In full damage control mode, Donald Trump appeared with four female Clinton victims at a pre-debate press conference prior to Sunday night’s mudfest. The joint appearance was an attempt to minimize or perhaps deflect from the self-inflicted hemorrhage his crude ‘Trump tape’ remarks made in his candidacy.
It could’ve worked. It should’ve worked. Except for one thing.
The cognitive dissonance of bringing out three female victims of a serial adulterer, philanderer and sexual predator (Hi, Bill) to share the stage with a serial adulterer, philanderer and sexual predator and long-time Clinton donor and pal is galactic. It’s like having Ted “Chappaquiddick Kid” Kennedy on the dais during the Anita Hill hearings. Joe Biden… anywhere. Miley Cyrus… oh, never mind. (The fourth, Kathy Shelton, was a victim in a rape case in which Hillary Clinton defended the accused.)
Almost any other GOP ex-presidential candidate could’ve pulled this off. Made it stick. Cruz. Walker. Fiorina. Mike Pence could’ve pulled this off. Heck, Elmer Fudd could’ve pulled this off. But Porky Pig?
If Trump cares so much about these Clinton victims, why did he wait until after the Access Hollywood tape surfaced to show it? Short answer: Because it’s not about them. It’s about him.
Furthermore, if Trump was genuinely interested in anyone or anything besides himself – like getting justice for these women who certainly deserve it – there are far better, more substantive venues. He could dig up some crackerjack attorneys. Bankroll legal action and the like.
But Trump won’t do any of that. He won’t because he can’t. He can’t appear with these women and pretend he’s some kind of caped crusader for truth, justice and chivalry. Not with his track record. So he’ll use these female victims as props to further his own agenda, then skip merrily away. (There’s a reason why Donald Trump was the one candidate Hillary Clinton most wanted to run against.)
By the way, for those attempting to defend Mr. Porky P. by claiming, straight-faced, that “all men” talk about sexually assaulting women in private: you need to get some new friends.
And if you thought last week’s Trump tape was bad, brace yourself. There may be more:
Insiders say there are recordings of Donald Trump from his days on The Apprentice that make the highly damaging 2005 tape seem mild—but they may not see the light of day before the election, if ever. Executive producer Mark Burnett says he is legally unable to release the tapes, and production company owner MGM says it’s also legally restricted from releasing the material, though neither party responded to questions from the AP about the specific requirements blocking the release of footage. …
The Huffington Post says it has obtained the transcript for some unaired moments in The Apprentice’s ninth season, in which Trump criticizes the skin of musician Emily West. “I assume you’re gonna leave this off, don’t put this s**t on the show, you know,” he says. “But her skin, her skin sucks, OK? I mean her skin, she needs some serious f***in’ dermatology.” …
And the beat goes on?
Of course, none of this matters to diehard Branch Trumpidians. That’s because for Trump disciples, it’s not about responsible, accountable government. Supreme Court nominees. Sound public policy. A coherent foreign policy. Or the U.S. Constitution. For Trumpsters, it’s all about Lord Trump. Hosanna! Hosanna!
Don’t think so? Check this out:
A Trump spokeswoman said Monday that the GOP nominee’s supporters could ignore down-ballot Republicans, regardless of whether it costs the party its congressional majorities.
Katrina Pierson’s comment came hours after House Speaker Paul Ryan said he’ll focus on protecting down-ballot Republicans rather than his party’s standard-bearer.
“I can’t keep my phone charged due to the mass volume of texts from people all over the country who will vote Trump, but down ballot, not so much,” Katrina Pierson tweeted:
I can’t keep my phone charged due to the mass volume of texts from people all over the country who will #VoteTrump but (down) ballot not so much.
— Katrina Pierson (@KatrinaPierson) October 10, 2016
… The Trump campaign has repeatedly clashed with party leadership, and Hill figures have warned about his campaign’s negative effects on their down-ballot efforts.
And Kirk Says Trump Could Cost Republicans Both the Senate and The House.
So, just what, exactly, do Trump supporters think their Messiah will accomplish with a Democrat-controlled House and Senate? As one wag put it: how stupid are Trump voters if they’re trying to ensure he gets elected as president but without a Republican House or Senate? (That’s okay. I’ll wait.)
Not to worry. According to your average Donald aficionado, Il Trumpo will walk on water and rise from the dead on the third day. Right after he builds that wall.
To be clear, a Hillary Clinton presidency would be a disaster. Unthinkable. So make no mistake: The Marquise de Kleptocratia is manifestly unfit to serve. But guess what? So is The Donald.
Don’t Republicans deserve a nominee they can be proud of?
Well then, what’s better? Good question. One possible solution is for Porky P. to step aside for a non-porcine nominee. But that would require some moral fiber and integrity. Good luck with that one. (For the record, I’d happily vote for Mike Pence if he led the ticket.)
Frankly, a potted plant would be an improvement over the present abysmal options. In lieu of dieffenbachia entering the race or Trump stepping aside, keep your eye on the dual brass rings: retaining Republican control of the House and Senate and the Electoral College. They still kind of matter.
Regarding the latter, a vote that denies these two clowns a majority of electoral votes is a well-cast, thoughtful vote that’ll actually matter. (See: 12 and 270: Why a Vote for Trump Won’t Matter HERE, And What You Can Do About It and 5 Reasons Why ‘Vote Trump to Stop Clinton’ is Bogus.)
Denying Clinton the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House may also be the only valid option available to conscience voters who still want to engage but refuse to bow the knee to Baal. It may also be the only way to beat Clinton.
Isn’t that the bottom line?
