I want Trump to convince me to vote for him, I really do...I think it is still possible, but I am unsure he wants actually wants to win.
As harsh as I've been towards Trump, I too recognize the reality that a Clinton presidency won't make anything better, and will just double down on failed policies that hinder growth and promote tribal animus. I'm also offended that Clinton assumes she's got my vote without having to make any effort at pivoting to the center.
William McGurn's column in today's WSJ hit home with me -
For years, the Dems have for years assailed Republicans as one giant hate group. Each general election, the drill goes like this: After Republicans nominate someone, he immediately finds himself having to prove he's not a hater - of African-Americans, of women, of gays, etc.
This year, Democrats added a twist. Mr. Trump, they claim, represents a break with all those decent and lovable Republicans such as Mitt Romney, John McCain and George W. Bush. Of course, that wasn't what they were saying back when those men were running for President.
No, Hillary Clinton respects me for being #NeverTrump as much as Trump respects his supporters when he brags he could shoot somebody in Times Square and his supporters wouldn't care. Will Clinton agree to work with Republicans, to consider worthwhile policy changes to promote growth and jobs? Will Clinton buck the teachers' unions to help poor kids escape from failure factories? Will she continue to echo BLM's hateful and corrosive blamefest against cops and "white privilege"?
Of course not. She expects my vote because I despise Trump, but she won't make any more effort to earn my vote than Trump will.
So go ahead, Trump, earn my vote. Show me that you want to be President of the whole nation, not just your alt-right supporters. Campaign in black neighbors, in Hispanic neighborhoods, and keep pushing jobs, jobs, jobs. Dial back the hate on the immigration issue and support comprehensive reform along the lines of the Gang of Eight. Put out a real plan to replace ObamaCare. Release your tax returns. Apologize for the bigotry you've promoted and the folks you've insulted and show that you've learned and are willing to listen to wise counsel.