increases in entitlements...and protection from Republicans. 

[DCPatriot]

Judging from Google news the MSM will not follow Trump into McCain criticism and are using this to further bash him.  In other words Trump is losing this one maybe not among the far-right but in the MSM which is bound to have an effect on the independents.

I have to say that is nonsense, sir/mam.

Independents have one important connection with the Conservative Right.  They don't believe the mainstream media's reporting on issues.

They HATE the media.  If that weren't true, they'd be Democrats.   You cannot be an INDY without being informed on some level.

Trump doubled down on McCain instead of apologizing.

Numerous figures/pundits on the Left had already said the same thing about McCain's POW status ....not being heroic or to use in some enhancement on a resume.  None of them were criticized.

Trump is so rich that he could spend and spend ONLY his own money and STILL not have to empty his petty cash drawer....in order to beat [fill-in-the-blank]...whether it's a Democrat or Republican.  Or Socialist for that matter.

McCain is a sh*tty Republican and a worse politician...despite being reelected by the people of Arizona.  It's already been proven that even with a token choice of Sarah Palin, his attraction is all 'local'.

Wait until Trump unloads on him for supporting the Corker Amendment, essentially nullifying the US Congress in dealing with Iran nuke deal.

Like I said, it's going to be a fascinating week.

[DCPatriot]

We would still have obamacare (under a different name maybe)
The supreme court are the ones that forced gay marriage on us.  McCain could not have stopped it.

Hmmm...I didn't realize that GWB nominated Justice Sonia Mayor and Elaine Kagan.   ]/s]

So you believe that race is the presidents doing?  I believe it is 100% on the media's hands.

Shirley....you can't be serious.   

McCain would have doubled down in the ME and we would be burring a lot more of our kids.  He is Mr. ROE.  He wants to play at war not win it.

Edit:  Just for the record, I did voter for McCain but had no expectation that change was in the making.

McCain is not an American hater like the current resident of the White House.  Give me a break.  No comparison.

[Relic]

With all due respect t_s, what is it with you and conservatism?  Almost every post you make is a slam at a truly superb political ideology.  Does it have its faults?  Of course, and some erroneously like to claim it to support very non-conservative positions.  But so do so-called progressives.  This is simply a question t_s, not a slam at you.  I'm just very curious.

I suspect some of the posters here are not what they claim to be. I suspect some, not saying t_s is or isn't one of them, are here merely to keep the bickering alive, and the divide as wide as possible.

[GourmetDan]

I suspect some of the posters here are not what they claim to be. I suspect some, not saying t_s is or isn't one of them, are here merely to keep the bickering alive, and the divide as wide as possible.

"Say it ain't so... Joe!"       

[famousdayandyear]

"Say it ain't so... Joe!"       

 

[DCPatriot]

Truth_Seeker is a Republican.

isn't that enough to be welcomed here?   It should be.   

[EdinVA]

Hmmm...I didn't realize that GWB nominated Justice Sonia Mayor and Elaine Kagan.   ]/s]

Shirley....you can't be serious.   

McCain is not an American hater like the current resident of the White House.  Give me a break.  No comparison.

President Bush on Tuesday picked Judge John G. Roberts Jr....

Don't call me shirley.... you surely jest

[Formerly Once-Ler]

I have to say that is nonsense, sir/mam.

Independents have one important connection with the Conservative Right.  They don't believe the mainstream media's reporting on issues.

They HATE the media.  If that weren't true, they'd be Democrats.  You cannot be an INDY without being informed on some level.

I'd say that is one of the more insightful things I've read tonight and it applies to the right as well.  Many conservatives think the message of conservatism will always be accepted by voters if they can find the right messenger.  Many independents have heard conservative arguments and reject them.

Trump doubled down on McCain instead of apologizing.

Numerous figures/pundits on the Left had already said the same thing about McCain's POW status ....not being heroic or to use in some enhancement on a resume.  None of them were criticized.

Trump is so rich that he could spend and spend ONLY his own money and STILL not have to empty his petty cash drawer....in order to beat [fill-in-the-blank]...whether it's a Democrat or Republican.  Or Socialist for that matter.

McCain is a sh*tty Republican and a worse politician...despite being reelected by the people of Arizona.  It's already been proven that even with a token choice of Sarah Palin, his attraction is all 'local'.

Wait until Trump unloads on him for supporting the Corker Amendment, essentially nullifying the US Congress in dealing with Iran nuke deal.

Like I said, it's going to be a fascinating week.

I don't disagree with anything you wrote.  I actually hope Trump keeps his focus on McCain and off his GOP nomination opponents.  This episode has been extremely eye opening for some people and more of it will likely quicken Trumps departure IMO.  For some it has bolstered their faith that Trump is a real fighter, for others Trump looks petty and argumentative.

For me it comes down to whose finger will be on the red button?

If I'm wrong and Trumps support surges, moderate Republican support will likely coalesce around Jeb.