I would agree that he honestly wishes to do that. But I don't believe he is capable of doing so, because I believe he is incapable of not saying stupid things that will keep alienating people.
His comment about Ted Cruz' father was really illuminating. He was asked why he said it, and he said "well, he was saying bad things about me." And then after trying to walk it back, he then -- in the same interview -- basically reiterated what he said. That's a real problem -- how often have you heard the guy actually say he was wrong, or apologize? When pressed, he'll start walking things back, get agitated, and end up doubling down on the thing for which he almost apologized.
Every Presidential nominee has bad things said about him -- it comes with the territory. And if Trump's emotionalism/temper can be triggered that easily...he's going to be the gift that never stops giving to the Democrats. Things we've all forgotten about -- like his comment about McCain's war service -- are going to be replayed. And he'll get defensive, and instead of apologizing will double down by repeating it....
It's going to be a nightmare when the press goes from wanting to get ratings, to being in the tank for Hillary.
Trump's temperament is explosive. He can't STAND any criticism, especially if it implies that he is somehow deficient in some area.
Look at how long he carried the "small hands" thing in his craw. Hell, he brought it up in the third debate and told the New York Times "I can't have people thinking I have a problem down there." If Hillary's people are smart, they'll work that into every other negative campaign ad. It will irritate the hell out of Trump, take him off message, and guarantee he'll say something stupid and embarrassing.
Trump could care less if you attack his policies because, frankly, he doesn't care about them either. But attack him personally? Solid gold.
