Tag: Donald Trump

Graham ‘Unnerved’ by Trump’s Support of Putin

Buck Banks

Other than destroying every instrument of democracy in his own country, having opposition people killed, dismembering neighbors through military force and being the benefactor of the butcher of Damascus, he’s a good guy. This calculation by Trump unnerves me to my core.

— Sen. Lindsey Graham, quoted by Washington Post, on Donald Trump’s embrace of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump Campaign Stands by Astonishing Support for Putin

Buck Banks

I think it’s inarguable that Vladimir Putin has been a stronger leader in his country than Barack Obama has been in this country.

— Gov. Mike Pence, reaffirming the Trump campaign’s “extraordinary embrace of Russia’s president, Vladimir V. Putin, signaling a preference for the leadership of an authoritarian adversary over that of America’s own president, despite a cascade of criticism from Democrats and expressions of discomfort among Republicans,” the New York Times reports.

Trump Raised $90 Million in August

Buck Banks

$90 million

Amount Donald Trump and his joint committees raised in August, a substantial haul for a candidate late to fundraising but one that still significantly trails Hillary Clinton’s enormous summer totals,” CNN reports. “A Trump campaign official said Wednesday the campaign had collected the $90 million despite its paltry fundraising operation. That total is expected to come largely from small-dollar donors, who have flocked to the Republican nominee thanks to his costly investment in digital fundraising tools.”

Trump an Old Hand at Pay-to-Play Politics in New York

Buck Banks

In the 1980s, Mr. Trump was compelled to testify under oath before New York State officials after he directed tens of thousands of dollars to the president of the New York City Council through myriad subsidiary companies to evade contribution limits. In the 1990s, the Federal Election Commission fined Mr. Trump for exceeding the annual limit on campaign contributions by $47,050, the largest violation in a single year. And in 2000, the New York State lobbying commission imposed a $250,000 fine for Mr. Trump’s failing to disclose the full extent of his lobbying of state legislators.

— New York Times

Trump Already Is a Right-Wing Media Personality

Buck Banks

Trump’s greatest trick has been to realize that right-wing media stars have a built-in audience that Republican politicians don’t. To that audience, Jeb Bush talks like Washington talks. Ted Cruz talks like conservative ideologues talk. Marco Rubio talks like the last consultant he spoke with talks. But Trump talks like a true talk radio fan?—?longtime listener, first-time caller. He comes off like the winner of a reality TV show in which one lucky Fox viewer gets picked to run for president of the United States.

— Jon Favreau

What’s the Opposite of Endorse? Dallas Morning News

Buck Banks

We have no interest in a Republican nominee for whom all principles are negotiable, nor in a Republican Party that is willing to trade away principle for pursuit of electoral victory. Trump doesn’t reflect Republican ideals of the past; we are certain he shouldn’t reflect the GOP of the future. Donald Trump is not qualified to serve as president and does not deserve your vote.

— The Dallas Morning News