QUESTION TIME: Trump and the GOP Field
Where do you stand on Donald J. Trump and the rest of the Republican Field
The Donald
Trump has gained so much support because he is willing to say things that most everyone has been too timid to say. His support represents the widespread frustration that Washington is a complete disaster, dramatic changes are required to get our country back on track, and career politicians are largely to blame. I wholeheartedly agree with that view, which is exactly why I decided to run for Congress.
I agree with Trump that we must secure the borders, including a wall — whatever it takes. Not sure how he gets Mexico to pay for it, but I’m all for it if he can.
I have many friends whom I respect that back Trump. However, like a lot of conservatives, I’m approaching his candidacy with a healthy degree of skepticism. Is he suggesting government-run health care? Is his conversion from “very, very” pro-choice to pro-life lasting? Does his position on eminent domain indicate a philosophy that would further the interest of the states at the expense of the liberties of the individual?
Sen. Ted Cruz
Cruz is the smartest guy in the race and best reflects a traditional Christian conservative. His positions on foreign policy get a bit too cavalier. While I understand that Presidential campaigns aren’t about nuance (and neither are congressional campaigns as far as that goes, yet here I go writing a massive post in answer to four simple questions), he needs to present a foreign policy plan that goes beyond pledging to carpet bomb ISIS until the sand glows.
Commander-in-chief is the most important role of a President. With tens of thousands of Eastern NC Marines at the top of the spear, he needs to demonstrate that he’ll fill that role responsibly.
Sen. Marco Rubio
Rubio is the most polished of the field and has the most coherent understanding of foreign policy. Especially when he talks about the greatness of this country and what America means, he speaks with an eloquence not seen since Reagan.
He’s also, by conventional standards at least, is best equipped to beat Hillary. But, that only matters if he can rally conservatives to his side and unite the party.
He needs to show that he’s got what it takes not only to win, but win as an unabashedly conservative reformer with the grassroots behind him.
