The Detroit Lions were seven points underdogs to the San Fran 49’ers—and lost by three points. But they lost.
Nikke Haley is 29 points behind Trump in South Carolina. She will lose. The Lions lost in the 49’ers stadium. Haley will lose in her own stadium, the State of South Carolina where she served as Governor. Her biggest support comes not from Carolina Republicans, but from Carolina DEMOCRATS—just as she had the support of New Hampshire Democrats.
Trump is right, he needs to win it at the ballot box. By the end of February 24—if not before, this Primary is over.
A Choice not an Echo by Richard Eber
Richard Eber, Exclusive to the California Political News and Views, 1/30/24 www.capoliticalnewsandviews.com
For all who revere American democracy, the Statue of Liberty stands out as a proud symbol of the freedom we enjoy.
As a Republican voter in California for the past half century, I have been shortchanged in casting my ballot in Presidential elections. By the time my State’s primary takes place, the nomination of our chosen candidate has already been determined.
This year was supposed to be an exception. Election day changed from the first week of June to March 3rd.
Unfortunately, this schedule does not make any difference. Following the vote in favor of Donald Trump over Nikki Haley of 54.2 to 43.3 per cent margin in New Hampshire, several political pundits and elected officials conceded the GOP nomination to the former President.
I have a problem with this.
It matters not what Senate Minority Leader Mitch Mc Connell, Fox News, or MSNBC might think. With the final election over 7 months away, these political hacks need to withhold their prognostications until at least Super Tuesday.
There are several million Republicans around the country who wish to have “relevance” attached to their vote. Regardless if the nomination is in the bag, can’t these people at least feel they are part of the Democratic process?
In California, most conservatives haven’t cast a meaningful ballot in a GOP Presidential primary since Ronald Reagan was running.
If the truth be known, we may as well be writing in Vladamir Putin. This is how little influence Golden State Republicans possess in national politics.
Like many GOP loyalists, I have mixed emotions for Donald Trump and Nikki Haley. What concerns me is not only where they stand on issues; but how and if they will govern.
In my mind, Donald Trump was an excellent President protecting the Southern border. A strong foreign policy discouraging military action from the likes of Russia, Iran, and China. Increasing energy production and reducing government red tape proved important as well.
Where Trump has lost my respect are with his demeaning remarks pertaining to those who disagree with him. Such name calling is sophomoric at best. At times, his attacks make me cringe.
As a result, the former President did not work very well outside his base. This contributes to the polarization continuing to this day. I am not certain Mr. Trump has the ability to stop being such a big jerk, should he be elected to a second term.
At this juncture Nikki Haley is the best choice for me and many moderate Republicans. Her views are similar in content to those of Trump. Missing are the bombastic comments and verbal insults from the former President.
Even more important Haley is more electable this November. Much of her strong performance in New Hampshire was the result of those non-affiliated with political parties. It is this crucial independent block that will likely determine the outcome in swing states this fall.
Such criterion shapes my current advocacy for Nikki Haley. With this said, should Donald Trump win the nomination in Detroit; I will have no difficulty getting behind him once again. The problem is how many others feel the same way?
The United States simply can not deal with another four years of Joe Biden or heaven forbid Kamala Harris. Given these circumstances, why should it be necessary to make a Hobson’s Choice selectiononce again?
This justifiable paranoia even leads voters to consider a third-party standard bearer if these elderly gentlemen end up running come November.
Ironically, the multitude of court cases pending against Mr. Trump does not upset me in the least. They are based upon ridiculous accusations that should never reach a grand jury.
Who ever heard of someone charged for fraud with an elevated appraisal for a loan that was paid off? Or endangering national security by maintaining classified documents in a house teaming with Secret Service and FBI agents?
The list continues with the Georgia case of the January 6th incident where there is no clear-evidence of the President leading any sort of insurrection. Given the corrupt behavior Fulton County D.A. Fani Willis and her overpaid boyfriend, the pair can take “two tickets to paradise”, with no return voyage required.
Let’s just dismiss these cases and move on to the task at hand of electing a new Chief Executive.
These prosecutions of Donald Trump are not only distasteful; but they are a complete distraction to what stands to be a realigning election. Why can’t Democrats try to save Democracy by stopping the insidious attacks against the former resident of the White House?
Let voters determine Trump’s fate.
Would it not be better to debate immigration reform, education, the Middle East, the Ukraine, inflation, energy independence, etc. Unfortunately, defensiveDemocratic strategists prefer not to bring up these topics.
Liberals experience difficulty justifying a Progressive agenda most Americans reject. As a result, the only things they care to talk about are free abortions and the evil empire of Donald Trump?
All of these factors hang over me as the Presidential election of 2024 unfolds.
It will definitely be a bonus should a real choice exist in the Republican Primary March 3rd. Regardless of Trump or Haleycoming out ahead, at least we mightexperience a “Choice not an Echo” for a change.
Phyllis Schlafly would not have it any other way. Let us make the Statue of Liberty relevant once again.
Agree regarding prematurely anointing a presidential candidate (or any candidate). This practice can take excitement and anticipation out of voting, which is not a good thing. Also agree that Donald Trump really, really, needs to enroll in finishing school. But, might wonder if anyone but a chaotic loudmouth who is not part of the political elite dares to take on a destructive establishment (Javier Milei also comes to mind).