Eugene Robinson: Donald Trump a serious presidential contender

[alp227]

Robinson is a smart columnist, and I wonder what he meant by serious: Trump really wants to be president, or Trump will be a good candidate?

Unbelievably, the waxen-haired real estate tycoon is at the front of the pack of contenders who are racing, or thinking about racing, for the Republican nomination. This isn’t merely improbable. It is literally unbelievable, as if a trout were reported to be leading the Tour de France.

The consensus is that Trump is not really running — that this is just another of his over-the-top publicity stunts. In the unlikely event that he goes through with a semi-serious candidacy, the political establishment seems to believe, he’ll never win the nomination. These skeptics scoff when it’s pointed out that stranger things have happened. Name one, they say.

Moving right along, how does Trump see one of the central strands of American history, the issue of race? He believes he should get support from African Americans, he said in a radio interview last week, but is unsettled by “frightening” polls that show the vast majority of black voters favoring Obama. “I have a great relationship with the blacks,” Trump said. “I’ve always had a great relationship with the blacks.”

Yes, he said “the blacks.” Twice.

Trump hasn’t been a particularly loyal Republican over the years. At various times, he’s given political donations to Democrats such as Rep. Charlie Rangel, Sen. John Kerry, Vice President Biden and the late Ted Kennedy.

Full article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/donald_trump_as_gop_hopeful_take_him_seriously/2011/04/18/AFD1ej0D_story.html

[Skittles]

1. serious nutcase

[pnwmom]

2. I think he means that Trump is seriously considering running. n/t

[dkf]

3. Apparently he has expressed support for a wealth tax, single payer and protectionism.

The club for growth is actively going after him.

This should be interesting.