Why haven't Trump's opponents portrayed him as a RINO?

[RR1997]

We all know that Trump is though of as a far-right radical by most people, but is DT actually a moderate?

He stated a couple of weeks ago that supports single-payer health care. He also believes that the single-payer system works well.

He also claimed a couple of weeks ago that he supports raising taxes on the rich.

In 2011 he said that we should "Legalize (illegal) drugs and use tax revenue to fund drug education". He hasn't spoken on the issue since.

My question is why haven't Trump's opponents portrayed him as a RINO? That would be a good way to win over the far-right Republicans that Trump is currently popular with. He holds liberal positions on important issues like drugs, healthcare, and taxes on the rich.

If you've seen the first debate, the debate moderators were trying to bring him down by portraying him as a man whose not politically correct, but that was a stupid strategy. That juts made the GOP base feel more favorable towards him. They should've portrayed him as a RINO instead. They should've asked him questions about his positions on healthcare,tax increases on the wealthy, drugs, etc. They should've also used previous quotes he's said in the past while asking those questions. That would've brought Trump down for sure.

I wonder if Trump's fans are even aware of his liberal positions anyways.

Discuss.

[/]

lol

[Orthogonian Society Treasurer]

Ask Rand Paul how questioning Trump's conservatism worked out for him.

[Ljube]

I wonder if Trump's fans are even aware of his liberal positions anyways.

We are aware and we don't care. Trump is a breath of fresh air.
He is the cure for the current political system which is on its deathbed.

[WVdemocrat]

Ask Rand Paul how questioning Trump's conservatism worked out for him.

This.

They tried. They failed. Trump doesn't care if he's accused of being a RINOceros, and neither do his supporters.

[Sprouts Farmers Market ✘]

The people themselves don't actually have conservative positions. They see someone talking similarly to how they think and presume the positions must be right and what they should believe because of how they are being talked about. It doesn't work for every issue (see: women's health care), but if Trump said Legalize drugs to fund schools! Look Jeb Bush and the Democrats are anti education! The Far right would eat that up as a common sense solution.

They don't even care that he's not a real Christian for goodness sake! It's all a rouse. If Jeb Bush came out in support of an obscure conservative issue, do you think they'd care? They only know what they're told: No abortions, no gays, no illegals takin our jobs, socialism doesn't work and America is great except Obama. Thats what a conservative is and Trumps got it. Everything else is fair game for someone who uses that rhetoric. Do you think they know what the Export-Import Bank does or how it affects the economy? They are literally told what to think instead if thinking (and that disease affects many on the left too.) These are the same people who grumble about big government and then it disappears and nips em.

I stopped watching The Daily Show until the final week - did you see that great segment on Fox News calling it "government run health care" instead of the "public option"? Perception is reality. Trump is a conservative in their eyes and not even faking Christianity could bring that down.

Edit: recall a certain statement on this forum - "Jeb Bush hates America's children"
That's reality. No one will out-Murica conservative Trump.

[bobloblaw]

Because with the exception of Cruz, they are all RINOs.

[Mehmentum]

They've tried.  The thing is, every attack bounces of Trump.  There's another reason why it wouldn't work.

In 2014, Arkansas voted unanimously to raise the minimum wage in the state, during a year where they won in landslides in the Senate and Governor's races.  There are a lot of Republicans who support some Democratic economic policies, its just that the Democrats have completely alienated these people with their multi-multiculturalism and social liberalism.

[RR1997]

Trump is probably the only man that could hold liberal positions (on healthcare,taxes, and drugs) and still be the GOP frontrunner.

If any other candidate held liberal positions on these issues, the base would call him/her a RINO, and they'd have no chance of winning the nomination.

Trump is so persuasive and has such a likable personality to the point where he can get away with having liberal positions. Trump is truly an amazing politician, isn't he?

[bobloblaw]

They've tried.  The thing is, every attack bounces of Trump.  There's another reason why it wouldn't work.

In 2014, Arkansas voted unanimously to raise the minimum wage in the state, during a year where they won in landslides in the Senate and Governor's races.  There are a lot of Republicans who support some Democratic economic policies, its just that the Democrats have completely alienated these people with their multi-multiculturalism and social liberalism.

This is why I believe an anti free trade, anti illegal immigration, anti H1B visa GOP candidate would carry PA, WI and MI. Pro private sector unions, anti public sector unions and pro minimum wage, anti social security privatization. One GOP candidate who recognizes that globalization is threatening the middle class economic security. Stop listening to Larry Kudlow, CFG and the CofC.

[Clark Kent]

Because with the exception of Cruz, they are all RINOs.

Hypocrisy much?

This is why I believe an anti free trade, anti illegal immigration, anti H1B visa GOP candidate would carry PA, WI and MI. Pro private sector unions, anti public sector unions and pro minimum wage, anti social security privatization. One GOP candidate who recognizes that globalization is threatening the middle class economic security. Stop listening to Larry Kudlow, CFG and the CofC.

[#TheShadowyAbyss]

Because with the exception of Cruz, they are all RINOs.

LOL ok, Cruz is the epitome of ultra-right wing politician.

[Rockefeller GOP]

They've tried.  The thing is, every attack bounces of Trump.  There's another reason why it wouldn't work.

In 2014, Arkansas voted unanimously to raise the minimum wage in the state, during a year where they won in landslides in the Senate and Governor's races.  There are a lot of Republicans who support some Democratic economic policies, its just that the Democrats have completely alienated these people with their multi-multiculturalism and social liberalism.

This is why I believe an anti free trade, anti illegal immigration, anti H1B visa GOP candidate would carry PA, WI and MI. Pro private sector unions, anti public sector unions and pro minimum wage, anti social security privatization. One GOP candidate who recognizes that globalization is threatening the middle class economic security. Stop listening to Larry Kudlow, CFG and the CofC.

With your fiscal views (you're literally a socially conservative Democrat...), you shouldn't be calling ANYONE a RINO.

[#TheShadowyAbyss]

Trump flipped parties and ideas more often then he changed hairstyles....why a third of the party supports him is shocking to me.

[tmthforu94]

Donald Trump isn't a conservative, liberal or moderate. He's simply a Donald Trump.

[RR1997]

Not to mention that Trump is ok with affirmative action.

I have a question for all the left-wing posters on this site, do Trump's liberal positions on taxes, healthcare, drugs, affirmative action, and etc. make you like him more (I know that this is a stupid question, but I'm still curious)?

[dudeabides]

[Blair]

Because it's as effective as saying to Robert Kennedy in 1968 'but wait you were a hawk in 1958'

People don't think about politics like we do, they don't spend hours looking over comments or talking about polls. Heck we talk about politics more in an hour on this site than my parents do over the week. I'm as guilty as anyone of this but just screaming RINO at people you don't like whilst wondering why the base has moved so far right is a self fulfilling cycle

[Fuzzy Bear]

They've tried.  The thing is, every attack bounces of Trump.  There's another reason why it wouldn't work.

In 2014, Arkansas voted unanimously to raise the minimum wage in the state, during a year where they won in landslides in the Senate and Governor's races.  There are a lot of Republicans who support some Democratic economic policies, its just that the Democrats have completely alienated these people with their multi-multiculturalism and social liberalism.

This is true, and it very much describes me.  I am a registered Republican who used to be a registered Democrat, but votes independently, and find myself in agreement with many of Trump's issue positions (moreso than with the standard Republican or Democrat).

People won't call him a RINO because Trump is filling a void in the GOP; the void left by the Perot voters becoming ambivalent about being Republicans.  Trump is where he is because the GOP had become SO narrow a tent that it was freezing out a whole lot of Republicans who were big on the Republican issues Trump pushes, but not on the whole range of issues that makes one a "conservative" today.

More importantly, Trump oozes leadership.  If his leadership is a bit misdirected at times, he still projects a highly decisive management style; if he's wrong, being decisive gives him time to reverse field and make corrections.  People want that.  People want a President who has a sense of certainty in the rightness in his decisions.  I recognize that self-assuredness can morph into egomania, but I also recognize that these qualities preferable to electing President Casper Milquetoast.
 

[dudeabides]

They've tried.  The thing is, every attack bounces of Trump.  There's another reason why it wouldn't work.

In 2014, Arkansas voted unanimously to raise the minimum wage in the state, during a year where they won in landslides in the Senate and Governor's races.  There are a lot of Republicans who support some Democratic economic policies, its just that the Democrats have completely alienated these people with their multi-multiculturalism and social liberalism.

This is true, and it very much describes me.  I am a registered Republican who used to be a registered Democrat, but votes independently, and find myself in agreement with many of Trump's issue positions (moreso than with the standard Republican or Democrat).

People won't call him a RINO because Trump is filling a void in the GOP; the void left by the Perot voters becoming ambivalent about being Republicans.  Trump is where he is because the GOP had become SO narrow a tent that it was freezing out a whole lot of Republicans who were big on the Republican issues Trump pushes, but not on the whole range of issues that makes one a "conservative" today.

More importantly, Trump oozes leadership.  If his leadership is a bit misdirected at times, he still projects a highly decisive management style; if he's wrong, being decisive gives him time to reverse field and make corrections.  People want that.  People want a President who has a sense of certainty in the rightness in his decisions.  I recognize that self-assuredness can morph into egomania, but I also recognize that these qualities preferable to electing President Casper Milquetoast.
 

You have expressed that you feel I personally dislike you. That is not the case, I have no issue with you personally and if we met in person, I'm sure I'd have a friendly conversation with you. But, sorry, I don't believe you are really a Republican. I have seen you express socially conservative views, but when you talk about foreign policy and the economy, I feel as if I'm debating with liberals.

The real reason most of the candidates aren't calling Trump a "RINO" is because they are scared of him. Rand Paul has articulated quite effectively that Donald Trump is a "fake conservative." Trump represents people who are tired of Washington D.C., but are also scared of immigrants and blame their personal problems on globalization. I'm tired of Washington D.C., but I am not a bigot and I don't blame the stagnant economy on globalization, I blame it on a federal bureaucracy that is inept and clueless about how to create an environment where jobs can be created. We need more free markets, not less and that means lower taxes, fewer regulations, less corporate welfare, an end to this loose monetary policy, energy deregulation, more free trade, Obamacare repeal, and legal reform.

Finally, Donald Trump is not a leader. A leader doesn't take to Twitter at 3 a.m. to bash an accomplished television personality in a sexist manner. A leader doesn't attack veterans, immigrants, and people smarter than himself/herself. A leader doesn't lie to people. A leader certainly doesn't change positions in an attempt to curry favor with different groups.

[#TheShadowyAbyss]

They've tried.  The thing is, every attack bounces of Trump.  There's another reason why it wouldn't work.

In 2014, Arkansas voted unanimously to raise the minimum wage in the state, during a year where they won in landslides in the Senate and Governor's races.  There are a lot of Republicans who support some Democratic economic policies, its just that the Democrats have completely alienated these people with their multi-multiculturalism and social liberalism.

This is true, and it very much describes me.  I am a registered Republican who used to be a registered Democrat, but votes independently, and find myself in agreement with many of Trump's issue positions (moreso than with the standard Republican or Democrat).

People won't call him a RINO because Trump is filling a void in the GOP; the void left by the Perot voters becoming ambivalent about being Republicans.  Trump is where he is because the GOP had become SO narrow a tent that it was freezing out a whole lot of Republicans who were big on the Republican issues Trump pushes, but not on the whole range of issues that makes one a "conservative" today.

More importantly, Trump oozes leadership.  If his leadership is a bit misdirected at times, he still projects a highly decisive management style; if he's wrong, being decisive gives him time to reverse field and make corrections.  People want that.  People want a President who has a sense of certainty in the rightness in his decisions.  I recognize that self-assuredness can morph into egomania, but I also recognize that these qualities preferable to electing President Casper Milquetoast.
 

You have expressed that you feel I personally dislike you. That is not the case, I have no issue with you personally and if we met in person, I'm sure I'd have a friendly conversation with you. But, sorry, I don't believe you are really a Republican. I have seen you express socially conservative views, but when you talk about foreign policy and the economy, I feel as if I'm debating with liberals.

The real reason most of the candidates aren't calling Trump a "RINO" is because they are scared of him. Rand Paul has articulated quite effectively that Donald Trump is a "fake conservative." Trump represents people who are tired of Washington D.C., but are also scared of immigrants and blame their personal problems on globalization. I'm tired of Washington D.C., but I am not a bigot and I don't blame the stagnant economy on globalization, I blame it on a federal bureaucracy that is inept and clueless about how to create an environment where jobs can be created. We need more free markets, not less and that means lower taxes, fewer regulations, less corporate welfare, an end to this loose monetary policy, energy deregulation, more free trade, Obamacare repeal, and legal reform.

Finally, Donald Trump is not a leader. A leader doesn't take to Twitter at 3 a.m. to bash an accomplished television personality in a sexist manner. A leader doesn't attack veterans, immigrants, and people smarter than himself/herself. A leader doesn't lie to people. A leader certainly doesn't change positions in an attempt to curry favor with different groups.

Sometimes reading your long paragraphs of of text reminds me of bobloblaw....just no...

[Fuzzy Bear]

They've tried.  The thing is, every attack bounces of Trump.  There's another reason why it wouldn't work.

In 2014, Arkansas voted unanimously to raise the minimum wage in the state, during a year where they won in landslides in the Senate and Governor's races.  There are a lot of Republicans who support some Democratic economic policies, its just that the Democrats have completely alienated these people with their multi-multiculturalism and social liberalism.

This is true, and it very much describes me.  I am a registered Republican who used to be a registered Democrat, but votes independently, and find myself in agreement with many of Trump's issue positions (moreso than with the standard Republican or Democrat).

People won't call him a RINO because Trump is filling a void in the GOP; the void left by the Perot voters becoming ambivalent about being Republicans.  Trump is where he is because the GOP had become SO narrow a tent that it was freezing out a whole lot of Republicans who were big on the Republican issues Trump pushes, but not on the whole range of issues that makes one a "conservative" today.

More importantly, Trump oozes leadership.  If his leadership is a bit misdirected at times, he still projects a highly decisive management style; if he's wrong, being decisive gives him time to reverse field and make corrections.  People want that.  People want a President who has a sense of certainty in the rightness in his decisions.  I recognize that self-assuredness can morph into egomania, but I also recognize that these qualities preferable to electing President Casper Milquetoast.
 

You have expressed that you feel I personally dislike you. That is not the case, I have no issue with you personally and if we met in person, I'm sure I'd have a friendly conversation with you. But, sorry, I don't believe you are really a Republican. I have seen you express socially conservative views, but when you talk about foreign policy and the economy, I feel as if I'm debating with liberals.

The real reason most of the candidates aren't calling Trump a "RINO" is because they are scared of him. Rand Paul has articulated quite effectively that Donald Trump is a "fake conservative." Trump represents people who are tired of Washington D.C., but are also scared of immigrants and blame their personal problems on globalization. I'm tired of Washington D.C., but I am not a bigot and I don't blame the stagnant economy on globalization, I blame it on a federal bureaucracy that is inept and clueless about how to create an environment where jobs can be created. We need more free markets, not less and that means lower taxes, fewer regulations, less corporate welfare, an end to this loose monetary policy, energy deregulation, more free trade, Obamacare repeal, and legal reform.

Finally, Donald Trump is not a leader. A leader doesn't take to Twitter at 3 a.m. to bash an accomplished television personality in a sexist manner. A leader doesn't attack veterans, immigrants, and people smarter than himself/herself. A leader doesn't lie to people. A leader certainly doesn't change positions in an attempt to curry favor with different groups.

I'm listed as an independent, and that's what I am.  I am, however, a REGISTERED Republican, which means that I VOTE IN THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY in Florida.  Whether I'm a RINO or not, I'm a GOP voter, so deal with it.

I voted for Bush 43 in 2000, Kerry in 2004, McCain in 2008, and Obama in 2012, and I'm leaning Republican in this year's Presidential election, although I will not vote for Christie, Walker, or Jeb, period.  When I voted Democratic for President, I voted GOP for Congress on the theory that neither side could do a lot of harm that way.  I'm pro-life, anti-war, pro-single payor healthcare, pro-union, anti-free trade, anti-SSM, anti-Common Core, pro-law enforcement . . . well, let's just say that I don't fit into a niche in either party.  You say you don't feel I'm really a Republican. I'm a socially conservative, economic moderate-liberal, and generally skeptical of our military interventions as being in our real national interest, but very big on maintaining a strong military for actual NATIONAL defense (and not Empire Maintenance/Nation Building).  Would any of our Democratic friends here think I was really a Democrat reading my posts?

The point here is that (A) there is no litmus test for registering as a member of a political party (which is requires for primary voting in the state where I live) and (B) I'm not going to disenfranchise myself in voting in local elections by registering Democrat or Independent in a heavily Republican county.  Like it or not, I'm part of the FL GOP electorate, and my vote counts as much as a vote for any lifelong Movement Conservative in the GOP electorate.  Think about the political implications of that.

As for switching issue positions:  George H. W. Bush blatantly switched from pro-choice to pro-life to run with Reagan.  After being voted out of office, he publicly renounced that position (Barbara Bush has always been pro-choice.)  Bush 41 called Reagan's economic plan "Voodoo Economics", but became a cheerleader for the campaign.  Let's get real here; how much has Trump switched issue positions compared to Bush 41?

Anyway, I'm a registered Republican, and I'm going to vote in the Republican primary.  Donald Trump's issue positions are closer to mine than many, and the Club for Growth types are the folks who've turned the GOP blatantly into the party of Corporate America, period.  That's why the GOP is at an Electoral Vote disadvantage these days; they no longer represent the hopes of people who want to get into and stay in the middle class.  Donald Trump's candidacy is, IMO, a possible remedy to this sorry condition the GOP has found itself in.

[dudeabides]

They've tried.  The thing is, every attack bounces of Trump.  There's another reason why it wouldn't work.

In 2014, Arkansas voted unanimously to raise the minimum wage in the state, during a year where they won in landslides in the Senate and Governor's races.  There are a lot of Republicans who support some Democratic economic policies, its just that the Democrats have completely alienated these people with their multi-multiculturalism and social liberalism.

This is true, and it very much describes me.  I am a registered Republican who used to be a registered Democrat, but votes independently, and find myself in agreement with many of Trump's issue positions (moreso than with the standard Republican or Democrat).

People won't call him a RINO because Trump is filling a void in the GOP; the void left by the Perot voters becoming ambivalent about being Republicans.  Trump is where he is because the GOP had become SO narrow a tent that it was freezing out a whole lot of Republicans who were big on the Republican issues Trump pushes, but not on the whole range of issues that makes one a "conservative" today.

More importantly, Trump oozes leadership.  If his leadership is a bit misdirected at times, he still projects a highly decisive management style; if he's wrong, being decisive gives him time to reverse field and make corrections.  People want that.  People want a President who has a sense of certainty in the rightness in his decisions.  I recognize that self-assuredness can morph into egomania, but I also recognize that these qualities preferable to electing President Casper Milquetoast.
 

You have expressed that you feel I personally dislike you. That is not the case, I have no issue with you personally and if we met in person, I'm sure I'd have a friendly conversation with you. But, sorry, I don't believe you are really a Republican. I have seen you express socially conservative views, but when you talk about foreign policy and the economy, I feel as if I'm debating with liberals.

The real reason most of the candidates aren't calling Trump a "RINO" is because they are scared of him. Rand Paul has articulated quite effectively that Donald Trump is a "fake conservative." Trump represents people who are tired of Washington D.C., but are also scared of immigrants and blame their personal problems on globalization. I'm tired of Washington D.C., but I am not a bigot and I don't blame the stagnant economy on globalization, I blame it on a federal bureaucracy that is inept and clueless about how to create an environment where jobs can be created. We need more free markets, not less and that means lower taxes, fewer regulations, less corporate welfare, an end to this loose monetary policy, energy deregulation, more free trade, Obamacare repeal, and legal reform.

Finally, Donald Trump is not a leader. A leader doesn't take to Twitter at 3 a.m. to bash an accomplished television personality in a sexist manner. A leader doesn't attack veterans, immigrants, and people smarter than himself/herself. A leader doesn't lie to people. A leader certainly doesn't change positions in an attempt to curry favor with different groups.

I'm listed as an independent, and that's what I am.  I am, however, a REGISTERED Republican, which means that I VOTE IN THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY in Florida.  Whether I'm a RINO or not, I'm a GOP voter, so deal with it.

I voted for Bush 43 in 2000, Kerry in 2004, McCain in 2008, and Obama in 2012, and I'm leaning Republican in this year's Presidential election, although I will not vote for Christie, Walker, or Jeb, period.  When I voted Democratic for President, I voted GOP for Congress on the theory that neither side could do a lot of harm that way.  I'm pro-life, anti-war, pro-single payor healthcare, pro-union, anti-free trade, anti-SSM, anti-Common Core, pro-law enforcement . . . well, let's just say that I don't fit into a niche in either party.  You say you don't feel I'm really a Republican. I'm a socially conservative, economic moderate-liberal, and generally skeptical of our military interventions as being in our real national interest, but very big on maintaining a strong military for actual NATIONAL defense (and not Empire Maintenance/Nation Building).  Would any of our Democratic friends here think I was really a Democrat reading my posts?

The point here is that (A) there is no litmus test for registering as a member of a political party (which is requires for primary voting in the state where I live) and (B) I'm not going to disenfranchise myself in voting in local elections by registering Democrat or Independent in a heavily Republican county.  Like it or not, I'm part of the FL GOP electorate, and my vote counts as much as a vote for any lifelong Movement Conservative in the GOP electorate.  Think about the political implications of that.

As for switching issue positions:  George H. W. Bush blatantly switched from pro-choice to pro-life to run with Reagan.  After being voted out of office, he publicly renounced that position (Barbara Bush has always been pro-choice.)  Bush 41 called Reagan's economic plan "Voodoo Economics", but became a cheerleader for the campaign.  Let's get real here; how much has Trump switched issue positions compared to Bush 41?

Anyway, I'm a registered Republican, and I'm going to vote in the Republican primary.  Donald Trump's issue positions are closer to mine than many, and the Club for Growth types are the folks who've turned the GOP blatantly into the party of Corporate America, period.  That's why the GOP is at an Electoral Vote disadvantage these days; they no longer represent the hopes of people who want to get into and stay in the middle class.  Donald Trump's candidacy is, IMO, a possible remedy to this sorry condition the GOP has found itself in.

Okay, that is fair. You are an independent voter, fine. I respect that. It would be more honest of you to not register Republican, but that is your right as an American and I wouldn't question that.

Here is where we differ though, I registered Republican once I turned 18. I have voted for probably 10-15 Republican candidates, I've only supported a Democrat once because the GOP nominee was soft on national security and it was a special election where I'd have the chance to support a real conservative the following year.

On the issues you mentioned, only on being pro-life and against common core do a majority of Republicans agree with you. My views are in line with Republicans. I am for tax cuts, spending restraint, Paul Ryan's reforms to entitlements, pro-life, for state's rights, against gun control, against Obamacare, I'm okay with same-sex marriage but it's a state issue, for free trade, against federal involvement in education, for Jeb Bush's immigration position, for ending the Federal Reserve, for ending the Federal Department of Education, for ending all corporate welfare, for a balanced budget amendment, and for the kind of foreign policy advocated by George W. Bush and Condi Rice.

I get that on immigration and same-sex marriage, my views are moderate.

About George Bush, he isn't running for President this year and he really didn't change on economics if you think about it. He believed Reagan's tax cuts would be too large and he was focused more on deficit reduction, he actually raised taxes to reduce the deficit when he was President.

Trump was pandering to the far left in 2000, now he's pandering to the far right. George Bush switched positions on one issue, abortion. Both his son's have become known as public officials who are not willing to pander for votes.

The GOP is at an electoral college disadvantage today because the party has stopped appealing to minorities and women. Groups like the Club for Growth that advance economic freedom stay clear of the kind of anti-immigrant rhetoric that has hurt Republicans. Additionally, some Republicans don't have sound economic arguments, the Club for Growth and believers in free markets like me are trying to get the party to focus on issues that impact everyday Americans.

Most jobs are created in small and medium-sized businesses, but large corporations still employ millions of Americans. I think it's about time we stop demonizing job creators in this country, it's about time we come together as a country. The class warfare rhetoric of the left has not created any jobs.  

Wouldn't it make more sense to support Rick Santorum than Donald Trump? He's right there with Trump on free trade and immigration, but he is a social conservative who has been married to the same woman for years and has a happy family.

[#TheShadowyAbyss]

If Fuzzy Bear shouldn't be a Republican then I DEFINITELY shouldn't, I'm pro-choice but let the states decide, I'm definitely pro-marriage equality but once again let the states decide, we should stop interfering in other countries affairs, I am pro-free trade and I mean FREE trade, ending the Federal Reserve and going back to the gold standard.

I don't think it's fair for anyone to say who is a Republican, a Democrat or what ever, I was a registered Libertarian (Big L here) party member before I switched to being a Republican in 2011 so I could vote in the GOP primary here in Florida and stayed ever since.

[Fuzzy Bear]

Okay, that is fair. You are an independent voter, fine. I respect that. It would be more honest of you to not register Republican, but that is your right as an American and I wouldn't question that.

Here is where we differ though, I registered Republican once I turned 18. I have voted for probably 10-15 Republican candidates, I've only supported a Democrat once because the GOP nominee was soft on national security and it was a special election where I'd have the chance to support a real conservative the following year.

On the issues you mentioned, only on being pro-life and against common core do a majority of Republicans agree with you. My views are in line with Republicans. I am for tax cuts, spending restraint, Paul Ryan's reforms to entitlements, pro-life, for state's rights, against gun control, against Obamacare, I'm okay with same-sex marriage but it's a state issue, for free trade, against federal involvement in education, for Jeb Bush's immigration position, for ending the Federal Reserve, for ending the Federal Department of Education, for ending all corporate welfare, for a balanced budget amendment, and for the kind of foreign policy advocated by George W. Bush and Condi Rice.

I get that on immigration and same-sex marriage, my views are moderate.

About George Bush, he isn't running for President this year and he really didn't change on economics if you think about it. He believed Reagan's tax cuts would be too large and he was focused more on deficit reduction, he actually raised taxes to reduce the deficit when he was President.

Trump was pandering to the far left in 2000, now he's pandering to the far right. George Bush switched positions on one issue, abortion. Both his son's have become known as public officials who are not willing to pander for votes.

The GOP is at an electoral college disadvantage today because the party has stopped appealing to minorities and women. Groups like the Club for Growth that advance economic freedom stay clear of the kind of anti-immigrant rhetoric that has hurt Republicans. Additionally, some Republicans don't have sound economic arguments, the Club for Growth and believers in free markets like me are trying to get the party to focus on issues that impact everyday Americans.

Most jobs are created in small and medium-sized businesses, but large corporations still employ millions of Americans. I think it's about time we stop demonizing job creators in this country, it's about time we come together as a country. The class warfare rhetoric of the left has not created any jobs.  

Wouldn't it make more sense to support Rick Santorum than Donald Trump? He's right there with Trump on free trade and immigration, but he is a social conservative who has been married to the same woman for years and has a happy family.

Why would it be "more honest" of me to register as an Independent?  Doing so would deny me the right to vote in Republican Primaries for state and local offices, which are partisan, and where the GOP primary is tantamount to victory.  I didn't make those rules, and I wasn't given a litmus test when voting, so why is it more "honest"?  Really, that suggestion is made in the spirit of Voter ID laws; you'd like me to self-exclude so that your GOP can be "pure".  Florida registers voters by party, and non-Republicans can only vote in Republican primaries if the winner of the GOP primary for an office has no General Election opponent, but that is gotten around by GOP hacks filing to run as "write-in" candidates for the general election, which makes the primary (which will actually elect a Sheriff, County Commissioner, etc.) a GOP-only affair.  

I voted for Santorum in the 2012 primary, but he's not going to win.  I'm not going to throw my vote away.  Donald Trump has brought a degree of accountability to the GOP primary process that is refreshing, and his overall stances on issues mirror mine closer than most.  I'm not guaranteeing I'll vote for Trump in the primary, but if the primary was tomorrow, I definitely would.  Trump's presence in the race has shown the lot of GOP candidates to be cowards or incompetents.  The only ones of the lot that appear better for the wear are Kasich, Fiorina, and, oddly enough, Rick Perry, who actually showed some principle in his reaction to Trump.  Trump has revealed Scott Walker, Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, and (sadly) Rand Paul to be not ready for prime time (although the Establishment has propped up Jeb to where he's still the Establishment front-runner).