Tag: 2016 GOP Primary

GOP Should Use Trump

Buck Banks

I keep reading that Donald Trump is wrecking the Republican Party. I keep hearing that he’s a threat to the fortunes of every other Republican presidential candidate, because he sullies the brand and puts them in an impossible position. … What bunk … The brand was plenty sullied before he lent his huff and his hair to the task. And by giving his Republican rivals a perfect foil, he also gives them a perfect chance to rehabilitate and redeem the party. … As it stands now, he’s using them. If they had any guts, they could use him.

— Frank Bruni, in the New York Times.

Trump Loves Mexicans, Says He’ll Capture Latino Vote

Buck Banks

I have a great relationship with the Mexican people. I have many people working for me – look at the job in Washington – I have many legal immigrants working with me. And many of them come from Mexico. They love me, I love them. And I’ll tell you something, if I get the nomination, I’ll win the Latino vote.

— Donald Trump, in an interview with NBC News.

Christie Says He Won’t Be Lectured to by Cruz

Buck Banks

I find it ironic that Ted Cruz is giving lectures on Republican-on-Republican violence. I mean with all due respect, I don’t need to be lectured by Ted Cruz.

— Gov. Chris Christie (R), quoted by the Dallas Morning News, calling Cruz “hypocritical” for saying he refuses to attack Republicans even though he worked to support primary challengers to incumbent Republicans in 2014.

One GOP Donor Seeks to Block Trump from Debates

Buck Banks

Someone in the party ought to start some sort of petition saying, ‘If Trump’s going to be on the stage, I’m not going to be on there with him.’ I’m toying with the idea of it.

— Republican donor John Jordan, who, along with other donors, is worried about “Republican-on-Republican violence,” the AP reports.

Two Reasons the GOP Can’t Dismiss Donald Trump

Buck Banks

Mr. Trump is important for two reasons: first for the damage he can do to the Republican Party, and second for the useful lesson he can teach that same party. The potential damage comes largely in the harm he can do—indeed, already may have done—to Republicans’ crucial mission of building better bridges to Hispanics. The lesson comes by way of illustrating the depths of populist anger running through sectors of the GOP right now.

— Gerald Seib, in the Wall Street Journal.

Jeb Bush Leads GOP Contenders Nationally

Buck Banks

19%

Jeb Bush’s lead in the GOP presidential race nationally, followed by Donald Trump at 12%, Mike Huckabee at 8%, Ben Carson at 7%, Rand Paul at 7%, Marco Rubio at 6% and Scott Walker at 6%, according to a new CNN/ORC poll finds. “The findings suggest Bush is making progress toward being seen as the frontrunner in a field that has long lacked a clear leader. He holds a significant lead over the second-place candidate Trump, is seen as the candidate who could best handle illegal immigration and social issues, and runs about even with Trump and well ahead of the other candidates when Republicans are asked which candidate can best handle the economy.”

Walker Leads in Iowa

Buck Banks

18%

Scott Walker’s lead over the GOP presidential pack in Iowa, followed by Donald Trump at 10%, Ben Carson at 10%, Rand Paul at 9%, Ted Cruz at 9%, Jeb Bush at 8%, Marco Rubio at 7% and Mike Huckabee at 5%, a new Quinnipiac poll in Iowa finds. Said pollster Peter Brown: “Those who thought the Republican race in the Iowa caucuses might begin to clarify itself better think again. As even more candidates toss their hats into the ring, the race has gotten even more muddled.”