If Trump is the last Republican Candidate Standing will the Republican Party Nominate Him or Not?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 10:49:42 -0500

What are some of your thoughts if Trump is the last Republican Candidate standing coming into the Republican Convention?

Will the Party Nominate him?

What are your conspiracy theories?

Will Trump make it to the final dance?

I don't believe the Republicans will invite him to the final dance and it will trigger a downfall in that party or will they find a way to get rid of him?

Your thoughts?

Response by MSgt C Madd made Feb 21 at 2016 10:53 AM

MSgt C Madd — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 10:53:34 -0500

They would have to, otherwise they will be destroyed in the national. Or God forbid force him to an independent candidate to split Rep vote and garantee a Dem win.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Feb 21 at 2016 10:56 AM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 10:56:49 -0500

They wont have a choice. If Trump becomes the #1 candidate it means that ordinary republicans are supporting him. If the party leaders don't back Trump, I would agree that the party is doomed because they lost touch with the people.

I don't know what will happen or where Trump will end up, but the Republican establishment is fearful because clearly times are changing.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 21 at 2016 11:14 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 11:14:13 -0500

Just as grand juries will indict a ham sandwich, the GOP will nominate a baloney sandwich if that is what it takes.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2016 11:20 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 11:20:39 -0500

Will the party nominate him? The Party leaders don't like him They do not believe he is the candidate to pull in the "uncommitted delegates" aka super delegates. Currently there are too many candidates dividing the field. Winning with 32.5% against Rubio, Cruz, and Jeb Bush is not as large of a victory as it seems. Consider what the vote would have been if it would not have been divided between 5 other candidates.

What are your conspiracy theories? My conspiracy theory is that Donald and Hilary are good friends and socialize together. Donald is a red herring to divide the Republican vote and give Hilary a win. Imagine the vote division if the Republican party nominates Rubio and Trump runs as an independent.

Will Trump make the final dance? The thing about Trump is that inspite his outlandish statements, brutal truths, lack of polish, lack of ever having held a political position, he has a party platform that makes people feel good. The message that America can be great again "Make America Great Again" has touched a deeply felt desire of the people of the United States and they are responding to it. It is reminds me of the "We Can Do It" era. A slogan that pulled America together focusing on a singular goal of creating greatness.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Feb 21 at 2016 11:20 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 11:20:59 -0500

Don't know the political rules or laws on this but will comment anyhow. It seems up front if a person gets a majority of delegate votes in the primaries that pretty much settles who the party nominee will be, as the old days of close voting on the convention floor seem to be a thing of the past. The convention nowadays seems to be a crowning pep-rally for the party and nominee..

Response by SSgt Robert Marx made Feb 21 at 2016 11:27 AM

SSgt Robert Marx — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 11:27:46 -0500

I believe Trump might still alienate his constituency. He came impossibly close with his remarks on Sen. McCain and then with the Pope. He appears to me to lack a key political gene to play nice with others and keep your mouth shut. If Trump did somehow make it all the way through the primary season and won the delegates, the Republican Party would have to rally behind him. I do not expect Mr. Trump to have the political stamina or wherewithal to unite the various groups necessary for a national win and so would hand the election to the Democrats.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2016 11:48 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 11:48:35 -0500

The way things are looking, establishment republicans are positioning themselves for a brokered convention. They refuse to give up their monopoly to Constitutionalism.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 21 at 2016 11:50 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 11:50:52 -0500

The following is a "strategic assessment" and not intended as anything beyond "Game Theory."

This is why the Democrats use the "Super Delegate System." Specifically to protect against "grassroots movements which can sway the Party away from the Leaderships' intended course of action." All people are equal, but some people are more equal than others.

The Democrats field a "limited" number of players, which in turn makes the choices "obvious." As an added measure, the Super Delegates act as "Insurance" to make sure that "approved" members are selected (Remember that Sen Sanders is INDEPENDENT and merely votes with the Democrats, and is NOT actually a Democrat). Their specific goal is to get 100% of the Democratic Voter base to Vote Democrat on "Game Day." Therefore they "stack the deck" to make that happen.

The Republicans however field MORE candidates (started with 15) in what is nominally a "King of the Mountain" style set-up. The philosophy is that the non-viable candidates will be weeded out (much like in capitalism). As we have seen, about HALF are already dropped, or suspended their campaigns. This leaves the remaining half fighting, but not actually "solidifying their base."

Now combine the two sides together.... Dems can present a united front against Reps without issue because there are only TWO of them. Republicans still have 5+ on the field and don't agree on anything. There is no united front. Not until we get down to 3~ viable candidates (30%~ each of vote). However by the time that happens, the Republicans will have to choose their "Top Performer" whomever that may be.

The goal is the same, just the approach is different. They are trying to leverage popular vote to win electoral votes. Can Mr. Trump do that for them? Will Mr. Trump back a Rep Congress or oppose a Dem Congress. Those are the questions the party really wants to know.

As it stands, looking solely at "Game Theory" the Democrats play a better game. Not saying they have better candidates, just play the game better, because when it boils down to it, it's not really about who you field, it's about whether you can win with who your field.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Feb 21 at 2016 11:54 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 11:54:57 -0500

They have no other recourse. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. In the RNC's case, this really holds true. Donald should he get the nod, will face off against someone who knows how to play dirty also, and he won't be able to skip out on debates this time. Should he make to that point, he will be utterly destroyed by Hillary or Biden. If I had to go off debate strength, it'd be Cruz vs. Hillary or Biden. I'd also guarantee it would be very well watched. Trump is going to have to pick one hell of a VP. Someone who can check him when he screws up, or wants to come out with something even the Repubs think is stupid. If he chooses the SC Governor Hailey, that would be a smart choice, but he's gone out of his way to marginalize women, so I don't think she'd accept it, Palin would be a choice....not a good one tho. It'd be weird to have both the White House and the VP's quarters both remodeled with padded room cells and a on call shrink to subdue the two.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Feb 21 at 2016 12:15 PM

COL Ted Mc — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 12:15:52 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs - Mikel; If Mr. Trump is "the last man standing" then the Republicans had better nominate him and run a less than 100% risk that the party will fall apart rather than dumping him and being 100% sure that the party will fall apart.

If you look at both the Republican and Democrat "Race For The Nomination" then the one thing that is quite clear is that a large percentage of the American people are "dissatisfied" with "The Old Guard" and having their politics manipulated from back rooms (which contain people that they have never heard of).

For the Republicans to jettison the candidate who has the most delegates (especially if that is Mr. Trump) will only confirm the suspicion of a lot of people that the Republicans are "the party of rich, old, men who like the fact that the system works in their favor almost 100% of the time". Whether the suspicion is - IN FACT - reality based is going to be irrelevant if a large enough percentage of the populace BELIEVES that it is true.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 21 at 2016 12:17 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 12:17:39 -0500

By definition COL Mikel J. Burroughs if during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio that Donald Trump has sufficient delegate votes then the convention will be obligated to nominate him as the Republican,
I think you have meant to ask will the electoral college vote for him if the results of the general election indicate they "should" based on votes cast for him.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Feb 21 at 2016 12:41 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 12:41:13 -0500

1. Yes, it is proven by primaries and non-biased polls, like Sabato, Rasmussen and RCP, that he can win a general election.
2. That it is indeed a compact with the left to tear up the Republican Party and hand over the election to Hillary, who will win because the deck is stacked in her favor by the Super Delegates in the nomination.
3. Yes.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 21 at 2016 1:04 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 13:04:14 -0500

He will make a mighty fine dictator if the option is open.

Response by CPO Frank Coluccio made Feb 21 at 2016 1:10 PM

CPO Frank Coluccio — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 13:10:43 -0500

When Trump declared his candidacy, he jumped to the top. Pundits and establishment GOP said his popularity wouldn't last.
When Trump started making comments about illegals and Mexico, they again said he would fall out of favor.
When Trump made disparaging remarks about Fiorna, they again said he's done.
When Trump went up against Kelly, they said he's done.
The list goes on and on concerning Trump's remarks and the volatile nature of them, yet his popularity and staying power is only increasing.
There is a split that is only getting wider between the GOP party and the "common" people of it. IF the establishment goes against will of its members and voters, it will mean the end of the GOP.
This election cycle is FAR different than any other.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 21 at 2016 1:19 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 13:19:19 -0500

That's a helluva question. He will need a lot higher percentage of the popular primary vote to have enough delegates to win without the super delegates who are not committed by primary elections. I suspect that there'll be a brokered convention and he won't come out on top. If that happens, we can expect that he'll mount an independent campaign which will insure a Democratic win.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Feb 21 at 2016 1:27 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 13:27:06 -0500

I do not believe they'll have any other choice.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Feb 21 at 2016 2:53 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 14:53:07 -0500

That is an excellent question Colonel and you have to believe that behind the scenes the Republicans are really worried about Trump being their nominee. I think you may now begin to see more anti Trump political ads & if there are only three candidates left standing Trump may begin to lose his staying power. I don't think Bush supporters will got with Trump. And if and when Carson, and Kasich drop out, I don't think many will go with Trump either... When I think of some of the Presidents in my lifetime ie. Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy & Reagan who I really respected and admired & now Trump or Clinton as our next president, I get very concerned

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2016 3:25 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 15:25:09 -0500

everyone on rallypoint needs to see this movie..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWca7MI-RBs

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Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Feb 21 at 2016 3:25 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 15:25:21 -0500

If he has the delegates he will get the nomination. Then I will have a very difficult decision to make.

Response by SSG Nathaniel Bendel made Feb 21 at 2016 4:56 PM

SSG Nathaniel Bendel — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 16:56:16 -0500

I still stand by my theory that he is a plant by the Clintons. He has been friends with them a long time and has made campaign contributions for them. I believe he will do something to try to split the conservative vote, like running as an independent at the last minute.

Response by Doug Macdonald made Feb 21 at 2016 7:44 PM

Doug Macdonald — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 19:44:03 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs , I think the Republican Party is scrambling to figure out how to take Trump down. The people may have something different in mind.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 21 at 2016 7:51 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 19:51:04 -0500

That would depend on a lot of things, no matter what happen the candidate still has to go and be nominated by his party. So there's that

Response by SSG Leonard J W. made Feb 21 at 2016 9:11 PM

SSG Leonard J W. — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 21:11:34 -0500

Another great discussion, COL Mikel J. Burroughs! I'm honestly not sure if the Party will welcome him or not. Mr. Trump is like a wild card - he cannot be bought, therefore he is reluctant to control from others. It's very hard to predict what Mr. Trump will do or say next, which sounds a lot like the US Military from the perspective of other countries. It might just be what the country needs. On the other hand, he is also brash, and he is definitely outspoken. He could potentially piss off other countries and sever long-standing diplomatic ties. I don't currently have any conspiracy theories, but this one might be a hard call.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 22 at 2016 5:19 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 05:19:36 -0500

Only Fair and Right if he is the Last Man Standing. Not that it makes one Iota of Difference to me, Whether it is Trumps outward no holds bard expressions of Hate and Xenophobia or the Rest of the Republicans that couch there's in Code Words (Not Very Covert Ones at That) and Dog Whistles that we all understand. The Republican Party at this point disgusts this Once Compassionate Conservative.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Feb 22 at 2016 8:18 AM

CW4 Guy Butler — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 08:18:21 -0500

If he's got 1237 delegates going into the convention, he's got the nomination. If he's got less than that, all bets are off.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 12:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 12:39:39 -0500

I believe Trump will be the spoiler. He’s not my first choice but he brought up many topics that I don’t believe the other candidates could have.

Mt tea leaves say he is nominated… and all the media and establishment (big business AND special interest groups) will jump on him with all the mud that can. Mr. Trump has a lot of mud that can be dug up, but they don’t want to yet. They believe people will flock to Clinton when they dump the dirt.

What the media, big business AND special interest groups aren’t counting on is how angry “everyone” is with them; they won’t care what dirt is thrown at Mr. Trump, he will be elected president and you will hear them howl; they just can’t believe their game is up. It will be interesting.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Feb 22 at 2016 12:40 PM

SSG Michael Scott — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 12:40:53 -0500

Yes, they will.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 1:26 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 13:26:29 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs -I would love to see your scenario play out sir. Unfortunately, I believe the GOP/RNC will have no choice but to give him the RNC nomination - or face a massive backlash from the fan base Trump has...which would no doubt spoil the election for the GOP if they were to opt for the #2 vote getter.

I was kidding (sorta) with a friend this weekend during a conversation about this upcoming election - I made the statement that it's crazy how the DNC has both the Democrat and Republican nominations locked up.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Feb 23 at 2016 12:52 PM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 12:52:30 -0500

The Tea Party has damaged the Republican Party (hereafter called "REP") to the point where it is a shadow of it's former self. The fact that the REPS two leading contenders were not politicians is everything you need to see/hear/read. While most nations have coalitions (the election in Britain before last, was a coalition), the US Government is not set up for multi-party rule. So the Tea Parties, the Michelle Bachmans, the Sara Palin's are all damaging to the party as a whole much like Ross Perot damaged the parties election chances. The rank and file REP member finds some good points in Trump's presentation. As a billionaire how could you possibly bribe him? Now as to the bat-sh*t-crazy aspect of him, remember that when he steps on stage, everyone in the audience with few exceptions is a REP supporter who will be voting REP. Once he gets the party nomination, THEN - and only then - will his staff start tweaking and smoothing the edges of his delivery. Come on, the guy's a billionaire - NONE of his businesses have migrant labor? Riiiiiiiiiight. So look for the "build the wall higher" talk to go away. Why do you think the hispanic community is still with him? Cuz they know. Right now, all you're hearing is Trump the candidacy seeker. You won't hear the REAL platform until he gets the party nomination.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Feb 23 at 2016 2:23 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 14:23:26 -0500

I am not a Republican, Sir but I just don't think the Republican so called "Establishment" are all in for Trump.

Response by PO1 Dave Porter made Feb 24 at 2016 8:25 AM

PO1 Dave Porter — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 08:25:45 -0500

They would not have a choice. If he is the last man standing then he should have the delegates to march forward. Also, don't doubt that he would un as an independent. Then watch the Republicans lose, to either Donald as an Independent, or, far worse, to Billary.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Feb 24 at 2016 12:56 PM

LCpl Cody Collins — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 12:56:38 -0500

If they don't want a civil war on their hands, they better play it straight. It's one thing to talk about a conspiracy. It's another thing to actually see play out before your eyes.

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Feb 24 at 2016 3:04 PM

GySgt William Hardy — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 15:04:22 -0500

Try visiting https://www.facebook.com/marines4trump/

There is a movement to support Trump. I agree that the Republicans don't have much of a choice.

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Response by PO1 Kerry French made Feb 24 at 2016 10:25 PM

PO1 Kerry French — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 22:25:46 -0500

Well, he has to get 1236 delegates to get the nomination. If no one candidate gets that in the first round of voting at the national convention, then it becomes a brokered convention and the delegates are then free to vote for whoever they want. I am working to get as many Cruz delegates elected so if that happens, Cruz can get the nomination. I would be ok with Carson or Rubio… but I’m not so sure about Mr. Trump. He has financially supported a lot of Democrats, abuses eminent domain to get his luxury golf courses built and wants single payer health care. He claims to not know anything about the disproportionate federal ownership of land in the western states and really has no better immigration plan than Skeeter on South Park, “TUK ER JOBS”… He says a lot of words that mean nothing. And, by the way, “Make America Great Again” was ripped off from the 2012 Republican convention. I have the bag with that motto on it.

Should the catastrophic happen, and given the alternatives (a socialist or a criminal, but I repeat myself) I would reluctantly cast my vote for him.

Response by PO1 Kerry French made Feb 24 at 2016 10:29 PM

PO1 Kerry French — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 22:29:26 -0500

I would highly recommend that veterans get involved in their local party. Take it back from the RINOs.

Response by PO3 Gilbert Velasquez made Feb 25 at 2016 2:03 AM

PO3 Gilbert Velasquez — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 02:03:35 -0500

If he ends up as the nominee I will not vote for him. As a veteran we all took an Oath to defend and uphold the Constitution and I will not vote for him because he does not respect nor care about it. He is pandering to voters, and feeding off their anger and people are buying into it hook-line-and-sinker. Not to mention he is using us veterans as pawns.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Feb 25 at 2016 11:01 AM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 11:01:31 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I was thinking of this for a Poll on RP. As the primaries pass, and more of the candidates drop out, there are more voters for fewer candidates. This could allow an establishment Republican candidate to overtake Trump's current momentum. Doesn't mean it will happen, just means that it is a possibility that leads to several scenarios in my thinking.

1)Donald Trump wins enough republican primaries to secure the nomination, The RNC selects their own candidate despite the will of the voters, Trump runs independent, Democrat wins the election as Republicans tear themselves apart.

2)Donald Trump Doesn't win enough republican primaries, runs as an independent, and Democrat wins again based on the Republicans being split.

3)Donald Trump wins enough primaries to secure the nomination, the RNC presents Trump as their nominee, and we get a dogfight to the end in which the two major party candidates are such polarizing figures that they get huge voter turn out.

4) Donald Trump doesn't win enough primaries to secure the nomination, and throws his support behind the Republican candidate leading to a business as usual election cycle.

5) The primaries leave a virtual dead heat between Donald Trump and another candidate causing the RNC to scramble to pick a candidate. They don't pick Donald Trump as he is obviously not who they want, Donald runs third party, and again the Republican Split leads to a Democrat win

6)The primaries leave a virtual dead heat between Donald Trump and another candidate causing the RNC to scramble to pick a candidate. The RNC Chooses Donald, and the odd man out runs as an independent, splitting the Republican Vote, leading to a Democrat Win

7)The primaries leave a virtual dead heat between Donald Trump and another candidate causing the RNC to scramble to pick a candidate. The RNC does not choose Donald Trump, Donald honors his agreement, and it is a regular election cycle.

8)The primaries leave a virtual dead heat between Donald Trump and another candidate causing the RNC to scramble to pick a candidate. Donald is chosen, and the dogfight scenario ensues.

9) My favorite scenario: Bernie Sanders wins the Democratic nomination, Donald Trump does not win the Republican nomination. Both Donald and Hillary run as independents after not winning the nomination of their party. The four way mainstream race allows other third party candidates to factor into the race. We have a president elected with 30% of the popular vote. The success of the election leads to the dissolution of our current "two" party system.

Of course there are a bunch of other scenarios that could come to pass, but these are my scenarios that I think of. So I ask you COL Mikel J. Burroughs, which one of these do you think is feasible? Which one scares you?

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Feb 26 at 2016 12:25 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 12:25:33 -0500

i predict Trump will crush everyone else and not get nominated, he will run as an independent and lose to Hillary by less than 1% of the popular vote.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Feb 28 at 2016 9:51 AM

SSG Gerhard S. — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 09:51:11 -0500

IF he gets a majority of the delegates votes, the Repubs are bound by their own rules to nominate. If he does not end up with a plurality of the delegates, then all bets are off, the delegates can vote for whomever they wish.... even someone that hasn't been campaigning for the office.

Don't get me wrong... the Republicans are not beyond chicanery, such as changing rules in mid stream, or "losing" ballots, as was demonstrated when Congressman Ron Paul began stacking up delegates in the 2012 election.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Feb 29 at 2016 5:43 PM

MAJ David Vermillion — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 17:43:56 -0500

I don't know how anyone who is rational in their thinking process could believe Trump has a plan for this nation. It's all about bashing to get you to not think about what's really going on in this country.

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made Mar 3 at 2016 10:34 AM

MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 10:34:24 -0500

I don't see how they can get rid of him or not nominate him. AGAIN. Congress does not listen to the people. I suspect that many of these dudes will be gone come next election.

Response by SrA Marlin Taylor made Mar 8 at 2016 12:47 AM

SrA Marlin Taylor — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 00:47:07 -0500

I think if he wins the race, they need to nominate him. Too many people that are just average working folks are behind him. If they don't after he wins it, they will probably watch their party fall apart. I know I will never vote Republican again if they take it away from him once he has actually won...

Response by PO1 Dave Porter made Apr 7 at 2016 1:18 PM

PO1 Dave Porter — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 13:18:34 -0400

If nobody gets to the GOP convention with enough numbers to win the nomination, the rumor going around is that the GOP may not give to nod to any of the three (Trump, Cruz, Kasich). instead, going with someone different. The thought behind this? Well, the people voted and none came away with a clear win. Hate to see that happen. Will the other two doing whatever they can to ensure that Trump does not make it in to the Nov election, I feel that the GOP has been critically damages for this election.

Response by LTC Terrence Farrier, PhD made Apr 8 at 2016 10:38 AM

LTC Terrence Farrier, PhD — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 10:38:30 -0400

I believe this may be a no-win scenario either way. If Trump IS nominated, a governmental shakeup will take place in the House and Congress and heads will roll. If he is NOT nominated and the nominated candidate does not address some of the challenges of the country that Trump has discussed, in a mature, meaningful, and actionable way I believe a popular uprising to replace current politicians may occur. To what degree either occurs...it may NOT be fun!

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Apr 8 at 2016 10:55 AM

SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 10:55:52 -0400

They better

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Apr 8 at 2016 11:10 AM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 11:10:35 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I have been saying for months that the best thing that will come from a Trump Presidency will be the downfall of our two party system. Because the Democrats and the Republicans are so mutually vested in keeping each other as the only viable choices, when one falls, the other will topple with it. I can see the Republicans in Congress undermining the Republican President Trump. With both sides of the aisle uniting to undermine Trump, the people will (hopefully) wake up and see that neither party is interested in government of the people, by the people, for the people. Then when these people come up for re-election, they start losing their seats as the people rise up against them in the voting booth. Both the R and D parties take huge losses during the mid term elections. Those not up during the mid term are now facing a hostile president, and new faces that understand that they were elected because the people want change. Those new faces start working for the people, then when the 2020 election rolls around the final nail in the coffin comes when the rest of the incumbents are voted out.

What I would rather see is people taking a vested interest in making good choices. Vet the candidates before the election, forget about the initial after the name, and focus on the ideals of the individual. Then vote for the individual that actually aligns with one's beliefs. I truly believe that more Americans fall somewhere in between a true conservative and a true liberal. Myself for example. I am vehemently opposed to any laws limiting the second amendment (a conservative value). On the other hand, I am just as opposed to laws that limit access to abortion (a liberal value). I prefer that the government stay out of most aspects of our lives, but understand that there are certain programs that are a necessity in a civilized country. I think more people would fall into the same grey area in the middle than the extreme left or extreme right.

This political diversity is why the two party system is a failure. It appears all inclusive from a distance, but when you look at it closely, it fails. It fails because you cannot take a group of people and tell them that they are this or that. It does not allow them to truly express who they are. Realistically the best way to run an election would be without party affiliations. As I said before, let the candidates run on their values. Let the people decide who is the most in line with our values. Using this election cycle as an example, I do not like either of the front running party candidates. I would not like either of them if they were running without a party affiliation, I simply do not think either would be good for this country. I would however be less annoyed if instead of posturing for primary wins, they were all running their campaigns. I would be more willing to accept Hillary, Donald, Bernie, or Ted if they were running against all challengers, in a general election, and whomever takes the largest percentage of the votes winning. It would allow those who are now third party candidates to run their campaigns on values. All of the candidates would receive more attention as they would all be trying to contrast themselves against the other candidates. I think we would have an election result that is more aligned with the values of the American People. I think you would see election results where the winning candidate receives no more than 20% of the popular vote, but that 20% would be a majority, and be enough to get the electoral votes needed for an election victory. I would be far more accepting of a Trump, Clinton, Cruz, or Sanders presidency if that person won based on their values versus their party affiliation.

We are being programmed to think that we have no alternatives. The Media talks only about the Democrats and Republicans. They make few references to any of the outside candidates. The committee for Presidential Debates is a bipartisan non profit corporation. It is designed to keep the debates limited. In doing so, the committee decides whose views we get to hear. Electoral vote maps talk about the number of electoral votes needed to win, based on only two candidates. They don't allow you to even run hypotheticals including additional candidates. Some will allow interchanging the RNC and the DNC candidates, but they only allow you to compare two candidates. It is a systemic dedication to this two headed beast. I have been saying this for a long time too: Left Wing, Right Wing, both attached to the same stale turkey. Until we demand better, this is how it will be.

One more point as an aside, PRK (AKA North Korea) has elections. They have only one name on the ballot, making it both a farce and an illusion, but they do have elections. The way our two party system is a self feeding, self sustaining monster, we are half way there. All we need are the two parties to come out and admit that they are in cahoots to keep a designated few in power, and we will be right there with the other dictatorships. We will keep going to the polls, pretending that our voice matters, all the while the ruling class sits in their marble towers laughing at us, and our founding fathers weep at what we have become.

Sorry for the long post.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Apr 8 at 2016 11:18 AM

Capt Mark Strobl — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 11:18:37 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs - Hmmm... a real dogma for the GOP. A look back into American history suggests we are due for the emergence of a new & viable political party. Stay tuned!

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Apr 8 at 2016 12:53 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 12:53:41 -0400

The GOP, will nominate another because they can, but I prefer Trump over Cruz any day. I have issues with Cruz fingering government when he is part of the government and the same applies to Cruz blaming lobbyist when lobbyist bank rolled his senate seat.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Apr 8 at 2016 2:10 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 14:10:47 -0400

"Will the Party Nominate him"...that is the magic question out of all this. It's been widely circulated that the establishment does not want him to be their representative, so they spend millions in campaigns to take his creditability away. That makes the GOP look extremely ignorant. Then they chastise the Democrats over the whole Superdeligates thing, just to enact that "rule" approved in 2012 that gave the Republicans the SAME THING. More signs of desperation in the GOP: They feel and I believe they're right they don't have a candidate that is strong enough to topple HRC, so they spread rumors of Ryan or Romney or someone else running to appease the base. If this is what they mean by "Ginning up" the base, they're going to need Trump to rebuild it. No matter what the RNC Chair says about these meetings with Trump, he knows Trump can shut them down at will. We all know they don't like Cruz, but he seems to be the "lesser evil", and I STILL don't understand why Kasich isn't getting more support from the party being he IS the one with the experience. The SCOTUS deal, at this time isn't helping them. They came into office in 14 with this "listen to the people" mantra, and they have NOT listened to the people at all. NOTHING they've said they'd do has been done. And for the war powers thing, that was a crock. The current GOP is the modern day Titanic with Sarah Palin on the door in the water, Ryan as Jack, and McConnel as the skipper. What makes this different is Sarah doesn't get to be picked up, she's left out there by the character portrayed by Billy Zane who is actually Cruz.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Apr 8 at 2016 5:12 PM

SGT Michael Thorin — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 17:12:56 -0400

I'm not approaching this from a "Presidential Race" perspective, but instead of moral and ethical perspective

Early in the race for the Republican Candidate, I believe a contract was signed. From my understanding of the reports of Fox News and other agencies, Trump had threatened to run as an independent if he did not receive the support of the GOP. The contract was reported to obligate to accept whatever decision was made by the GOP, in the best interests of the people.

If Trump receives the nomination based on what the majority of the people want, then what?

Is it right for the GOP to throw another party into an independent candidate?

I honestly believe that politicians are to the point where people expect them to lie and take advantage of the system. It is evident by Hillary's vast history of lies in which they have all been proven correct.

Honestly, I'm at the point with this election that I just want to see who the nominee is just so I will no longer have to feel like I need to make a choice. None of the nominees are very good, and all leave me scratching my head trying to figure out how this will play out. It is a very frustrating race, which seems more like a reality TV show than a campaign. That being said, I still believe that we would have had a much easier time selecting a candidate from each party if this election year were to have been held in a reality TV format instead of the debates. I mean, they were asking them questions as if they wanted them to go at each other, so lets give this thing a title and rock the heck on!

"Big Brother at the Whitehouse"

It will be set up like the Whitehouse. Every candidate is given a room, and has to meet with the group in the "Oval Office" to get assignments such as developing a plan to fix the deficit, with supporting information. The candidates will all be required to spend 3 months straight in this one building, and as time goes, candidates are kicked out of the Whitehouse according to the viewers wishes.

2 problems solved:

1. No one believes that we are seeing the "true" candidates. This will open up the opportunity to see a better representation of who they are. After having a camera trained on you for so long, then people usually forget it is there. Bonus is that we would probably finally see some physical violence between Trump and Kruz, and we might see if the youth and vigor of Hillary Clinton are enough to defeat the age and wisdom of Bernie.

2. Viewership of Debates has taken a sudden decline. Many people are tired of hearing politicians tell us how they will fix it, knowing that they won't. So, a reality TV oriented debate will pull all viewers in because it is reality TV.

I will leave you with this photo which is going around the internet that explains how I feel about this year:

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 21 at 2016 10:26 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 10:26:10 -0400

If the GOP doesn't come together, fully backing the chosen candidate then what's remaining - Rotten Clinton or "Freebee Bernie"?

Response by SFC Alfredo Garcia made Apr 26 at 2016 11:31 PM

SFC Alfredo Garcia — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 23:31:27 -0400

Short and simple, yes. They have no choice or there is no party left.

This can be death throes or rebirth of the party. Is he the best candidate? Of the remaining ones, yes. The RNC doesn't have to like it. They just need to bide their time until whenever. I am only waiting for the when the impeachment process (assuming Trumps gets elected) will start and by who. Now that would be interesting right? And for what? I wonder how many politicians, citizens, and others are waiting for their turn to feel a bit of schadenfreude. As many detractors of Trump; there are as many of Hillary. So it is a wash. Scare tactics aside. Nominate Trump (if last remaining or earned). I will not vote for Cruz regardless. Why should Kasich be nominated when he is so far behind both popular AND in promised delegates? Heck nominate me in that case... I will run the country real goodly like.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Apr 28 at 2016 12:46 PM

SSG Michael Scott — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 12:46:03 -0400

Hell at this point, anybody but Hillary. Hillary lied and 4 Americans Died.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made May 9 at 2016 6:23 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Mon, 09 May 2016 18:23:11 -0400

COL : Sir, i think our entire politicial system will not pass the smell test. Congress is so out of touch that they pay voters little to no attention. I undersatand they don't like to get involed even in VA cases. All I see with the vast majority of Congress is what is in it for me and will I get re-elected. Treadies are signed without Senate approval or they call it a agreement. Enought rules have been written that it will cost the taxpayers billions. GM was saved but at the expense of other people. I do believe the auto bail-out and the green energy projects was just a give away. No, part is over-bearing officals in DC that is part of the problem. DC spends money like it's not theirs which it isn't. No accountable otherwise some of the charges on CC's wouldn't be on the cards. People that will not pay their taxes wouldn't be getting bonuses. The VA should work a lot better and the iRS is poorly ran. We have way to many problems in government. And lastly, I understand the unions are holding up changes with the VA. Unions before vets, what a way to go.

Response by Cadet PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2016 5:14 AM

Cadet PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 05:14:48 -0400

They won't they will use the rest of the RNC and PAC money to try to control the house and senate they will accept defeat with the presidency

Response by SFC William Farrell made Oct 15 at 2020 9:37 PM

SFC William Farrell — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 21:37:26 -0400

What are your thoughts today COL Mikel J. Burroughs, once again going into an election four years later?