Something other than Trump
I read with much interest the comments by syndicated columnists in your paper March 8 and 9 concerning the dilemma of the Republican Party’s leadership in the face of Donald Trump’s primary victories.
The only viable options for conscientious conservatives is something other than Trump, and Trump is losing these voters because of his in?ammatory, degrading and juvenile rhetoric. The suggestion Trump should “dial it back” to keep (or perhaps regain) support from conscientious conservatives will not work with many of us. It is simply too late. How does a person change after all of this? It is one thing to make a mistake, then quickly and freely admit words were spoken in haste or misunderstood. However, at this date, any such change by Trump would not be considered sincere.
The column by Kathleen Parker that appeared March 8 got it exactly right – unless the Republicans can somehow nominate a more reasonably thoughtful adult candidate than Trump, the only option will be a vote for Hillary Clinton.
The problem goes back to the previous presidential election, when President Obama was vulnerable, and the Republicans nominated a reasonable alternative in Mitt Romney. He was defeated not by the Democrats’ efforts alone, but by the silly “conservative” voters who were against him because of his religion or his business success. Voting for or against a person for those reasons is no better than doing so based upon race, gender or good looks. Until our electorate begins to cast votes based on serious issues rather childish likes and dislikes, this type of dilemma will continue to be a possibility.
Keith Kerry
Monongahela