Courting disaster: The terrifying reality of a world with President Trump

[flowers]

http://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/courting-disaster-the-terrifying-reality-of-a-world-with-president-trump/news-story/b40934b7b5f5574c40b499c13f870594

BE afraid. Be very afraid.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is crushing it in the race to represent his party at the polls, and, as bizarre as it sounds, it’s time to start seriously thinking about an existence with the eccentric billionaire as the most powerful man in the world.

The former reality TV star and failed steak entrepreneur's resounding overnight win in the key state of Nevada has all but cemented his spot in this year’s presidential election, putting him in a strong position ahead of next week’s “Super Tuesday” contests, where voters in a dozen states will cast ballots in presidential primaries.

But US politics experts are warning a Trump win in that race could lead to global disaster.

With mentions of economic unrest, hurling aggressive insults at global leaders, and handing over control of the world’s most sophisticated military force, news.com.au was left feeling largely unenthused about Trump’s America following an interview with senior lecturer at the University of Sydney’s United States Studies Centre, David Smith.

“It’s not a subject anyone wants to think about, but the reality is now we have to,” he said.

“It’s very likely that Trump is going to get the Republican nomination at this stage. His likely opposition would be Hillary Clinton, and instinctively most feel that Hillary Clinton would beat him fairly easily. But then again everyone felt he wasn’t going to get far in the nomination race either.”

CAN HE REALLY PULL IT OFF?

From bursting onto the scene as a novelty, celebrity candidate to working his way to a runaway lead in the Republican primaries, the polarising figure has shocked both his supporters and critics.

He’s harnessed his public persona, and kept rolling with the aggressive attitude and firing out the no-holds-barred insults he’s become known for, but Dr Smith says, there’s no way of knowing whether Trump would adjust his behaviour once he’d moved into the White House.

“We don’t know whether he would recognise that he doesn’t know a lot about the areas of the presidency and delegate those areas to experts. I think that’s what a lot of people would be hoping, that the work would largely be done by expert advisers,” he said.

“On the other hand, it’s Donald Trump. He has a massive estimation of his own abilities, and if he gets a massive endorsement there’s every possibility he will go ahead and do those things he’s been talking about, like engage in trade wars and tighten borders with Mexico.”
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has supporters convinced. Picture: David Calvert/Getty Images

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has supporters convinced. Picture: David Calvert/Getty ImagesSource:AFP

Trump has been running on a very thin platform. On his campaign website he offers his position on only five issues: reforming immigration, trade, tax, care for veterans, and protecting gun rights.

On the road, campaigning in front of Republican voters and those he’s trying to turn, the veteran businessman has been more outspoken about his presidential plans.

From building a “great wall” to block unauthorised migration to the US via Mexico, to his plans to swiftly taking down China in the global manufacturing wars, Trump has been talking a big game. But what he is able to enforce is another issue.

“There’s no way he’ll be able to get Mexico to build the wall, he’s not just suddenly going to be able to displace China from the top of the world’s manufacturing economy. He wants single payer health care which is something a lot of Democrats would like but Hillary Clinton is currently running on a campaign saying you’ll never get that through congress and it’s unlikely he’ll be able to either,” Dr Smith said.

But Trump is not one to be deterred by the prospect of failure. His business record shows he’s had about as many massive failures as major successes, showing a “try anything and see what sticks” attitude to business, and now potentially politics.

“It’s very worrying to people who in the presidency are fundamentally looking for a safe pair of hands, but to supporters of Trump, what they feel is

[Scottftlc]

I was in grad school in '79 and '80 and remember reading the exact same type of wild accusations and fear-mongering from around the world about Reagan.  They called him Ronald RayGuns and were absolutely certain he would nuke somebody shortly after taking office - they moved that damned atomic countdown clock towards midnight when he was elected.  People are the same...and the garbage they write is the same as it always was...

[aligncare]

I was in grad school in '79 and '80 and remember reading the exact same type of wild accusations and fear-mongering from around the world about Reagan.  They called him Ronald RayGuns and were absolutely certain he would nuke somebody shortly after taking office - they moved that damned atomic countdown clock towards midnight when he was elected.  People are the same...and the garbage they write is the same as it always was...

Predictions of the end of the world if Donald Trump is elected president are just the slightest bit overstated (to be kind). Of course, I wouldn't rule it out completely. Well, the man is nuts, you know!   

[flowers]

I was in grad school in '79 and '80 and remember reading the exact same type of wild accusations and fear-mongering from around the world about Reagan.  They called him Ronald RayGuns and were absolutely certain he would nuke somebody shortly after taking office - they moved that damned atomic countdown clock towards midnight when he was elected.  People are the same...and the garbage they write is the same as it always was...

Yes..........garbage.

[katzenjammer]

I was in grad school in '79 and '80 and remember reading the exact same type of wild accusations and fear-mongering from around the world about Reagan.  They called him Ronald RayGuns and were absolutely certain he would nuke somebody shortly after taking office - they moved that damned atomic countdown clock towards midnight when he was elected.  People are the same...and the garbage they write is the same as it always was...

LOL, I remember that well!

[truth_seeker]

It was "Ronnie Raygun" in 1980.  My company had workers in Tehran, who left in terror.

It was a great day when Reagan was inaugurated and those hostages were released the VERY SAME DAY.

Reminders of American power and respect, contrasting Carter and Reagan need to come forth.

Trump puts for the idea that Reagan held, which was Peace through Strength.

He set the stage for the fall of the USSR, bringing tens of millions out from behind the Iron Curtain.

[Right_in_Virginia]

I was in grad school in '79 and '80 and remember reading the exact same type of wild accusations and fear-mongering from around the world about Reagan.  They called him Ronald RayGuns and were absolutely certain he would nuke somebody shortly after taking office - they moved that damned atomic countdown clock towards midnight when he was elected.  People are the same...and the garbage they write is the same as it always was...

So, so, true.   Reagan even had a the same tag line:  Make America Great Again.

[mountaineer]

I find misspellings disastrous. (Not really, but I found this amusing).

Donald Trump campaign misspells Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY - Donald Trump's campaign is having a hard time with spelling the names of Oklahoma's largest cities correctly. Earlier in the campaign Trump's staff misspelled Tulsa as "Tusla" on its credentials given to media.

Today, it was Oklahoma City's turn. From Politico:

Donald Trump's campaign's spelling of "Oklahoma" is not OK.

A Facebook photo advertising his Friday rally in Oklahoma City said this: “Stand with Trump Oaklahoma City, OK 02.26.16.”

Tulsa World

[Right_in_Virginia]

And this has WHAT to do with the topic of the thread?

[flowers]

And this has WHAT to do with the topic of the thread?

Lets see......the name Trump was in the headline, perfectly OK to post that. 

[sinkspur]

I was in grad school in '79 and '80 and remember reading the exact same type of wild accusations and fear-mongering from around the world about Reagan.  They called him Ronald RayGuns and were absolutely certain he would nuke somebody shortly after taking office - they moved that damned atomic countdown clock towards midnight when he was elected.  People are the same...and the garbage they write is the same as it always was...

Not quite. Reagan had been a governor and knew the limits on his power.  This anuran doesn't.  He is accustomed to getting his way in business and he will put Obama to shame in his attempted use of EOs.

He has boasted of "forcing" businesses to hire Americans and to return manufacturing to America, of enacting tariffs on China, and making Mexico pay for the wall. 

He cannot do those things on his own, and a GOP House (we'll lose the Senate if he's the nominee) will never approve of any of that stuff.  Anybody want to bet he wouldn't try to do it on his own?

And Trump doesn't know jack about foreign policy.  He wants to give a wet kiss to Putin, and ole Vlad is no doubt chuckling under his breath at this amateur.

And the "era of big government" will damn sure be back with Trump.  He has never talked about reducing deficits, and says entitlements are fine just the way they are.

The man is not conservative and will wreck conservatism for a generation.

[MACVSOG68]

I was in grad school in '79 and '80 and remember reading the exact same type of wild accusations and fear-mongering from around the world about Reagan.  They called him Ronald RayGuns and were absolutely certain he would nuke somebody shortly after taking office - they moved that damned atomic countdown clock towards midnight when he was elected.  People are the same...and the garbage they write is the same as it always was...

I thought Reagan got that nickname after announcing his star-wars initiative, but can't recall for sure.

Obama likes to think he is like Lincoln but other than appointing a few opponents to his administration, that's where the comparison stops.  So far, with Trump I'm at a loss to see any political resemblance to Reagan.  Reagan did have his detractors before, during and after his presidency, but that's where I think the comparison ends.  Reagan had a tremendous amount of experience as a political leader, a deep set of conservative values, and was a respectful but strong statesman.  Trump is strong in his own way, and some day, politicians may want to compare themselves to him.  But I can't think of any political leader he can be truthfully compared with in my memory. 

[Scottftlc]

Not quite. Reagan had been a governor and knew the limits on his power.  This anuran doesn't.  He is accustomed to getting his way in business and he will put Obama to shame in his attempted use of EOs.

He has boasted of "forcing" businesses to hire Americans and to return manufacturing to America, of enacting tariffs on China, and making Mexico pay for the wall. 

He cannot do those things on his own, and a GOP House (we'll lose the Senate if he's the nominee) will never approve of any of that stuff.  Anybody want to bet he wouldn't try to do it on his own?

And Trump doesn't know jack about foreign policy.  He wants to give a wet kiss to Putin, and ole Vlad is no doubt chuckling under his breath at this amateur.

And the "era of big government" will damn sure be back with Trump.  He has never talked about reducing deficits, and says entitlements are fine just the way they are.

The man is not conservative and will wreck conservatism for a generation.

Anuran...my you've been reading your biology lately, you should stick to it, maybe you'll find your prince.

[sinkspur]

Anuran...my you've been reading your biology lately, you should stick to it, maybe you'll find your prince.

Glad to have finally left you speechless.

[Scottftlc]

I thought Reagan got that nickname after announcing his star-wars initiative, but can't recall for sure.

Obama likes to think he is like Lincoln but other than appointing a few opponents to his administration, that's where the comparison stops.  So far, with Trump I'm at a loss to see any political resemblance to Reagan.  Reagan did have his detractors before, during and after his presidency, but that's where I think the comparison ends.  Reagan had a tremendous amount of experience as a political leader, a deep set of conservative values, and was a respectful but strong statesman.  Trump is strong in his own way, and some day, politicians may want to compare themselves to him.  But I can't think of any political leader he can be truthfully compared with in my memory.

That actually started way back in the late 60's...there was a little ad-lib line in a live Jefferson Airplane song (Ronald Raygunzzzzap!) that stuck and got reused throughout the 70's.  Everything we think of Reagan today is from the wonderful hindsight of decades, none of it was known in advance and there were volumes and volumes of wild pronouncements about him and his temperament - including from the Republican establishment that seriously floated the idea of Gerald Ford as a running mate to be a co-president (and thus keep Reagan "under control").

[Scottftlc]

Glad to have finally left you speechless.

You have talent.

[NavyCanDo]

What will happen when we have a president that pits people against each other even more than Barack Obama?

[Sanguine]

You have talent.

I agree.  I'm only now able to respond and express my admiration for your wordsmithery.

[mountaineer]

Geez, just trying to add a little levity. My apologies to the humor-impaired.

[Fishrrman]

NavyCanDo asks:
"What will happen when we have a president that pits people against each other even more than Barack Obama?"

Well, I for one will smile and proclaim, "it's about time!".

It's about time we stood up to the liberals and leftists.

It's about time we stood up to the "gibsmedats".

It's about time we stood up to the socialists/communists, of whom there remain many in government positions.

It's about time we stood up to the "no borders" crowd -- with a WALL, to boot.

It's about time we stood up to the multiculturalists who are trying to destroy what's left of our nation's traditions, mores, and ethnic heritage.

And it's about time we (and the rest of The West) stood up against islam.

If this means "pitting people against each other", that's what it takes to make a stand.

I'm all for it.

[Scottftlc]

Geez, just trying to add a little levity. My apologies to the humor-impaired.

They are strong like Oak~!

[EasyAce]

So far, with Trump I'm at a loss to see any political resemblance to Reagan.  Reagan did have his detractors before, during and after his presidency, but that's where I think the comparison ends.  Reagan had a tremendous amount of experience as a political leader, a deep set of conservative values, and was a respectful but strong statesman.

Reagan also had a far deeper program set on which he ran in 1980. And, contrary to his least attentive critics, he knew that you
don't blow up the house while eradicating the pestilence, even if he didn't get everything he hoped to get and often had to battle
within his own administration, never mind his party or a Democratic Capitol Hill.

Mr. Trump, you're no Ronald Reagan.

(You couldn't even come up with your own slogan, you poached one of Mr. Reagan's . . . )

[MACVSOG68]

Reagan also had a far deeper program set on which he ran in 1980. And, contrary to his least attentive critics, he knew that you
don't blow up the house while eradicating the pestilence, even if he didn't get everything he hoped to get and often had to battle
within his own administration, never mind his party or a Democratic Capitol Hill.

Mr. Trump, you're no Ronald Reagan.

(You couldn't even come up with your own slogan, you poached one of Mr. Reagan's . . . )

Yes, Reagan's nomination acceptance speech told it all.  Rebuild the military, bring down the Soviet Union, lower taxes, and create opportunities for women.  There won't be another Reagan this year.

[Jazzhead]

I was in grad school in '79 and '80 and remember reading the exact same type of wild accusations and fear-mongering from around the world about Reagan.  They called him Ronald RayGuns and were absolutely certain he would nuke somebody shortly after taking office - they moved that damned atomic countdown clock towards midnight when he was elected.  People are the same...and the garbage they write is the same as it always was...

I remember too.  But it was ridiculous criticism because Reagan's sunny, principled personality didn't fit the charge.  Trump, on the other hand, is unhinged, unprincipled, unmoored and unrepentent in his advocacy of mob-like ruthlessness. 

When all is said and done, the bottom line is Trump is too dangerous to be President - and unlike with Reagan,  that charge will stick like velcro in the general election. 

[Sanguine]

Geez, just trying to add a little levity. My apologies to the humor-impaired.

There's a lot of that here lately!  Hopefully, it's temporary.