Top Republicans believe Paul Ryan will be nominee

[Dexter]

willfully ignorant or idiots; they're one or the other.

Only an extremely arrogant person would assume that.

[Bill Cipher]

Only an extremely arrogant person would assume that.

Only a fool who hasn't given any thought to the lies coming from Trump's mouth and the mindless cult of personality that surrounds Trump would think that.

[Dexter]

Only a fool who hasn't given any thought to the lies coming from Trump's mouth and the mindless cult of personality that surrounds Trump would think that.

Let's assume for a moment that all of Trump's supporters are ignorant/stupid. What does berating them for their ignorance/stupidity accomplish other than more division?

[Bill Cipher]

Let's assume for a moment that all of Trump's supporters are ignorant/stupid. What does berating them for their ignorance/stupidity accomplish other than more division?

Since rational discussion hasn't gotten through to them, in fact has only caused them to double down on their mindless fealty to Saint Trump - witness the dogged attempts to defend Trump's smear of Fields in direct contradiction to cold hard facts - there isn't much left other than to rub their noses in the mess they've made.  When the shoe fits ....

[Dexter]

Since rational discussion hasn't gotten through to them, in fact has only caused them to double down on their mindless fealty to Saint Trump - witness the dogged attempts to defend Trump's smear of Fields in direct contradiction to cold hard facts - there isn't much left other than to rub their noses in the mess they've made.  When the shoe fits ....

If you can't get through to them why not leave it at that? Why do you have to rub their noses in it? It accomplishes nothing positive.

[Bill Cipher]

If you can't get through to them why not leave it at that? Why do you have to rub their noses in it? It accomplishes nothing positive.

Because pointing out the utter stupidity of those who have sworn fealty to Saint Trump may dissuade others who are on the fence. 

If you don't like it, you can always join the hallelujah chorus in their safe space. 

[Dexter]

Because pointing out the utter stupidity of those who have sworn fealty to Saint Trump may dissuade others who are on the fence. 

I highly doubt that.

If you don't like it, you can always join the hallelujah chorus in their safe space.

I just want adults to act and treat each other like adults.

[Bill Cipher]

I highly doubt that.

I just want adults to act and treat each other like adults.

Then you should be encouraging the Trumpists to grow up, start using the brains God gave them, and stop acting like spoilt little brats. 

[Relic]

I highly doubt that.

I just want adults to act and treat each other like adults.

You're assuming those doing much of the attacking are, in fact, adults.

I'm not just concerned with chronological age here.

[Sanguine]

If you can't get through to them why not leave it at that? Why do you have to rub their noses in it? It accomplishes nothing positive.

I tend to agree with Dexter.  Correct misinformation and falsehoods, and then move on. 

By repeatedly bashing them over the head, even if it is with truth, it makes them look like martyrs for the cause and makes them even more resolute in their position.  And, it makes the anti-Trumps look bad and negative.  Much better to be pro-something.

[Relic]

I tend to agree with Dexter.  Correct misinformation and falsehoods, and then move on. 

By repeatedly bashing them over the head, even if it is with truth, it makes them look like martyrs for the cause and makes them even more resolute in their position.  And, it makes the anti-Trumps look bad and negative.  Much better to be pro-something.

I agree. But, it's what the GOP has been doing for years now. Just be anti something. The pro anything gets lost in the bluster.

Here's what I think is the reality of this, as it concerns this forum. This little piece of the internet has absolutely no impact on America's political course, (sorry Myst). It just doesn't, it's too small. So, what we're really talking about is how welcoming do you want this place to be? Do you want to check in and see 3 or 4 threads with nothing but insults flying, day after day? It gets tiresome.

The anti-Trump crowd have decided that Trump supporters are Trump, and deserve the same level of disdain.

I think Trump is a train wreck that will be taken care of at the convention. I see Trump supporters as people with much the same wishes for America's political direction as I have. It looks to me that Trump supporters have decided that they can take a shot with Trump, because going with the same old candidates will get the same old results. Regardless of what you think of Trump, it's a valid point. The vitriol by the anti Trump crowd is over the top, and smells of fear. I don't like Trump, I never trusted Trump, but some of these posters almost make me hope Trump wins, just to see them continue on their unhinged journey.

[DCPatriot]

I agree. But, it's what the GOP has been doing for years now. Just be anti something. The pro anything gets lost in the bluster.

Here's what I think is the reality of this, as it concerns this forum. This little piece of the internet has absolutely no impact on America's political course, (sorry Myst). It just doesn't, it's too small. So, what we're really talking about is how welcoming do you want this place to be? Do you want to check in and see 3 or 4 threads with nothing but insults flying, day after day? It gets tiresome.

The anti-Trump crowd have decided that Trump supporters are Trump, and deserve the same level of disdain.

I think Trump is a train wreck that will be taken care of at the convention. I see Trump supporters as people with much the same wishes for America's political direction as I have. It looks to me that Trump supporters have decided that they can take a shot with Trump, because going with the same old candidates will get the same old results. Regardless of what you think of Trump, it's a valid point. The vitriol by the anti Trump crowd is over the top, and smells of fear. I don't like Trump, I never trusted Trump, but some of these posters almost make me hope Trump wins, just to see them continue on their unhinged journey.

Love you, man!   

[Bill Cipher]

You're assuming those doing much of the attacking are, in fact, adults.

I'm not just concerned with chronological age here.

/snicker

Someone who believes that a 45% tariff on imports and a gigantic wall along the Rio Grande - that Mexico will pay for - will solve all of this country's problems is not an adult and doesn't deserve to be treated as if they were one.  There is no defensible reason for supporting Donald Trump.  There most definitely is no excuse for worshipping his cult of personality and smearing people who have the temerity to cross him or get mauled by his campaign manager. 

You want to be treated like an adult?  Then start thinking like an adult. 

And if you don't like my tone, then you'd damn well better explain why it's fine coming from Saint Trump but not fine coming from me. 

[mystery-ak]

So, what we're really talking about is how welcoming do you want this place to be? Do you want to check in and see 3 or 4 threads with nothing but insults flying, day after day? It gets tiresome.

Couldn't agree more. I have been saying this for weeks.

CaliGirl posted in the Welcome Thread and it quickly degenerated into a Trump bashing thread....

Please enough is enough....stop with the Trumpettes are idiots posts...just because you haven't singled out a Trump supporter here it is still bordering on a personal attack and I am tired of it.

[Relic]

/snicker

Someone who believes that a 45% tariff on imports and a gigantic wall along the Rio Grande - that Mexico will pay for - will solve all of this country's problems is not an adult and doesn't deserve to be treated as if they were one.  There is no defensible reason for supporting Donald Trump.  There most definitely is no excuse for worshipping his cult of personality and smearing people who have the temerity to cross him or get mauled by his campaign manager. 

You want to be treated like an adult?  Then start thinking like an adult. 

And if you don't like my tone, then you'd damn well better explain why it's fine coming from Saint Trump but not fine coming from me.

I don't care about your tone. Your anger says all anyone wants to know about you.

You equate yourself with Donald Trump? How cute.

I never said the stuff Trump spews is fine. And last time I checked, he doesn't post here.

[Bill Cipher]

I don't care about your tone. Your anger says all anyone wants to know about you.

You equate yourself with Donald Trump? How cute.

I never said the stuff Trump spews is fine. And last time I checked, he doesn't post here.

Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.  If you don't like my tone but you love Trump's then you're a hypocrite. 

[ArneFufkin]

I agree. But, it's what the GOP has been doing for years now. Just be anti something. The pro anything gets lost in the bluster.

Here's what I think is the reality of this, as it concerns this forum. This little piece of the internet has absolutely no impact on America's political course, (sorry Myst). It just doesn't, it's too small. So, what we're really talking about is how welcoming do you want this place to be? Do you want to check in and see 3 or 4 threads with nothing but insults flying, day after day? It gets tiresome.

The anti-Trump crowd have decided that Trump supporters are Trump, and deserve the same level of disdain.

I think Trump is a train wreck that will be taken care of at the convention. I see Trump supporters as people with much the same wishes for America's political direction as I have. It looks to me that Trump supporters have decided that they can take a shot with Trump, because going with the same old candidates will get the same old results. Regardless of what you think of Trump, it's a valid point. The vitriol by the anti Trump crowd is over the top, and smells of fear. I don't like Trump, I never trusted Trump, but some of these posters almost make me hope Trump wins, just to see them continue on their unhinged journey.

Here's my disconnect:  I understand the animus toward the Beltway Republican elite.  I do.  It's been frustrating to watch a punk like Obama seemingly run roughshod over our Constitution and Republican Congress without any seeming push-back from the impotent Boehner/McConnell cabal.

I understand the visceral desire to punish those DC elites, to disempower their influence and standing and positions of power going forward.

But, here's what I don't understand:  Given the desire to "shake things up" and support someone who has fought the GOPe and been a victim of their fecklessness and schemes -  why in the world wouldn't Conservatives support Ted Cruz? 

Why Trump?  He's never been anything but a venal insider buying political favor and cutting deals.  His entire career and wealth are a product of his political cronyism.   He's the embodiment of the corrupt elite bagman his supporters are supposedly looking to punish within the GOPe.   And, he's been doing it with liberal Democrats!

Why Trump and not Cruz?   I have not observed a single one of his supporters make a cogent case - on this presumably Conservative board - that Trump is a more faithful "outsider" than the guy who was hated by his wimpy colleagues for standing up to Obamacare and the corrupt Omnibus bills and general Obama Administration misdeeds.

I don't get it.

[Relic]

Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.  If you don't like my tone but you love Trump's then you're a hypocrite.

If you read my posts and conclude that I love Trump you're a moron.

Your anger will take care of you sooner or later. Post as you see fit, I don't own this place.

[Bill Cipher]

Here's my disconnect:  I understand the animus toward the Beltway Republican elite.  I do.  It's been frustrating to watch a punk like Obama seemingly run roughshod over our Constitution and Republican Congress without any seeming push-back from the impotent Boehner/McConnell cabal.

I understand the visceral desire to punish those DC elites, to disempower their influence and standing and positions of power going forward.

But, here's what I don't understand:  Given the desire to "shake things up" and support someone who has fought the GOPe and been a victim of their fecklessness and schemes -  why in the world wouldn't Conservatives support Ted Cruz? 

Why Trump?  He's never been anything but a venal insider buying political favor and cutting deals.  His entire career and wealth are a product of his political cronyism.   He's the embodiment of the corrupt elite bagman his supporters are supposedly looking to punish within the GOPe.   And, he's been doing it with liberal Democrats!

Why Trump and not Cruz?   I have not observed a single one of his supporters make a cogent case - on this presumably Conservative board - that Trump is a more faithful "outsider" than the guy who was hated by his wimpy colleagues for standing up to Obamacare and the corrupt Omnibus bills and general Obama Administration misdeeds.

I don't get it.

[Bill Cipher]

If you read my posts and conclude that I love Trump you're a moron.

Your anger will take care of you sooner or later. Post as you see fit, I don't own this place.

I've read your posts and, contrary to your self-serving assertions, you do agree with Trump. 

[Relic]

Here's my disconnect:  I understand the animus toward the Beltway Republican elite.  I do.  It's been frustrating to watch a punk like Obama seemingly run roughshod over our Constitution and Republican Congress without any seeming push-back from the impotent Boehner/McConnell cabal.

I understand the visceral desire to punish those DC elites, to disempower their influence and standing and positions of power going forward.

But, here's what I don't understand:  Given the desire to "shake things up" and support someone who has fought the GOPe and been a victim of their fecklessness and schemes -  why in the world wouldn't Conservatives support Ted Cruz? 

Why Trump?  He's never been anything but a venal insider buying political favor and cutting deals.  His entire career and wealth are a product of his political cronyism.   He's the embodiment of the corrupt elite bagman his supporters are supposedly looking to punish within the GOPe.   And, he's been doing it with liberal Democrats!

Why Trump and not Cruz?   I have not observed a single one of his supporters make a cogent case - on this presumably Conservative board - that Trump is a more faithful "outsider" than the guy who was hated by his wimpy colleagues for standing up to Obamacare and the corrupt Omnibus bills and general Obama Administration misdeeds.

I don't get it.

Thank you for a reasonable response without invectives.

My answer is, I don't know. I have always found something slightly offensive about Trump. I thought he was a clown in 2012, and I think he still is a clown. I thought Trump's birther moment was embarrassing. Trump just is too darn smarmy, and has a terrible history.

Maybe it's Trump's ability to confront the media, and his very direct words? That is fascinating, but in the long run, it's not productive. I'd love to tell jerks I know in my daily life that they're jerks, but that wouldn't work out well for me.

I don't like Trump, I don't think he can win if he's nominated, but I don't dislike people who like Trump. Just like I didn't dislike those who didn't like Romney when I did. Heck, I have friends who voted for Obama, and I can't tell you how much I loathe him.

[Relic]

I've read your posts and, contrary to your self-serving assertions, you do agree with Trump.

You really are a moron. You seem like one of those FR refugees who spent all their time looking for someone to fight with.
And now, you add mind reading to your list of skills.

You're a funny, sad, odd little man.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

There was a debate where Trump "stood up" to the media, some punks from CNN or some such. Suddenly all the GOP candidates grew a spine and even Christie stood up to the media. I think this endeared a lot of people towards Trump.

Which he flushed down the drain, subsequently.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Couldn't agree more. I have been saying this for weeks.

CaliGirl posted in the Welcome Thread and it quickly degenerated into a Trump bashing thread....

Please enough is enough....stop with the Trumpettes are idiots posts...just because you haven't singled out a Trump supporter here it is still bordering on a personal attack and I am tired of it.

You're dead wrong. Reread the thread in question. It was Relic who brought up politics, when it had nothing to do with the thread at hand. He also told the new poster that unless she supported Trump she wouldn't be welcome, which is a lie.

[Relic]

You're dead wrong. Reread the thread in question. It was Relic who brought up politics, when it had nothing to do with the thread at hand. He also told the new poster that unless she supported Trump she wouldn't be welcome, which is a lie.

Mommy, mommy, he did it!

Yeah, I did it. I let you anti Trump folks get the best of me yesterday. I was irritated.
But, you managed to touch on one of my pet peeves, mischaracterization of a post. I said, if she hated Trump and his supporters, she'd fit right in. I didn't say if she loved Trump she'd not be welcome. You infer that, I didn't imply it.

As it turns out, she's from Cali, so it was a reasonable bet she'd not like Trump, and it turns out she "hates Trump".