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Trump battleground plan relies on skeptical GOP leaders

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By THOMAS BEAUMONT and STEVE PEOPLES

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the RNC has 483 paid staffers in the field in states across the country “dedicated to beating Hillary Clinton,” said RNC spokeswoman Lindsay Walters.

With 144 days remaining, and an RNC Convention ahead, the political strategy must focus on talking points about the opposition only and nothing about Chairman Reince Priebus's choice. Chairman Reince Priebus has side stepped both Republican House Speaker and the Senate Majority Leader.

The RNC is positioning against Republican Leadership of Congress. Smart.

This creates a fascinating duality.

The RNC, via Chairman Reince Priebus, is abandoning the elected officials Republicans have placed in office.

This then is the crux of the ouroboros.

The Chairman of the RNC is now in a battle with both House Speaker Ryan and Senate Majority Leader McConnell. Republican must choose, State by State if they will follow their elected representatives or Chairman Reince Priebus' dictates.

Clearly this creates a deeper divide, not a unity of purpose behind philosophy of governance. Confused, cast away and conflicted, this may be the year when Republicans, at the grass roots, abandons the Party of Lincoln.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

I'm torn. Someone tell me who to vote for.

I'm a NEVER Hilary person. Also a NEVER Donald person.

Wonder how the US got to this point of having two obscenely arrogant people running for the office.

Seems there isn't any good choice who won't destroy the world economy with their stupidity. Think I'll end up voting for gridlock so that 1 person really can't do anything. Just hope I can guess which way to vote correctly.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Trump is a train-wreck, wrapped in a plane crash, surrounded by a sinking ship, and enveloped in a nuclear bomb. Having him sitting in the Oval Office is just unthinkable for me, and for most of my like-minded friends.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

I'm a NEVER Hilary person. Also a NEVER Donald person

There's still hope for you. Sander's hasn't dropped out nor has he endorsed rival Hillary. If not, you might have to sit this election out. Or vote the lesser of two evils.

As for me, I'm tired of seeing middle class America getting screwed over and illegal immigrants getting all this "free" stuff. I'm tired of them waving that mexIcan flag on burning the US flag. The vets have been forgotten while we let in Islamic refugees. Sorry folks, Americans (in America) 1st.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

Something tells me that Trump had a far better “ground game” than we realize. He won every county in numerous states, and lost just a couple of counties in other states, and won male, female, young, middle age, old, high income, low income, college educated and high school grads, rural and city. A record 15 million Republican primary votes. That doesn’t happen by accident.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

"I'm torn. Someone tell me who to vote for." - comments

Clearly the Republicans are split between the RNC Chair taking a swing at driving the Party and the Traditional power vested in the House Speaker.

That lack of unity shows both lack of governance philosophy and campaign strategy.

As far as 'who to vote for'? That is a purely personal decision based on the individual voters needs and what they believe Government can and should do.

It may also take into account perception of character, the commenter covers that.

Answer: If character can't count, and one Party is split, the bet is, if the Party that takes the House, Senate and the Presidency matches the voters goals, then their vote is based on track record of policy and philosophy.

Only the voter can do that Calculus.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

With 144 days remaining, and an RNC Convention ahead, the political strategy must focus on talking points about the opposition only and nothing about Chairman Reince Priebus's choice. Chairman Reince Priebus has side stepped both Republican House Speaker and the Senate Majority Leader.

Which he has every right to do. His job as party Chairman is to elect and put his candidate in office, that's his job.

The Chairman of the RNC is now in a battle with both House Speaker Ryan and Senate Majority Leader McConnell. Republican must choose, State by State if they will follow their elected representatives or Chairman Reince Priebus' dictates.

The GOP are now worried about their own jobs, so basically, their careers come before principles. Again, another reason why people are so frustrated with Washington.

Clearly this creates a deeper divide, not a unity of purpose behind philosophy of governance. Confused, cast away and conflicted, this may be the year when Republicans, at the grass roots, abandons the Party of Lincoln.

I agree with Trump, if they can't fall in line and do the right thing and support the candidate even if he says....odd things, then just shut up. But yeah, the middle class are the ones getting the serious shaft and both sides don't care. Dems definitely don't and the GOP are too worried about their own careers.

-1 ( +8 / -9 )

"so basically, their careers come before principles." - comments

What "principles" should be abandoned to preserve career?

Isn't that the gamble the Republicans face?

Some principles outweigh career.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

“Flying to Dallas now with @realDonaldTrump…Reports of discord are pure fiction. Great events lined up all over Texas. Rs will win in Nov!” committee Chairman Reince Priebus tweeted this week.

OK, Reince.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

What "principles" should be abandoned to preserve career?

To ensure that we don't get another disastrous politically correct and capitulation Obama 3rd term.

Isn't that the gamble the Republicans face?

The GOP are idiots and they're all over the place, at least the Dems to their credit, hate Hillary, but they'll hold their noses and rally to her side-even if they have to do it kicking and screaming. The GOP could learn from that.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

another disastrous politically correct and capitulation isn't a principle.

Speaker Ryan is actually talking about principles and the law.

What Ryan objects to deserves more thought. He should not be silenced by anyone.

RNC Chair Priebus' principle is "win at all costs even if the cost is prejudice and hate".

It is clear Ryan hasn't signed on for that.

Priebus is saying abandon conscience.

But, what is Priebus willing to accept and what does that mean Americans must accept?

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Speaker Ryan is actually talking about principles and the law.

...And worrying about his job, tongue and cheek.....

What Ryan objects to deserves more thought. He should not be silenced by anyone.

He's not. He can say whatever he wants, but Trump is the candidate and can equally say what he wants and as head of the GOP as the GOP nominee, he could replace Ryan.

RNC Chair Priebus' principle is "win at all costs even if the cost is prejudice and hate".

Seriously??? Don't get me started on Debbie Wassermann Schultz, please don't!

It is clear Ryan hasn't signed on for that.

Most Dems don't agree with Hillary, except for her base, so what's your point?

Pries is saying abandon conscience.

Priesbus is doing his job, that's all and the DNC does the Exact same thing.

But, what is Priebus willing to accept and what does that mean Americans must accept?

America has only two choices, Trump and Hillary and if you want more of the Obama failed policies, vote for Hillary, if you want to go in a different direction, but definitely NOT the same failed policies, vote for Trump. Those are your options.

-5 ( +5 / -10 )

Is it really true the American People have only two choices?

In this campaign cycle, YES. You either can vote for Hillary or for Trump.

And is it true the candidates have only offer two choices in intent and policy?

You either want more BIG government and less freedom and out of control PC or you want less government, more empowerment in the private sector, accountability and self-reliance.

This reply seems cryptic, but, within the restraints accepted, it may take a post or two to get the hang of this new language that is barred from mentioning certain subjects.

It's very simple English that anyone can really understand. You want more government or less?

Let the questions above help define the candidates under consideration. There are far more than only two choices.

Nonsense.

November: Trump or Hillary, that is....if Hillary is not indicted.

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

"You either want more BIG government and less freedom and out of control PC or you want less government, more empowerment in the private sector, accountability and self-reliance." - comments

The two choices seem to include seven choices.

Is this the simplicity of having too much choice or too little sense?

Or, is it simply the desire for simplicity in a world that is far more complex, more diverse, more nuanced, more subtle, and more important than any black vs. white Mad Commix could ever understand or portray?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I'm with the more genuine and more honest candidate. Hillary is not it!

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

"I'm with the more genuine and more honest candidate" - comments

Another vote for Al Gore.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Republicans . . . Trump . . . hilarious. First the no nothings on this board dismissed Trump as a novelty, now they embrace him . . . hilarious. All they have is a "Hillary is worse" message which is not true and is also . . . hilarious. Republicans are getting what they deserve and that is . . . hilarious. Goodbye republican party. No one will miss you after the November landslide victory for Hillary . . not hilarious for you.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Trump planned to have campaign at lare Goldberg's house and meet withe Navajo Indian people after tally there. However Goldberg's widow refused Trump using her house. When asked why, she said she is going to vote for Clinton. Asked why, she said she is Republican so she can't vote for Trump character,

Then Trump needs a place to meet Navajo thrives but fortunately, Navajo people ignored invitation. He said they should come. Pocahontas is not coming. ( CNN Rachel hour)

1 ( +2 / -1 )

So today Trump is saying people should open carry in bars and clubs. Yes, drunk people in bars, with guns. Genius.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

For my part, I saw it on CNN this morning- and before those braying voices on the right deride the 'lamestream media' for twisting their god's words, it was an uninterrupted feed of his latest speech. He even included aping a scene where someone had a gun in the Orlando night club and there were 'bullets flying the other way'. Does this man even think before he opens his mouth?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Trump plans instead to depend upon the national Republican Party to lead state-based efforts on his behalf, while Democrat Hillary Clinton has had an army of staff dedicated specifically to her campaign in general election battlegrounds for months.

Well, good luck with that.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-elections/donald-trump-facing-fundraising-crisis-as-usual-crowd-of-republican-donors-keep-wallets-shut-a7088181.html

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Trump wants to be president, but he wants the RNC to sort it out for him.

Sort of like how Trump wants to build a wall, but he wants Mexicans to pay for it.

Sort of like how Trump wanted to start businesses, but he expected other people to pay for them when he filed for bankruptcy.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Sorry everyone, I see the picture a little differently.

Politics and election is first and primary that of "power" for most politicians that are in office today. They are backed and supported by the rich and powerful primarily to make sure the government system will allow and keep them rich and powerful. By also making the power and wealth hungry politicians rich and bringing them into the established fold, they can maintain the structure and the system designed for their benefit.

Once in power they can manipulate laws and control the police forces and the military to assure their position and control. Human sufferings such as famine, disasters and even wars (except on successful revolutions) continue to make the rich richer and the powerful more powerful. That is probably true all over the world. That may have been going on for thousands of years.

Both DNC and RNC inevitably by their very existence have been penetrated and represents those who are already in power. That is why there rules and regulations, policies and procedures, all created by those in power. In most cases they give a appearance of fairness and even play and even that of equality, but we have all come to know that it is still an "appearance" and not a factual reality. They are always designed to benefit the group or organization and that group or organization to begin with was created to benefit all, but as long as there are leadership positions with authority to change, the rich and the powerful can always find that little something to change it in their favor. That is the state of affairs today.

Unless the entire nation wakes up and backs up Trump by an overwhelming majority and can influence the so called votes at the convention, or the delegates themselves change their attitude and vote for Trump, it is very difficult for Trump to become the actual "candidate" for the Republican Party.

That is why, in my opinion, Trump as well as Sanders can say that it will be a rather "violent" convention for "both" parties. When rational thinking and practical views are overwhelmed by the "emotional" intensity which may invite irrational behavior, there can only be physical violence.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

All of the above.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

This is fundamentally a mutual hostage situation - not equal, because Trump doesn't give a sh!t about the future of the Republican Party and will destroy them if his whims so dictate, but mutual as he not only has zero chance without RNC cooperation but also still faces potential challenges to secure the nomination. I nominate Mel Gibson to play the RNC and Danny DeVito as Trump - handcuffed together - for any future cinematic portrayal. In the meantime, we get it free. Popcorn!

1 ( +4 / -3 )

kazetsukaiJUN. 18, 2016 - 05:44PM JST Sorry everyone, I see the picture a little differently. Politics and election is first and primary that of "power" for most politicians that are in office today. They are backed and supported by the rich and powerful primarily to make sure the government system will allow and keep them rich and powerful. By also making the power and wealth hungry politicians rich and bringing them into the established fold, they can maintain the structure and the system designed for their benefit.

Because we can trust an ego maniac like Trump not to do the same?

Or worse

You're out of your mind.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Your are fighting embedded big money Gov corruption here -and unfortunately money talks. Has not stopped Trump so far and hopefully $$$ will not influence the voters as much as the media portrays.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

People who think they hate Hillary have no real reason to hate her as much as they do. I admit she's not perfect but she's had a long career of service, and knows the job, including how to work with the other party to get stuff done. I will support her. Hopefully Sanders can participate in a way that helps America, not Trump.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

"skeptical GOP leaders"

LOL

"even as ( Trump ) campaign officials concede the presumptive presidential nominee has little desire or capacity to construct the kind of massive national operation that has come to define modern-day White House campaigns."

Finally! Being as how modern-day White House campaigns bit the big one!

"Democrat Hillary Clinton has had an army of staff dedicated specifically to her campaign in general election battlegrounds for months."

No doubt! Won''t be enough though, as she has way too much baggage to be elected.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

For those of you who are oriented toward and support a particular political party for what they declare to stand for or to a candidate that appear to share your views and "values", or for past experience or positions held, please think twice and three and may be ten times, "before" believing anything. We need to put everything into proper "perspective" by looking at the situation, circumstances and environment in which such "claims" or "descriptions" are made.

One important perspective is that everything is being "used" for a political purpose to get our votes to give them the power to basically take over our lives by using our money and the laws which supposedly are meant to protect what we believe are our rights, our way of life and our security and welfare.

The second perspective is in looking at how other nations as well as other politicians are looking at the candidates. Every perspective and opinion expressed by others have one thing in common, that is to protect and assure their interests, in their situation, circumstances and environment and not necessarily "ours". Only you can determine what may be beneficial and good for you yourself. Everyone else are only looking out for themselves. That includes me. That includes the media and every other person stating his/her opinion.

The third perspective is that we live in a physical world, on Earth as one of the animals. What affects us directly is everything physical. What is good for others may not be necessarily good for ourselves.

The rest, it is up to you...

But, I for one cannot live in an idealized or dream world which does not assure me the basic needs to survive and live with my family and to assure their survival. Therefore, during elections, I do not pay attention to high intellectual or emotional values and ideals expressed by politicians, but to the practical and realistic, applicable and meaningful solutions that can improve our lives and assure us a physical future. I do not look for happiness after death.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

But wait, there's more! Putin has Hillary's "private" server emails, lol

Hey, "Madverts," keep telling yourself Hillary's going to win, heh

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

People who think they hate Hillary have no real reason to hate her as much as they do. I admit she's not perfect but she's had a long career of service, and knows the job, including how to work with the other party to get stuff done. I will support her.

Indeed. This nonstop drumbeat of how "bad" Clinton is and how "corrupt” she is has gone well past its shelf life. You couldn't get most of the people who keep peddling this line to cite a single, verifiable, non-conspiracy theory based example of her supposed awfulness or corruption. Not a one. Sure, lots of hints and allegations. Whinging about email servers. And of course a Benghazi probe that laid to rest the GOP-led assertion that Clinton had somehow caused the tragedy.

And then, of course, the biggest boogeyman Sanders' supporters could throw at Clinton -- she supports our capitalist system.

Well, no freakin' duh. ALL candidadate for major parties in the United States support our capitalist system. It's that support that makes it possible for Sanders supporters to tweet their disdain for Clinton from their $600 iPhones in the cool comfort of a Starbucks over a $5 cafe mocha.

Does she support Wall Street? Of course she does. And so does everyone else, including Trump and the vast majority of the Repblican Party. Does she accept speaking fees? Sure. And so does everyone else, except perhaps Sanders. Does she advocate on behalf of campaign contributors p? Yes, she does. Are those she advocates on behalf of corporate interests? Of course they are. The contributed to her election campaign. But she also advocates -- fiercely, I might add -- on behalf of regular Americans, and has done so for the majority of her political career. She wouldn't be where she is today if she were the openly corrupt, horrific train wreck of a politician that so many seem to insist she is.

Again, this narrative has gotten quite stale.

I'm supporting Clinton 100% because she is imminently qualified to do the job and I know she'll actually do it.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

"I'm supporting Clinton 100% because she is imminently qualified to do the job and I know she'll actually do it."

According to former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani, Hillary is in deep trouble with this email scandal. But what does he know? lol

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

She wouldn't still be calling the FBI probe a "security review" if it were not serious, when everyone from the director of the agency to Obama to federal judges have acknowledged it is a criminal investigation.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Sanders is not off yet. His agenda is only one. Never elect Trump. GOP has similar slogan. Anybody but Trump.

Rally. In Vegas now but too hot so no commotion maybe some tourists attended?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

LFRAgain: Indeed. This nonstop drumbeat of how "bad" Clinton is and how "corrupt” she is has gone well past its shelf life.

Clinton is probably the most investigated political figure in US history. If you put all of the other elected officials through the same scrutiny, 99% of them would be gone by now. She's been through endless Republican sponsored investigations, has to contend with a for-profit anti-Hillary industries, and still to this day is accused of murdering Vince Foster.

The Right created the smoke and they are the ones telling us there is a fire. I don't trust them anymore when it comes to Hillary and I certainly ignore any comments they make about her trustworthiness. Now that Trump is the face of the GOP they've gone on steroids shouting the same, tired catchphrases about Clinton. It insults my intelligence to think there's actually a debate to be had.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

"Trump is largely outsourcing what’s typically called a campaign’s ground game, which includes the labor-intensive jobs of identifying and contacting potential supporters." - article

The RNC, then, is stuck holding the bag.

Part of the RNC convention is the Rules Committee. Therein, in the past, the GOP-tea does the Kabuki of passing whatever Leadership has already decided on; so much for the followers of Democracy.

This year is different. Delegates are positioning themselves as Representatives in a Democratic Process. Most are counting on Principle over Procedure as House Speaker Ryan has set the stage for and then the Rules Committee isn't Rince's mini-me.

What does that mean?

Donarudo Torampu can be sent packing.

Technically, Delegates can abstain on the first round of voting, that provision is part of the Rules Committee's charge.

If the first round goes split the Rules already are in place to set the whole Process back to 'one-man-one-vote'.

As Speaker of the House Ryan will Chair the Convention Rince cannot count his chickens at this point, neither can Donarudo Torampu.

The result?

A helicopter ride back to NYC for Donarudo Torampu who has already shown he is not interested in Campaigns, only Power.

Sure, the riots may happen and the GOP-tea will pay a heavy price for Principle, but the alternative would be more destructive.

The Monday-Thursday event is still a Public Safety issue at its core. With Orlando fresh in the minds of Republicans, most are already looking for the exits before any Public Safety issue forces Cleveland to pull the plug.

Clearly, the safest path has the GOP-tea walk away, skip the Convention, hand Donarudo Torampu a suitable for framing document and go back to Representing the People who elected them to serve in Washington and State Capitols across the country.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

How is she a criminal? Which case or cases are you referring to? I don't think I've ever really asked an anti-Hillary fanatic that before. Would you all have different answers?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

According to former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani, Hillary is in deep trouble with this email scandal. But what does he know? lol

Thanks for the "lol" at the end. I would never have guessed it was supposed to be funny.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

How is she a criminal?

That's like saying, how can Mickey Mouse be a mouse?

Which case or cases are you referring to? I don't think I've ever really asked an anti-Hillary fanatic that before. Would you all have different answers?

Again, you have a DOJ that answers to Obama and you have elements of corrupted officials working under Lynch, this just would never be tolerated if conservatives were in the opposite position. So, if the evidence is surpressed by corrupted individuals in the DOJ department...well.... there's not much left to be said.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Sander's hasn't dropped out nor has he endorsed rival Hillary.

Sanders is even worse than Ms. Clinton. Fortunately, his campaign matters ZERO now. The world couldn't afford the taxation required to do all the things he claims he wanted to do. Way, way, way, way too far left. BTW, Ms. Clinton is only way, way, too far left.

Don't get me wrong, Mr. Trump hasn't the temperament or skills to become President. Sadly, he does meet the simplistic requirements - over 35 yrs old and born in the USA. Pretty minimal, but at least he isn't an other lawyer professionally schooled in the loophole.

Anyone recall the statement from Ms. Clinton's husband?

It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is.

Slime. Plus the puss doesn't drain too far from the husband as we have been learning since Ms. Clinton came to public light.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"Sanders is even worse than Ms. Clinton."

In what way?! I can't wait to hear this...

"Fortunately, his campaign matters ZERO now."

Are you kidding? The revolution has just begun!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Bass,

How is she a criminal?

That's like saying, how can Mickey Mouse be a mouse?

No, Bass. You don't get to do that. You don't get to sidestep this with glibness, especially since you've been one of the leading voices here spewing that "criminal" crap about Clinton from the start.

Put your money where you mouth is and provide case numbers, court docket information, mugshots, articles, and any other primary sources that support your assertion that Clinton is a criminal. These criminal charges and convictions should all be of public record, if they are so obvious, as you seem to suggest.

How PRECISELY is Hillary Rodham Clinton a criminal as defined by the federal -- oh, heck, I'll make it easy for you and throw in state and local -- criminal code in these United States?

And please do recognize how incredibly lame and telling it is retreat to, "Well, the DOJ is corrupt, and that's why she hasn't be convicted." Claiming conspiracy anytime something doesn't fit your narrative is in no small way childish.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

"Trump is largely outsourcing what’s typically called a campaign’s ground game, which includes the labor-intensive jobs of identifying and contacting potential supporters." - article

The RNC, then, is stuck holding the bag.

Quick Note:

Notice again how Mr. Donald J. Trump has made his "problem," funding a campaign, the RNC's problem.

Mr. Rince Prebius, Chairman RNC, is stepping off a short pier on a long walk of 142 days to the National.

If Mr. Prebius survives Cleveland.

(Guess what? The Republican Party can "fire" Mr. Prebius. Just like Mr. Trump's old television show. NBC dumped Trump after the racist tinged announcement of candidacy, ya'll remember? Mexicans are rapists, that was the opener of the Donald J. Trump Campaign.)

What many have forgotten, the National Convention isn't a Stage Show like the "Miss America" disaster Trump lost in the business genius part of his Candidacy Announcement .

Speaker of the House Ryan and Senate Majority Leader McConnell are not without deep support.

Contempt for the American People takes many forms.

Perhaps Donald J. Trump is just another example.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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