The whole system of government is such a joke now, why shouldn't we have at least one jokester candidate? Why not? I'm glad he's there. The guy is a f*cking riot.
The other candidates look like knobs, taking turns calling him out trying to one-up each other (or whatever they're trying to do.) *But Trump might damage the party* Trump isn't speaking for the party, he's speaking for The Donald. The party is already damaged and Trump is the only one with any stones.
If Trump makes it to the debates the ratings will be astronomical.
I agree....well not the stones part but
[Edited on 7/19/2015 by LeglizHemp]
Yeah, it doesn't takes stones to say that McCain isn't a war hero. It takes a completely out of touch self absorbed nitwit to say that. As long as the other GOP candidates have to respond to what Trump says, they cannot get there own message out there. Trump steals their headlines.
I think he needs to shut up and go away.
No way! He needs to run as an independent!
Maybe I shouldn't have said "only" regarding Donald. Scott Walker and Ted Cruz have stones.
So you believe Trump has stones hurling childish insults at his opponents and saying McCain was not a war hero? That takes stones in your book?
Eff John McCain, weasly little RINO. He should have switched parties long ago. Apparently you're
fixated only on the McCain comment. He might have been the worst candidate the Republicans have ever fielded.No, it takes stones not to back down. Feel free to agree or disagree with his specific comments, but that's another matter. He doesn't back down, and that's a trait that still appeals to a lot of us. The GOP has become like that skinny guy in the back of the comic books getting sand kicked in his face. Too many of them have no backbone and fold like a cheap lawn chair.
Right because any Republican who actually tries to work with the Democrats for the good of the people, instead of their own obstructionist agenda, is a traitor to the party. Some sort of fuzzy logic you are using there Alloak.
Fixated on Trumps comment? really? considering this is just the latest, and most absurd and insulting, comment the buffoon has made recently it really is hard to get too fixated any any particular one of them. Just when you think he can't top his own stupidity he surprises you.
Really don't understand how you can support someone just because he blurts out any nonsensical thought that enters his mind. As if there is something noble in saying stupid insulting sh*t.
Don't get me wrong, as a card carrying Democrat I love all the chaos he is creating for the GOP. While they are all reeling from the fallout it makes it that much easier for the Democrats to win more votes from the undecided.
1. "For the good of the people" sounds nice, but that's just your opinion. More accurately, they're working only to constantly expand the size, scope, and function of government therefore looking mainly after THEIR OWN power/control needs. Unintended consequences, blunders, and massive expense be damned. That's my opinion.
2. Trump has made many remarks, some ill-advised others valid. Whether you agree or not, clearly he's resonating up to this point.
3. Just to differentiate, stating that I'm glad he's in the race (I am) is not the same as "support" as in wanting him to necessarily be the eventual nominee. That being said, he would be a far better President than what we have now.
4. The election is 15 months away. No further comment is really necessary.
The whole system of government is such a joke now, why shouldn't we have at least one jokester candidate? Why not? I'm glad he's there. The guy is a f*cking riot.
The other candidates look like knobs, taking turns calling him out trying to one-up each other (or whatever they're trying to do.) *But Trump might damage the party* Trump isn't speaking for the party, he's speaking for The Donald. The party is already damaged and Trump is the only one with any stones.
If Trump makes it to the debates the ratings will be astronomical.
I agree....well not the stones part but
[Edited on 7/19/2015 by LeglizHemp]
Yeah, it doesn't takes stones to say that McCain isn't a war hero. It takes a completely out of touch self absorbed nitwit to say that. As long as the other GOP candidates have to respond to what Trump says, they cannot get there own message out there. Trump steals their headlines.
I think he needs to shut up and go away.
No way! He needs to run as an independent!
Somewhere Bill Clinton is smiling.
Thanks, Ross.
If conservatives vote in Trump for President, it would be done as payback for 8 years of Obama....so that liberals "can have a taste of their own medicine". This is the only possible explanation for any type of positive poll results for him. Jeb Bush would make a great President. Tons of experience, success stories, etc. But it seems as though Trump might get the nod over him, solely as a big F-U to liberals. If that happens, the only people to suffer will be all Americans, because as much as some conservatives may love what he says and does, we all know he would not make a very good President. I hope conservatives do what's best for the country and nominate a serious candidate who can make a positive impact. I would hate to see our future boil down to who can piss off the other side the most.
The whole system of government is such a joke now, why shouldn't we have at least one jokester candidate? Why not? I'm glad he's there. The guy is a f*cking riot.
The other candidates look like knobs, taking turns calling him out trying to one-up each other (or whatever they're trying to do.) *But Trump might damage the party* Trump isn't speaking for the party, he's speaking for The Donald. The party is already damaged and Trump is the only one with any stones.
If Trump makes it to the debates the ratings will be astronomical.
I agree....well not the stones part but
[Edited on 7/19/2015 by LeglizHemp]
Yeah, it doesn't takes stones to say that McCain isn't a war hero. It takes a completely out of touch self absorbed nitwit to say that. As long as the other GOP candidates have to respond to what Trump says, they cannot get there own message out there. Trump steals their headlines.
I think he needs to shut up and go away.
No way! He needs to run as an independent!
That would guarantee a Democrat win as he would siphon of the ultra conservative right wing vote from the GOP splitting the party. That would be the GOP's worst nightmare and the Democrats ultimate wet dream.
If conservatives vote in Trump for President, it would be done as payback for 8 years of Obama....so that liberals "can have a taste of their own medicine". This is the only possible explanation for any type of positive poll results for him. Jeb Bush would make a great President. Tons of experience, success stories, etc. But it seems as though Trump might get the nod over him, solely as a big F-U to liberals. If that happens, the only people to suffer will be all Americans, because as much as some conservatives may love what he says and does, we all know he would not make a very good President. I hope conservatives do what's best for the country and nominate a serious candidate who can make a positive impact. I would hate to see our future boil down to who can piss off the other side the most.
I think your fear is unfounded BB. I don't see him getting the GOP nomination and even if by some miracle he did he would never beat Hillary in the POTUS election so no worries.
I will give you one thing in that Bush is probably one of the more moderate Republicans and I think he is the GOP's best chances of winning the swing votes. If anyone has a chance to beat Hillary it is Jeb.
Maybe I shouldn't have said "only" regarding Donald. Scott Walker and Ted Cruz have stones.
So you believe Trump has stones hurling childish insults at his opponents and saying McCain was not a war hero? That takes stones in your book?
Eff John McCain, weasly little RINO. He should have switched parties long ago. Apparently you're
fixated only on the McCain comment. He might have been the worst candidate the Republicans have ever fielded.No, it takes stones not to back down. Feel free to agree or disagree with his specific comments, but that's another matter. He doesn't back down, and that's a trait that still appeals to a lot of us. The GOP has become like that skinny guy in the back of the comic books getting sand kicked in his face. Too many of them have no backbone and fold like a cheap lawn chair.
Right because any Republican who actually tries to work with the Democrats for the good of the people, instead of their own obstructionist agenda, is a traitor to the party. Some sort of fuzzy logic you are using there Alloak.
Fixated on Trumps comment? really? considering this is just the latest, and most absurd and insulting, comment the buffoon has made recently it really is hard to get too fixated any any particular one of them. Just when you think he can't top his own stupidity he surprises you.
Really don't understand how you can support someone just because he blurts out any nonsensical thought that enters his mind. As if there is something noble in saying stupid insulting sh*t.
Don't get me wrong, as a card carrying Democrat I love all the chaos he is creating for the GOP. While they are all reeling from the fallout it makes it that much easier for the Democrats to win more votes from the undecided.
1. "For the good of the people" sounds nice, but that's just your opinion. More accurately, they're working only to constantly expand the size, scope, and function of government therefore looking mainly after THEIR OWN power/control needs. Unintended consequences, blunders, and massive expense be damned. That's my opinion.
2. Trump has made many remarks, some ill-advised others valid. Whether you agree or not, clearly he's resonating up to this point.
3. Just to differentiate, stating that I'm glad he's in the race (I am) is not the same as "support" as in wanting him to necessarily be the eventual nominee. That being said, he would be a far better President than what we have now.
4. The election is 15 months away. No further comment is really necessary.
In some posts you've laughed Trump off & other posts you've defended him. Which is it? Can't you be consistent or do you call heads & tails at the same time?
Re: your point 3: Let's face it - you'd probably say that any of the 15, or 30, or 100, or however many GOP contenders "would be a far better President than what we have now." Or now that I've made that statement you'll probably disagree for the sake.
As far as your point 4 - Does that mean you won't be commenting any further for the next 15 months?
If conservatives vote in Trump for President, it would be done as payback for 8 years of Obama....so that liberals "can have a taste of their own medicine". This is the only possible explanation for any type of positive poll results for him. Jeb Bush would make a great President. Tons of experience, success stories, etc. But it seems as though Trump might get the nod over him, solely as a big F-U to liberals. If that happens, the only people to suffer will be all Americans, because as much as some conservatives may love what he says and does, we all know he would not make a very good President. I hope conservatives do what's best for the country and nominate a serious candidate who can make a positive impact. I would hate to see our future boil down to who can piss off the other side the most.
Trump as President - Not going to happen in this lifetime.
Maybe I shouldn't have said "only" regarding Donald. Scott Walker and Ted Cruz have stones.
So you believe Trump has stones hurling childish insults at his opponents and saying McCain was not a war hero? That takes stones in your book?
Eff John McCain, weasly little RINO. He should have switched parties long ago. Apparently you're
fixated only on the McCain comment. He might have been the worst candidate the Republicans have ever fielded.
No, it takes stones not to back down. Feel free to agree or disagree with his specific comments, but that's another matter. He doesn't back down, and that's a trait that still appeals to a lot of us. The GOP has become like that skinny guy in the back of the comic books getting sand kicked in his face. Too many of them have no backbone and fold like a cheap lawn chair.
Right because any Republican who actually tries to work with the Democrats for the good of the people, instead of their own obstructionist agenda, is a traitor to the party. Some sort of fuzzy logic you are using there Alloak.
Fixated on Trumps comment? really? considering this is just the latest, and most absurd and insulting, comment the buffoon has made recently it really is hard to get too fixated any any particular one of them. Just when you think he can't top his own stupidity he surprises you.
Really don't understand how you can support someone just because he blurts out any nonsensical thought that enters his mind. As if there is something noble in saying stupid insulting sh*t.
Don't get me wrong, as a card carrying Democrat I love all the chaos he is creating for the GOP. While they are all reeling from the fallout it makes it that much easier for the Democrats to win more votes from the undecided.
1. "For the good of the people" sounds nice, but that's just your opinion. More accurately, they're working only to constantly expand the size, scope, and function of government therefore looking mainly after THEIR OWN power/control needs. Unintended consequences, blunders, and massive expense be damned. That's my opinion.
2. Trump has made many remarks, some ill-advised others valid. Whether you agree or not, clearly he's resonating up to this point.
3. Just to differentiate, stating that I'm glad he's in the race (I am) is not the same as "support" as in wanting him to necessarily be the eventual nominee. That being said, he would be a far better President than what we have now.
4. The election is 15 months away. No further comment is really necessary.
In some posts you've laughed Trump off & other posts you've defended him. Which is it? Can't you be consistent or do you call heads & tails at the same time?
Re: your point 3: Let's face it - you'd probably say that any of the 15, or 30, or 100, or however many GOP contenders "would be a far better President than what we have now." Or now that I've made that statement you'll probably disagree for the sake.
As far as your point 4 - Does that mean you won't be commenting any further for the next 15 months?
1. Why can't I do both? You can't defend someone who says some funny things?
2. No, I agree. Obama is the worst President of my lifetime. There is no doubt in my mind that Trump would be a better President, as would anybody in the field.
3. No, I meant that what Trump said today or last week won't have much bearing 15 months from now.
2. No, I agree. Obama is the worst President of my lifetime. There is no doubt in my mind that Trump would be a better President, as would anybody in the field.
This is ODS taken to a whole new level.
3. No, I meant that what Trump said today or last week won't have much bearing 15 months from now.
Let's hope not!!!
2. No, I agree. Obama is the worst President of my lifetime. There is no doubt in my mind that Trump would be a better President, as would anybody in the field.
This is ODS taken to a whole new level.
3. No, I meant that what Trump said today or last week won't have much bearing 15 months from now.
Let's hope not!!!
in 15 months, Trump will be just a distant memory in this race.
Ya know, if Trump consistently polls in the teens to high teens, he can run as an independent and will get a podium at the General Election debates, a la Ross Perot.
Which, actually, might be his plan. The GOP can certainly jettison him if he won't respect the RNC.
Ya know, if Trump consistently polls in the teens to high teens, he can run as an independent and will get a podium at the General Election debates, a la Ross Perot.
Which, actually, might be his plan. The GOP can certainly jettison him if he won't respect the RNC.
And that would guarantee another Democratic victory IMHO as he would siphon votes away from the GOP. The Democrats could be so lucky.
Funny, but l find the Trump show quite entertaining, not because he is a fool, but because of the amount of space the media is reserving for him. He is currently running at 24% in the latest polls and you can bet your last sweet dollar they are not all exclusively Republicans. He is stating things publicly what a lot of people talk about in bars, at the dinner table, the privacy of their homes and in blogs hidden from the masses all because of fear. Call that whatever you will, bigoted, racist or whatever title makes you comfortable. The current trend of tolerance for all things and just keeping your mouth shut if you disagree has a lot of dissenters and I've a feeling there will be more as Mr. Trump continues, a hell of a lot more.
Funny, but l find the Trump show quite entertaining, not because he is a fool, but because of the amount of space the media is reserving for him. He is currently running at 24% in the latest polls and you can bet your last sweet dollar they are not all exclusively Republicans. He is stating things publicly what a lot of people talk about in bars, at the dinner table, the privacy of their homes and in blogs hidden from the masses all because of fear. Call that whatever you will, bigoted, racist or whatever title makes you comfortable. The current trend of tolerance for all things and just keeping your mouth shut if you disagree has a lot of dissenters and I've a feeling there will be more as Mr. Trump continues, a hell of a lot more.
I agree with almost everything here, except for the just keeping your mouth shut part. A look around our society in both spoken word and cyberspace it appears as if people are getting to disagree with things just fine.
Ya know, if Trump consistently polls in the teens to high teens, he can run as an independent and will get a podium at the General Election debates, a la Ross Perot.
Which, actually, might be his plan. The GOP can certainly jettison him if he won't respect the RNC.
And that would guarantee another Democratic victory IMHO as he would siphon votes away from the GOP. The Democrats could be so lucky.
I'm most interested in how things develop down the line, how much money Trump actually spends. With the election 14 months or so away, for now, he can stay relevant and in the spotlight on media alone. Sooner or later a campaign will have to be built and a ground game established, gonna have to drop a lot of money on TV ads. You've got to have ground game in the places that matter, and both the Bush and Obama campaigns of the last four cycles provided plenty of examples of how to work the electoral college system.
What is this guys problem?
Donald Trump gave out Lindsey Graham's personal cell number to America
http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/21/politics/donald-trump-lindsey-graham-cell-phone/index.html
What is this guys problem?
Donald Trump gave out Lindsey Graham's personal cell number to America
http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/21/politics/donald-trump-lindsey-graham-cell-phone/index.html/blockquote >
WTF!
Trump's an a$$bag - no doubt. But I seem to remember him actually being a little chummy with the Clintons years ago (Bill and Hil' attended one of his weddings, etc). Does anybody think his running for president - as either a republican or an independent might just be as a gift to Hillary? The ol' divide (the conservative base) and conquer? I'm sure the Clintons still send Ross Perot a Christmas card! 😉
Trump's an a$$bag - no doubt. But I seem to remember him actually being a little chummy with the Clintons years ago (Bill and Hil' attended one of his weddings, etc). Does anybody think his running for president - as either a republican or an independent might just be as a gift to Hillary? The ol' divide (the conservative base) and conquer? I'm sure the Clintons still send Ross Perot a Christmas card! 😉
Interesting theory Rusty. Politics is very incestuous so anything is possible.
Although he has attacked Hilliary at times so he is an equal opportunity assh*le.
Trump's an a$$bag - no doubt. But I seem to remember him actually being a little chummy with the Clintons years ago (Bill and Hil' attended one of his weddings, etc). Does anybody think his running for president - as either a republican or an independent might just be as a gift to Hillary? The ol' divide (the conservative base) and conquer? I'm sure the Clintons still send Ross Perot a Christmas card! 😉
Interesting theory Rusty. Politics is very incestuous so anything is possible.
Although he has attacked Hilliary at times so he is an equal opportunity assh*le.
I believe that he is too narcissistic to help anyone or think about anyone other than himself. When he finally gets expunged from the race, you will not see him campaigning for another candidate.
I was thinking if somehow he got the nomination, Sarah Palin would be the perfect running mate. Imagine the sound bites.
I can't figure out what his endgame is, it's not being president because there is no way he can get a majority of the electoral college or popular vote. maybe its just free advertising for him, well not free. cheap? there are alot of theories/conspiracies as to what he may be doing but that's what they are, theories/conspiracies. this is all fascinating.
Trump's an a$$bag - no doubt. But I seem to remember him actually being a little chummy with the Clintons years ago (Bill and Hil' attended one of his weddings, etc). Does anybody think his running for president - as either a republican or an independent might just be as a gift to Hillary? The ol' divide (the conservative base) and conquer? I'm sure the Clintons still send Ross Perot a Christmas card! 😉
Interesting theory Rusty. Politics is very incestuous so anything is possible.
Although he has attacked Hilliary at times so he is an equal opportunity assh*le.
I believe that he is too narcissistic to help anyone or think about anyone other than himself. When he finally gets expunged from the race, you will not see him campaigning for another candidate.
I was thinking if somehow he got the nomination, Sarah Palin would be the perfect running mate. Imagine the sound bites.
As bizarre as Trump has "performed" so far, I doubt even The Donald would bottom fish that low. I'm going to give him a little credit & think he bypasses Momma Grizzly.
On the other hand, Ted Cruz has avoided criticizing Trump & has been complimentary. He might just be the perfect fit for a running mate. Can you imagine?
Its about time somebody is also knocking down these career politicians down a few pegs. McCain deserved to be beetch slapped by Trump. Nothing but a career politician with a terrible record on veterans and immigration. He lost his way decades ago and is nothing more than a RINO catering to the defense industry.
I hope Trump continues to call out these self serving smug eleitists who have wrecked this country and sold us out to the Chinese. Glad he called out that slug Karl Rove as well. He also is dead on about all the money pouring in. How can you do whats right if you have all these people lining up to expect something for their millions(Jeb & Hillary).
Is his popularity that surprising?
Its about time somebody is also knocking down these career politicians down a few pegs. McCain deserved to be beetch slapped by Trump. Nothing but a career politician with a terrible record on veterans and immigration. He lost his way decades ago and is nothing more than a RINO catering to the defense industry.
I hope Trump continues to call out these self serving smug eleitists who have wrecked this country and sold us out to the Chinese. Glad he called out that slug Karl Rove as well. He also is dead on about all the money pouring in. How can you do whats right if you have all these people lining up to expect something for their millions(Jeb & Hillary).
Is his popularity that surprising?
So then you agree with Trump that McCain is not a war hero?
Trump's an a$$bag - no doubt. But I seem to remember him actually being a little chummy with the Clintons years ago (Bill and Hil' attended one of his weddings, etc). Does anybody think his running for president - as either a republican or an independent might just be as a gift to Hillary? The ol' divide (the conservative base) and conquer? I'm sure the Clintons still send Ross Perot a Christmas card! 😉
Interesting theory Rusty. Politics is very incestuous so anything is possible.
Although he has attacked Hilliary at times so he is an equal opportunity assh*le.
I believe that he is too narcissistic to help anyone or think about anyone other than himself. When he finally gets expunged from the race, you will not see him campaigning for another candidate.
I was thinking if somehow he got the nomination, Sarah Palin would be the perfect running mate. Imagine the sound bites.
As bizarre as Trump has "performed" so far, I doubt even The Donald would bottom fish that low. I'm going to give him a little credit & think he bypasses Momma Grizzly.
On the other hand, Ted Cruz has avoided criticizing Trump & has been complimentary. He might just be the perfect fit for a running mate. Can you imagine?
He better check Ted's birth certificate. Oh wait, Ted wasn't born in America, and only one of his parents was a US citizen. I thought Trump had some kind of a problem with that sort of person? Unless Trump only had a problem with it for some other kind of reason. Hmm, what could that reason be...
[Edited on 7/22/2015 by 2112]
Its about time somebody is also knocking down these career politicians down a few pegs. McCain deserved to be beetch slapped by Trump. Nothing but a career politician with a terrible record on veterans and immigration. He lost his way decades ago and is nothing more than a RINO catering to the defense industry.
I hope Trump continues to call out these self serving smug eleitists who have wrecked this country and sold us out to the Chinese. Glad he called out that slug Karl Rove as well. He also is dead on about all the money pouring in. How can you do whats right if you have all these people lining up to expect something for their millions(Jeb & Hillary).
Is his popularity that surprising?
Does anyone else see any irony in OG's post? I may have given a small hint.
Its about time somebody is also knocking down these career politicians down a few pegs. McCain deserved to be beetch slapped by Trump. Nothing but a career politician with a terrible record on veterans and immigration. He lost his way decades ago and is nothing more than a RINO catering to the defense industry.
I hope Trump continues to call out these self serving smug eleitists who have wrecked this country and sold us out to the Chinese. Glad he called out that slug Karl Rove as well. He also is dead on about all the money pouring in. How can you do whats right if you have all these people lining up to expect something for their millions(Jeb & Hillary).
Is his popularity that surprising?
Does anyone else see any irony in OG's post? I may have given a small hint.
I give up. Where's the irony?
Its about time somebody is also knocking down these career politicians down a few pegs. McCain deserved to be beetch slapped by Trump. Nothing but a career politician with a terrible record on veterans and immigration. He lost his way decades ago and is nothing more than a RINO catering to the defense industry.
I hope Trump continues to call out these self serving smug eleitists who have wrecked this country and sold us out to the Chinese. Glad he called out that slug Karl Rove as well. He also is dead on about all the money pouring in. How can you do whats right if you have all these people lining up to expect something for their millions(Jeb & Hillary).
Is his popularity that surprising?
Does anyone else see any irony in OG's post? I may have given a small hint.
I give up. Where's the irony?
Beats me.
Trump will continue to get all the free publicity he wants and will get all kinds of populist milage in the GOP debates, count on that.
But, thinking ahead to the primaries, that's when things get very real and very, very nasty. It was the primaries that brought the birther and secret Muslim charges forth (from Hillary's campaign) and McCain is a senile, mentally damaged father of an illegitimate black child (from the W Bush campaign).
Jeb Bush has a ton of money already, and under his velvet glove you can rest assured there is a set of brass knuckles waiting to swing...and that punch will come in the primaries...of course, provided that Trump runs as a Republican and not an independent.
Sooner or later, the Trump history is going to get dug into. Here's a good example...now, I have no idea the merit of the info within. But, keep in mind that Trump has made much of his fortunes and reputation in the world of real estate development...and in that world, everything is on paper somewhere. Deals are done with attorneys on paper. Reams and reams and reams of paper.
These are the kinds of things that will be thrown at Trump by somebody. Guaranteed.
21 Questions For Donald Trump
David Cay Johnston
I have covered Donald Trump off and on for 27 years — including breaking the story that in 1990, when he claimed to be worth $3 billion but could not pay interest on loans coming due, his bankers put his net worth at minus $295 million. And so I have closely watched what Trump does and what government documents reveal about his conduct.
Reporters, competing Republican candidates, and voters would learn a lot about Trump if they asked for complete answers to these 21 questions.
So, Mr. Trump…
1. You call yourself an “ardent philanthropist,” but have not donated a dollar to The Donald J. Trump Foundation since 2006. You’re not even the biggest donor to the foundation, having given about $3.7 million in the previous two decades while businesses associated with Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Entertainment gave the Trump Foundation $5 million. All the money since 2006 has come from those doing business with you.
How does giving away other people’s money, in what could be seen as a kickback scheme, make you a philanthropist?
2. New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman successfully sued you, alleging your Trump University was an “illegal educational institution” that charged up to $35,000 for “Trump Elite” mentorships promising personal advice from you, but you never showed up and your “special” list of lenders was photocopied from Scotsman Guide, a magazine found at any bookstore.
Why did you not show up?
3. You claimed The Learning Annex paid you a $1 million speaking fee, but on Larry King Live, you acknowledged the fee was $400,000 and the rest was the promotional value.
Since you have testified under oath that your public statements inflate the value of your assets, can voters use this as a guide, so whenever you say $1, in reality it is only 40 cents?
4. The one-page financial statement handed out at Trump Tower when you announced your candidacy says you’ve given away $102 million worth of land.
Will you supply a list of each of these gifts, with the values you assigned to them?
5. The biggest gift you have talked about appears to be an easement at the Palos Verdes, California, golf course bearing your name on land you wanted to build houses on, but that land is subject to landslides and is now the golf course driving range.
Did you or one of your businesses take a tax deduction for this land that you could not build on and do you think anyone should get a $25 million tax deduction for a similar self-serving gift?
6. Trump Tower is not a steel girder high rise, but 58 stories of concrete.
Why did you use concrete instead of traditional steel girders?
7. Trump Tower was built by S&A Concrete, whose owners were “Fat” Tony Salerno, head of the Genovese crime family, and Paul “Big Paul” Castellano, head of the Gambinos, another well-known crime family.
If you did not know of their ownership, what does that tell voters about your management skills?
8. You later used S&A Concrete on other Manhattan buildings bearing your name.
Why?
9. In demolishing the Bonwit Teller building to make way for Trump Tower, you had no labor troubles, even though only about 15 unionists worked at the site alongside 150 Polish men, most of whom entered the country illegally, lacked hard hats, and slept on the site.
How did you manage to avoid labor troubles, like picketing and strikes, and job safety inspections while using mostly non-union labor at a union worksite — without hard hats for the Polish workers?
10. A federal judge later found you conspired to cheat both the Polish workers, who were paid less than $5 an hour cash with no benefits, and the union health and welfare fund. You testified that you did not notice the Polish workers, whom the judge noted were easy to spot because they were the only ones on the work site without hard hats.
What should voters make of your failure or inability to notice 150 men demolishing a multi-story building without hard hats?
11. You sent your top lieutenant, lawyer Harvey I. Freeman, to negotiate with Ken Shapiro, the “investment banker” for Nicky Scarfo, the especially vicious killer who was Atlantic City’s mob boss, according to federal prosecutors and the New Jersey State Commission on Investigation.
Since you emphasize your negotiating skills, why didn’t you negotiate yourself?
12. You later paid a Scarfo associate twice the value of a lot, officials determined.
Since you boast that you always negotiate the best prices, why did you pay double the value of this real estate?
13. You were the first person recommended for a casino license by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Division of Gaming Enforcement, which opposed all other applicants or was neutral. Later it came out in official proceedings that you had persuaded the state to limit its investigation of your background.
Why did you ask that the investigation into your background be limited?
14. You were the target of a 1979 bribery investigation. No charges were filed, but New Jersey law mandates denial of a license to anyone omitting any salient fact from their casino application.
Why did you omit the 1979 bribery investigation?
15. The prevailing legal case on license denials involved a woman, seeking a blackjack dealer license, who failed to disclose that as a retail store clerk she had given unauthorized discounts to friends.
In light of the standard set for low-level license holders like blackjack dealers, how did you manage to keep your casino license?
16. In 1986 you wrote a letter seeking lenient sentencing for Joseph Weichselbaum, a convicted drug trafficker who lived in Trump Tower and in a case that came before your older sister, Judge Maryanne Trump Barry of U.S. District Court in Newark, New Jersey, who recused herself because Weichselbaum was the Trump casinos and Trump family helicopter consultant and pilot.
Why did you do business with Weichselbaum, both before and after his conviction?
17. Your first major deal was converting the decrepit Commodore Hotel next to Grand Central Station into a Grand Hyatt. Mayor Abe Beame, a close ally of your father Fred, gave you the first-ever property tax abatement on a New York City hotel, worth at least $400 million over 40 years.
Since you boast that you are a self-made billionaire, how do you rationalize soliciting and accepting $400 million of welfare from the taxpayers?
18. You say that your experience as a manager will allow you to run the federal government much better than President Obama or Hillary Clinton. On Fortune Magazine’s 1999 list of the 496 most admired companies, your casino company ranked at the bottom – worst or almost worst in management, use of assets, employee talent, long-term investment value, and social responsibility. Your casino company later went bankrupt.
Why should voters believe your claims that you are a competent manager?
19. Your Trump Plaza casino was fined $200,000 for discriminating against women and minority blackjack dealers to curry favor with gambler Robert Libutti, who lost $12 million, and who insisted he never asked that blacks and women be replaced.
Why should we believe you “love” what you call “the blacks” and the enterprise you seek to lead would not discriminate again in the future if doing so appeared to be lucrative?
20. Public records (cited in my book Temples of Chance) show that as your career took off, you legally reported a negative income and paid no income taxes as summarized below:
1975
Income: $76,210
Tax Paid: $18,7141976
Income: $24,594
Tax Paid: $10,8321977
Income: $118,530
Tax Paid: $42,3861978
Income: ($406,379)
Tax Paid: $01979
Income: ($3,443,560)
Tax Paid: $0Will you release your tax returns? And if not, why not?
21. In your first bestselling book, The Art of the Deal, you told how you had not gotten much work done on your first casino, so you had crews dig and fill holes to create a show. You said one director of your partner, Holiday Inns, asked what was going on. “This was difficult for me to answer, but fortunately this board member was more curious than he was skeptical,” you wrote.
Given your admission that you used deception to hide your failure to accomplish the work, why should we believe you now?
