By the time Rhode Island voters have their say in the presidential primaries on April 26, it seems likely at least one of the major parties’ nominating contests will have been …
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By the time Rhode Island voters have their say in the presidential primaries on April 26, it seems likely at least one of the major parties’ nominating contests will have been decided.
Neighboring Massachusetts, meanwhile, finds itself in the thick of the action, one of many, mostly southern states set to take part in the March 1 “Super Tuesday” voting.
On the Democratic side, it increasingly appears former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will hold on and become her party’s presidential standard-bearer despite an unexpectedly strong challenge from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. She is also very likely to win the Ocean State’s primary, if her strong victory here during the intense 2008 nomination contest provides any indication.
Meanwhile, the ascendancy of businessman and television personality Donald Trump – who has taken three of the first four nominating contests – has thrown the GOP side of the race into turmoil.
According to polling, U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz sit, in some order, a tier well below the frontrunner. Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Dr. Ben Carson, despite facing long odds, round out a winnowed Republican field once comprised of nearly 20 hopefuls.
If current polls in key states hold up, and if other contenders under perform their own predicted numbers or fail to win key states, Trump may have the GOP presidential virtually locked up before month’s end. Between March 1 and March 15, Republicans in more than two-dozen states will have voted, including Texas, Ohio, Florida, Michigan, and North Carolina.
In light of the upcoming schedule, we feel compelled to make a plea to Republicans, and indeed all voters, in Rhode Island and beyond, to take a strong stand against Trump’s candidacy.
Our reasoning is non-partisan in nature, although we suspect a Trump nomination would be extremely damaging to the Republican Party nationwide. Making any prediction concerning the shortcomings of Trump’s candidacy, of course, has proven to be folly, as he has defied expectations and dominated the discussion for many months now. But already, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has spoken of down-ballot Republicans dropping Trump “like a hot rock” were he to win the party’s nod. A floor fight at the convention appears possible for the first time in many years.
Trump has proven himself an adept political performer, which should perhaps come as little surprise given his talents and success as an entertainer and television personality. Despite his bluster to the contrary, the record indicates those abilities far outstrip his accomplishments as a businessman.
In proving his readiness or fitness for the presidency, though, Trump has failed spectacularly.
We contend that regardless of party label or position on the political spectrum, reasonable people can agree the highest office in the land requires a truly unique set of skills, particularly given the demands of the modern world. An ideal president has the administrative acumen of a CEO and the charisma of a movie star, the ability to lead through both the merit of his or her ideas and the power of personality and narrative.
Above any single factor, however, sits one trait we want our nation’s leader to possess – sound judgment. We want to believe that decisions, whether or not we agree with them, are made thoughtfully, and in the best interests of the country and its people. We want to believe our president puts the office, and its tradition, above himself or herself.
Trump, as far as we have seen, makes decisions with absolutely nothing in mind beyond basic self-interest. At all times, his focus remains trained like a laser on winning a particular news cycle, or at the very least staying in the spotlight. Bombast and offensive tactics distract from a disturbing lack of substance.
From the first day of his campaign, Trump has used bigoted, xenophobic, and misogynistic language – often with little, if any, subtly – to successfully channel the resentments of an ugly segment of the electorate. He is far from the first to do so. But prior practitioners of such strategy have not deserved to occupy the White House, either.
In the latest example, recent days have seen Trump unable to consistently state whether he disavows support from David Duke and Ku Klux Klan. Whatever Trump believes in his heart – and we suspect much of what he says is craven politicking, more than anything – that alone constitutes a disqualifier for the presidency. It is beyond absurdity. It is dangerous negligence.
Americans are right to be frustrated with so-called establishment politics. We understand the anger of those who feel left behind in an economy that has transformed dramatically in the last several decades, of those who work hard and do the right thing but cannot seem to get ahead. We understand the fear so many feel in a world that seems increasingly unstable.
Donald Trump is not the answer. For all his talk of deal making, greatness, and winning, we see little more than a deeply cynical man using despicable tactics for personal gain and glorification. His campaign has certainly offered nothing in the way of meaningful policy proposals, or a vision beyond “winning.”
We do not believe Trump is fit, in any way, for the office to which he aspires. We fear his nomination, let alone presidency, would have highly corrosive and potentially disastrous consequences for our republic.
19 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
Justanidiot
Good for you.
Just remember it is one man one vote and that if you can get more people to vote for you, you win.
Good, bad, or indifferent.
Pick The Donald and you will get 2 of the 3.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Report this
RISchadenfreude
Not Sanders.
Not Clinton.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Report this
Justanidiot
Not Sanders.
Not Clinton.
Not Trump.
Not Cruz.
Not Rubio.
Not Carson.
Not Bush!
Not Christie.
Not [insert candidate name here]
We need someone who can do the job.
Give up running for mayer Mr. Corrente. Toss your hat into the presidential ring.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Report this
HerbTokerman
It seems like sanders is the only candidate that would be good for the country.
It's to bad Americans are so strongly tied to the two major parties, they're basically two sides of the same dirty coin.
Bernie was forced to run as a democrat because he had no chance at all as an independent which is what he really is.
Both the democrat and republican parties need to go on all levels of government.
Sadly, if Hillary wins, we will see president Trump.
If Bernie wins, we will see president Sanders.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Report this
Ken B
Trump is winning because the major media outlets are praising his negative campaign tactics, covering most of his campaign events live, asking him the most debate questions, allowing him to interrupt other candidates during the debates, never criticizing him when he never explains how he will accomplish any of the goals he has set for himself, never mentioning that he has the highest name recognition nationwide which is the most important factor in polling and primary results and always mentioning that no one can stop him from becoming the Republican nominee for President of the United States. In addition, it was pointed out on the Fox Business channel that thousands of Democrats in the Massachusetts primary election crossed over to vote for Trump. Is it fair and balanced to allow Democrats to determine who the Republican nominee for President of the United States should be?
Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Report this
Thecaptain
Mr. Howell,
Who is the "we" that you refer to in this editorial? Which one of the current candidates exemplifies the skill set that you indicate in this editorial? This editorial exemplifies what is clearly wrong in the media by taking a political side. I was under the impression that was not what a journalist does. Your term "we" suggests that this piece represents someone other than yourself and indicates a clear bias of this paper no matter where a readers affiliation may be.
Maybe your candidate should be the almighty ruler and financial wizard of Warwick, Scott Avedisian. After all , this paper continually promotes him as "The Great One". , yet never indulges into the financial ruin that Warwick is heading on based on his skill set and simple mathematics.
The piece also reminds me of the piece you wrote supporting Donna Travis as city council president. Now there was an example of a political endorsement that will go down in history as brilliant.
The one lesson this paper should learn from Mr. Trump is to put the facts out as they are, good, bad, or indifferent. Then discuss the issues as opposed to taking a political side. Prostitution of journalism is not only shameful but a complete dis-service to both readers and the community at large.
I am truly fascinated by the now prevalent comments that Trump attracts low intellect voters. What does that say about the Democratic Warwick delegation and more importantly, voters from Ward 3 and 6?
Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Report this
warwick10
Many believe in Trump... setting aside Mr. Carson, all other candidates are career politicians, is that what you want?
Say what you will and demean Mr. Trump as a dummy, but you cannot refute he has developed big projects around the world... they come in budget and ahead of time. If you ever try to build anything, you will know how incredibly difficult it is to create large scale developments. Trump is a first class business person, with a long record of achievements. He is an achiever of the highest order.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Report this
Justanidiot
You bet warwick10.
But, how many of his operations have been successes? How many have tanked or not lived up to the hype?
How many illegal aliens does he have working on his properties to keep costs down?
Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Report this
Justanidiot
You bet warwick10.
But, how many of his operations have been successes? How many have tanked or not lived up to the hype?
How many illegal aliens does he have working on his properties to keep costs down?
Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Report this
Thecaptain
Justanidiot,
Do you have the answers to the questions that you pose or are you spew second hand media hype?
Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Report this
Justanidiot
I just pose questions for Trump supporters to answer in a meaningful and logical way. I ask the same of Clinton supporters, Sanders supporters, etc. It is called being the devil's advocate and when someone doesn't answer the question, you can see what they are truly made of. Thanks strawman.
Thursday, March 3, 2016 Report this
Ken B
It was reported on FOX Business News that thousands of Democrats voted for Trump in the Massachusetts primary. Democrats are voting for Trump because they know that Trump is not a Conservative and has Liberal values. Trump is using the votes of Liberal Democrats to get his 35% of the primary vote. This is not a fair way to gain the nomination for President of the United States. Americans are noted for playing fair. Trump does not believe in fair play.
Friday, March 4, 2016 Report this
Ken B
It was reported on FOX Business News that thousands of Democrats voted for Trump in the Massachusetts primary. Democrats are voting for Trump because they know that Trump is not a Conservative and has Liberal values. Trump is using the votes of Liberal Democrats to get his 35% of the primary vote. This is not a fair way to gain the nomination for President of the United States. Americans are noted for playing fair. Trump does not believe in fair play.
Friday, March 4, 2016 Report this
Ken B
It was reported on FOX Business News that thousands of Democrats voted for Trump in the Massachusetts primary. Democrats are voting for Trump because they know that Trump is not a Conservative and has Liberal values. Trump is using the votes of Liberal Democrats to get his 35% of the primary vote. This is not a fair way to gain the nomination for President of the United States. Americans are noted for playing fair. Trump does not believe in fair play.
Friday, March 4, 2016 Report this
Ken B
It was reported on FOX Business News that thousands of Democrats voted for Trump in the Massachusetts primary. Democrats are voting for Trump because they know that Trump is not a Conservative and has Liberal values. Trump is using the votes of Liberal Democrats to get his 35% of the primary vote. This is not a fair way to gain the nomination for President of the United States. Americans are noted for playing fair. Trump does not believe in fair play.
Friday, March 4, 2016 Report this
warwick10
Yes, Justanidot, big issue. There are a huge number of U.S companies that clearly break existing laws by hiring these illegal workers, and our government is guilty too, with the responsibility to enforce immigration laws and punish those who knowingly violate then.
Friday, March 4, 2016 Report this
Straightnnarrow
After having watched the political gyrations the Republican Party is going through in their efforts to reject the candidacy of Donald Trump one must come to the conclusion that what many have said about them over the years is correct. They really are no different than the Democrats. The Council on Foreign Relations/Trilateral Commission really does give them their marching orders and the only difference between them and the Democrats is that the have been directed to hide their socialist proclivities where the Democrats have been allowed to let them all hang out. The two political parties really are nothing more than two different wings on the same socialist turkey and, as usual, and by design, it is flying in the wrong direction.
The American people are being stiffed by the Internationalists and it is on purpose and with the consent of all three branches of the government. The Constitution is no protection whatever for the public when all three branches of government are in collusion to ignore it and are aided and abetted by a prostitute NOT TRUMP media.
If the Republicans were really "conservative" they would not be having the problem they are with Donald Trump. If the other Republican candidates were really as conservative as they claim they would not all be looking for ways to dump him. You have to come to the conclusion with Trump, that if the left and the so-called right both hate his guts then he must be doing something right! And the fact that both left and "right" are so anxious to deep six him tells you that, at root, they have the same socialist agenda. The left is left. The "right" is really left and the American public has no one in government to defend it. All they want to do is to make sure they get your guns before you start to realize this.
The Ruling Establishment knows the public is fed up. They couldn't care less! They figure whatever they shove down our throats we'll take it, like the RI tolls. They will find some way to sidetrack Trump and we will get the weakest possible Republican candidate to run against Hillary and it will be business as usual in the "District of Corruption."
Friday, March 4, 2016 Report this
Justanidiot
If you enjoy political theater, this is your time to be alive. Bread and circuses for the masses while the oligarchy marches on.
Saturday, March 5, 2016 Report this
ronruggieri
As a registered voter in Rhode Island I agree that Donald Trump is not the solution. But from the political Left I still see Trump as the ironic victim of an hysterical and hypocritical GOP establishment smear campaign. Where in his past was entertainer, business tycoon Donald Trump ever associated with a type of KKK bigotry incompatible with public celebrity ?
Has the GOP establishment suddenly gone soft on identity politics and " political correctness " ? What about Carson thinking no Muslim should be running for president ? What about GOP establishment inspired Islamophobia -even homophobia ?
My tentative " solution " also reflects the ANGRY VOTER: I feel the Bern. Bernie Sanders- avoiding stale identity politics-is focused on unacceptable economic inequality in the United States. This " socialist " is really more a New Deal Democrat.
But Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau has just criticized Americans in general for ignoring the big world. Which presidential candidate will speak out against war preparations in the Middle East and the New Colonialism ( masked as the " war on terrorism ) ?
The Angry Voter should be Time Magazine Person of the Year ( 2016 ) .
And having just taken Maine away from neo-Democrat Hillary Clinton , Sanders will do quite well here in the Rhode Island Democratic Primary. If class trumps race here, Sanders will win big.
Monday, March 7, 2016 Report this