Donald Trump

[John G]

I'm not sure whether Donald Trump is a National Socialist, although I doubt he has any plans to invade Russia or France (although I'm less certain about Mexico!) However, I do find his protectionist instincts extremely scary. Thus, the Economic Intelligence Unit have ranked Donald Trump winning the presidency as one of the top 10 risks facing the world. In fact, on a scale of 25 he's rated a 12, the same level of risk as "the rising threat of jihadist terrorism destabilizing the global economy." They note, "He has been exceptionally hostile to free trade, including notably NAFTA, and has repeatedly labelled China as a currency manipulator." See:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35828747

Or course, the last protectionist American president was Herbert Hoover, and I seem to remember that things didn't work out too well for him! Therefore, if Trump's elected, it might well end up as a case of "brother can you spare a dime" time!

[Abby Normal]

Cruz has to win 90% of the remaining delegates to win on the first ballot and that won't happen even if Kasich exits the race, which he says he isn't, so that leaves either Trump as the nominee on the first ballot or a contested convention. And in a contested convention, neither Trump nor Cruz will likely be the nominee which probably leaves it to Kasich or the 3Rs; Rubio, Ryan or Romney.

I don't like trump but if he enters the convention either with the needed amount or the majority (which he will surely have by a lot) and there is a contested convention and he ends up getting screwed out of the nomination-it will be a huge travesty for the democratic process.

isn't this why we vote? not for some oligarchy/establishment BS to override the will of the people.

I will absolutely lose my mind if this happens.

[Pcdunn]

I saw that Trump has said there "will be riots" if he is NOT the candidate for the Republicans-- wonder if we'll see him leading his followers down to the Beergarden, lol...

If the Republicans do pick Trump, they will have confirmed that the party belongs to the rich (as I've suspected all along).

[Mayerling]

I'm not sure whether Donald Trump is a National Socialist, although I doubt he has any plans to invade Russia or France (although I'm less certain about Mexico!) However, I do find his protectionist instincts extremely scary. Thus, the Economic Intelligence Unit have ranked Donald Trump winning the presidency as one of the top 10 risks facing the world. In fact, on a scale of 25 he's rated a 12, the same level of risk as "the rising threat of jihadist terrorism destabilizing the global economy." They note, "He has been exceptionally hostile to free trade, including notably NAFTA, and has repeatedly labelled China as a currency manipulator." See:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35828747

Or course, the last protectionist American president was Herbert Hoover, and I seem to remember that things didn't work out too well for him! Therefore, if Trump's elected, it might well end up as a case of "brother can you spare a dime" time!

You'll also notice that Herbert Hoover was the last self-made (in his case, actually self-made) millionaire who became President. Unlike our television reality show boor, Donald, Herbert actually proved to be the best Secretary of Commerce we ever had.

Since Hoover, unless you consider Mitt Romney (who besides being a business tycoon was also a fairly effective Governor of Massachusetts) the only Presidential Candidates who were big businessmen were Wendell Wilkie (his company was the largest privately run power company in the nation), and George W. Bush, who was once a baseball team owner. Wilkie was defeated for the Presidency by FDR in 1940 (but did markedly better as a candidate against Roosevelt than either Hoover in 1932 or Landon in 1936).

None of the other tycoon candidates were as obnoxious (generally speaking) in terms of public personalities as the Donald is. Romney did come across as a bit of an arrogant S.O.B. on one occasion he did not expect he was being heard on. "W" mangled English sentence structure and syntax worse than any other candidate we have had in recent years (one has to go back to Eisenhower in his post stroke period for comparable speaking errors, and he had an understandable burden causing it).

Jeff

[John G]

You'll also notice that Herbert Hoover was the last self-made (in his case, actually self-made) millionaire who became President. Unlike our television reality show boor, Donald, Herbert actually proved to be the best Secretary of Commerce we ever had.

Since Hoover, unless you consider Mitt Romney (who besides being a business tycoon was also a fairly effective Governor of Massachusetts) the only Presidential Candidates who were big businessmen were Wendell Wilkie (his company was the largest privately run power company in the nation), and George W. Bush, who was once a baseball team owner. Wilkie was defeated for the Presidency by FDR in 1940 (but did markedly better as a candidate against Roosevelt than either Hoover in 1932 or Landon in 1936).

None of the other tycoon candidates were as obnoxious (generally speaking) in terms of public personalities as the Donald is. Romney did come across as a bit of an arrogant S.O.B. on one occasion he did not expect he was being heard on. "W" mangled English sentence structure and syntax worse than any other candidate we have had in recent years (one has to go back to Eisenhower in his post stroke period for comparable speaking errors, and he had an understandable burden causing it).

Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the reply, very informative. Isn't also true that Hoover was initially strongly opposed to the Smoot-Hawley Act, but was persuaded by his own party not to veto the bill?

[Mayerling]

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the reply, very informative. Isn't also true that Hoover was initially strongly opposed to the Smoot-Hawley Act, but was persuaded by his own party not to veto the bill?

Hi John G.,


I'm not sure, but it would not surprise me. Hoover was, in his limited, "laissez faire" minded way, willing to try to expand and help the situation of the great depression - he created the first "Alphabet agency the National Financial Recovery Bureau, to give small loans to businesses. It just was not enough, but when it was done Hoover got flack from the old line Republican "stand-patters", led by his Vice President, the pompous self-important Charles Curtis. Hoover, you have to recall, was a supporter of the Republican and Democratic Progressive movements, backing Theodore Roosevelt in 1912, and working with Woodrow Wilson in 1918-1921 in helping million of displaced war refugees in Europe.

Hoover had his own suggestion of who was responsible for the Wall Street Crash. He was blamed because he was an energetic Secretary of Commerce, and had done nothing to curb bad Wall Street practices (such as buying stock on margin). Actually, except for some mining stocks (he was an expert mining engineer) Hoover mistrusted the Stock Exchange and urged friends not to invest their money. He shot back that the New York Stock Exchange was a corporation under the laws of the State of New York where it was filed, and that the fault was with the Governor of New York State in October 1929 - Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Roosevelt never forgave Hoover for that slam, and it went beyond their election confrontation in 1932. In 1940-41 FDR reached out to the Republicans to avoid (in case of war) any problems like Wilson had of charges of Political bias in concentrating all the leading war effort into the hands of the Democrats only. So FDR appointed former Secretary of State (Hoover's, by the way) Henry Stimson as his Secretary of War (Stimson had also held that post in the Taft Administration) and Chicago newspaper owner and critic Frank Knox as Secretary of the Navy. Someone asked if he'd appoint Hoover to anything. "I'm not Christ", replied FDR, "and don't raise the dead!" It wasn't until 1945 and FDR's death that Harry Truman, who had a great admiration for Hoover's abilities, asked him to handle the refugee problem again (which he did).

In 1932-33 the anger of FDR and the frustration of the defeated Hoover regarding "whose responsibility for the Crash and Depression?" led to a troubling governmental impasse that affected the situation by making necessary cooperation between out-going and in-coming administrations impossible (and probably lethal). In 1932 - 33 the elections in November for President and Vice President gave a lame-duck period to the out-going administration that lasted until March 4th of the following year, when the inauguration occurred. In more leisurely periods of our history this did not matter (in 1885 Grover Cleveland was not pushing Chester Arthur out of the White House as quickly as possible). But in a crisis like 1932-33 speed would have helped. Only one prior President (in another major crisis) ever seriously thought about it. In 1864, Lincoln considered that if McClellan beat him in the Presidential election (at one point it might have happened - before a string of victories showed the North was going to win), Lincoln would have his then Vice President, Hannibal Hamlin of Maine, resign the Vice Presidency, appoint McClellan interim Vice President (with the consent of Congress), and then resign the Presidency, so that "Little Mac" could get started implementing his peace plans. That was the only such idea about avoiding the gap from November to March. Nobody suggested that to Hoover in 1932-33, and FDR came in exactly at the time the Constitution told him he was legally allowed to. FDR was fully aware of this idiotic gap, and pressed for a change in the timing between the election of the next President and the inauguration date. A new amendment was created that did that in 1936, and was put into affect for FDR's second inauguration (now on January 20th, as it still is). It was the only benefit that arose out of that impasse in 1932-33.

Jeff

[pinkmoon]

Im horrified that mr trumps campaign has gone this far the prospect of president trump is terrifying

[miss marple]

TRUMP is a shock Jock. He comes with delibrately provovative statements. I get the sense he is playing a game. I don't think he wants to be President, that would involve too much hard work and comprimise. I think he wants to prove he can win and could be president if he wanted too. He is taking the American public for suckers, in a Barnum way.
If it had been a film, it would total satire on the American condition.

Miss Marple

[Fleetwood Mac]

As an outsider (a Brit) i understand exactly what you mean, he has charisma that is certain, but he comes across as uneducated, or perhaps its just ignorant on many issues.

unfortunately this is what you get with the American system, ability to do a job comes second to the ability to fund a campaign.
It never ceases to amaze me that it appears to be impossible to stand for the highest officer unless your are you disgustingly wealthy.

Thats just the the view of An Outsider, with no wish to offend either party in the USA.

I think both nations like to promote themselves as pioneers/bastions of democracy and freedom.

The United States: Land of the Free.

England: Mother of Democracy and the Free.

Truth is neither political system is particularly democratic.

As you say, in the United States access to politics is restricted to those with a boat load of money.

We're no better, though, the only difference being that we have other barriers blocking our way to a democratic system.

I don't really listen that much to our own politicians, far less foreign politicians. So, what Donald Trump has to say is of absolutely no importance. We had George Bush up this way once, came to visit Tony Blair in his constituency. Everyone was fuming that the roads were blocked and no one could get to the shop for a pint of milk or get to the pub for a pint. That's pretty much the concern of people up here when it comes to foreign politicians.

Actually come to think of it, when Tony Blair was Prime Minister every time he came to his constituency a load of polis came with him stalking the streets days before his arrival and departure - and these were the days before Sunday opening time in the afternoon - so Sunday lock ins with the curtains closed in the pub were put on hold. To say the natives were restless is an understatement!

The absolute worst of all of this for me is why people from other countries feel a need to get involved and give opinions on Donald Trump. It's embarrassing. Like a load of old women twitching the curtains and looking out from behind to see what's going on. Someone will say: "this has implications for the whole world". No it doesn't. Politicians don't run the United States. They haven't for a long time.

[Rosella]

I don't see why it's embarrassing if non US citizens who are interested in the political systems of other countries can't give an opinion on someone who is running for the Republican candidacy. This is only a forum not the UN.

I'm a political animal and the Trump phenomenon interests me. It's not because I think he's going to run world affairs. My own opinion is that the Democrat contender, whether Sanders or Clinton, will wipe the floor with Donald, and the nearest he'll come to the White House will be if he ever drives past it.

[Fleetwood Mac]

I don't see why it's embarrassing if non US citizens who are interested in the political systems of other countries can't give an opinion on someone who is running for the Republican candidacy. This is only a forum not the UN.

I'm a political animal and the Trump phenomenon interests me. It's not because I think he's going to run world affairs. My own opinion is that the Democrat contender, whether Sanders or Clinton, will wipe the floor with Donald, and the nearest he'll come to the White House will be if he ever drives past it.

Yeah, I agree.

If the US political system is a source of interest then nothing embarrassing about that.

I was thinking of the people who think Trump is going to ruin the world and they need to speak out in order to save everyone from their own stupidity.

[Pcdunn]

But the majority of American voters dislike Trump, as this guy points out:

http://gawker.com/the-idea-that-the-media-is-to-blame-for-donald-trump-1767429349

So, do we let the press off the hook for covering The Donald so much we're sick of his stupid face? Hmmmm...

[Steadmund Brand]

Those stats are misleading.. or at least used to serve the purpose of the "writer" as ALL candidates are disliked by a majority.. first; half of the country dislikes you due to party, and then nobody is liked by 100% in their own party, so by that logic, each and every one is disliked by a majority ( and no I AM NOT A TRUMP SUPPORTER!!!! I AM A HUMAN BEING (sorry couldn't resist) but lets face it, for a guy who, according to all these writers nobody likes, he keeps winning and winning... funny isn't it.

and I believe that non Americans should take an interest in US politics, not to sound arrogant, but the American President is arguably the most powerful and influential person in the world ( even if as only a figure head, as so many people behind the scenes really run things), so they should be interested, I only wish more Americans were, and actually did things like, oh I don't know, VOTE... especially in Midterm elections, where things can actually get done, but alas, voter turnout is always embarrassingly low for midterm elections...now can Trump be the next President, seeing that his own "Party" is doing everything they can to prevent that, probably not, however, if the people were actually allowed to speak, he very well could be, and that is the way a democracy is suppose to work right, but what most people forget is AMERICA IS NOT A DEMORCRACY.... IT'S A REPUBLIC.... even says so in the damn pledge of allegiance, that lately everyone wants to fight over because of the "one nation,under God" line....strange they all know that line but forget the line right before it "And to the REPUBLIC for which it stands".. yet people, including all the politicians want to keep yelling about our "democracy" no, we are a democratic Republic.....

Ok sorry , having a bad day... I shall return to being the Jokester Steadmund now

Steadmund Brand

[Mayerling]

Those stats are misleading.. or at least used to serve the purpose of the "writer" as ALL candidates are disliked by a majority.. first; half of the country dislikes you due to party, and then nobody is liked by 100% in their own party, so by that logic, each and every one is disliked by a majority ( and no I AM NOT A TRUMP SUPPORTER!!!! I AM A HUMAN BEING (sorry couldn't resist) but lets face it, for a guy who, according to all these writers nobody likes, he keeps winning and winning... funny isn't it.

and I believe that non Americans should take an interest in US politics, not to sound arrogant, but the American President is arguably the most powerful and influential person in the world ( even if as only a figure head, as so many people behind the scenes really run things), so they should be interested, I only wish more Americans were, and actually did things like, oh I don't know, VOTE... especially in Midterm elections, where things can actually get done, but alas, voter turnout is always embarrassingly low for midterm elections...now can Trump be the next President, seeing that his own "Party" is doing everything they can to prevent that, probably not, however, if the people were actually allowed to speak, he very well could be, and that is the way a democracy is suppose to work right, but what most people forget is AMERICA IS NOT A DEMORCRACY.... IT'S A REPUBLIC.... even says so in the damn pledge of allegiance, that lately everyone wants to fight over because of the "one nation,under God" line....strange they all know that line but forget the line right before it "And to the REPUBLIC for which it stands".. yet people, including all the politicians want to keep yelling about our "democracy" no, we are a democratic Republic.....

Ok sorry , having a bad day... I shall return to being the Jokester Steadmund now

Steadmund Brand

Oh, I'm in a pretty bitter mood about politics and government too Steadmund. So right (or write) on!!!

Jeff

[Fleetwood Mac]

Those stats are misleading.. or at least used to serve the purpose of the "writer" as ALL candidates are disliked by a majority.. first; half of the country dislikes you due to party, and then nobody is liked by 100% in their own party, so by that logic, each and every one is disliked by a majority ( and no I AM NOT A TRUMP SUPPORTER!!!! I AM A HUMAN BEING (sorry couldn't resist) but lets face it, for a guy who, according to all these writers nobody likes, he keeps winning and winning... funny isn't it.

and I believe that non Americans should take an interest in US politics, not to sound arrogant, but the American President is arguably the most powerful and influential person in the world ( even if as only a figure head, as so many people behind the scenes really run things), so they should be interested, I only wish more Americans were, and actually did things like, oh I don't know, VOTE... especially in Midterm elections, where things can actually get done, but alas, voter turnout is always embarrassingly low for midterm elections...now can Trump be the next President, seeing that his own "Party" is doing everything they can to prevent that, probably not, however, if the people were actually allowed to speak, he very well could be, and that is the way a democracy is suppose to work right, but what most people forget is AMERICA IS NOT A DEMORCRACY.... IT'S A REPUBLIC.... even says so in the damn pledge of allegiance, that lately everyone wants to fight over because of the "one nation,under God" line....strange they all know that line but forget the line right before it "And to the REPUBLIC for which it stands".. yet people, including all the politicians want to keep yelling about our "democracy" no, we are a democratic Republic.....

Ok sorry , having a bad day... I shall return to being the Jokester Steadmund now

Steadmund Brand

The very reason why we have such stupid events like invading other people's countries is because of this desire to poke noses into other people's business.

I'd suggest a blanket approach of ignoring whatever is going on in any country and leaving the natives to discuss and resolve their own affairs.

I for one couldn't care less whether you have Hitler, the man from the moon or Mother Teresa as your leader. And, that's not to be disrespectful of the United States as I personally have quite a high opinion of the country, but the more the world sees United States as this powerful thing that involves us all then the more the United States will view itself in the same manner - which isn't healthy for obvious reasons.