If you asked Democratic strategists for their dream scenario for 2016, here it is:
- Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nominee
- Generic Republican as the GOP nominee
- Donald Trump as a third-party nominee
There is a chance this wish might come true, according to a report that says Donnie is threatening to go rogue.
Pressed on whether he would run as a third-party candidate if he fails to clinch the GOP nomination, Trump said that “so many people want me to, if I don’t win…I’ll have to see how I’m being treated by the Republicans,” Trump said. “Absolutely, if they’re not fair, that would be a factor.”
How the man who called Mexicans rapists, declared Sen. John McCain a loser, and gave the general public Sen. Lindsey Graham’s mobile number* defines fairness is anyone’s guess.
Trump is already reaching the “throw a hand grenade into it” crowd that identifies as Republican or tea party or in some cases, libertarian, if polls showing him leading the 16-member pack of GOP hopefuls are accurate. If Republicans run a normal candidate, like Jeb! or Marky-Marco or Big Chris or “Kohl’s Shirts” Walker as their guy, the Donald will draw all the energy and split the vote so Hillary wins.
On the other hand, if some of their flukier possibilities prevail, like Dr. In Over His Head or Carly the (Job) Terminator, then Hillary still wins.
That’s unless we stay home. Elections are always about turning out the vote and 2016 will be a special challenge because right now, there’s not much energy on our side. Hillary’s running mate will be even more critical than other No. 2s because he or she will need to make up for Clinton’s shortcomings in connecting with voters (and the media) on the campaign trail.
For now, let’s hope that Trump keeps pissing off the Republicans, and that Republicans keep pissing off Trump. These are low bars. Run, Donald, run!
* Prompting an absolutely fabulous video from Graham in response. #givethedevilhisdue
