Hi guys (and gal!),
I thought it was time we chatted.
I've been enormously impressed with the way many of you have attempted to handle
I imagine you must be thinking: How can this arrogant, fact-agnostic, insult-hurling barstool bloviator be doing so well? You've been reluctant to cross him, but no amount of ignoring will spare you from one day being called a "dummy" or an "idiot" by The Donald. So best to get it over with.
Some of you have tried to point out that Trump doesn't seem all that conservative. Calling into question the heroism of our captured POWs, voting for and supporting Democrats, once even saying he thought the economy does better under Democrats -- all compelling if you could jolt Trump supporters out of their love-drunk stupors long enough to care. It almost doesn't matter what he says -- they are enamored of the way he says it.
Lindsey, it must have been galling to be the subject of Trump's cellphone stunt. After 22 years in local and state politics, used to the rules- and etiquette-obsessed
Trump has become an embarrassing distraction for all of you. (Well, not you, Ted. You seem to find him adorable!) But he's also distracted voters from the awkward contortions
The media's no help, because few attempt to ask Trump anything substantive, instead preferring to fixate on his outbursts for days, and then asking the rest of you to spend days responding to them. With questions like "Would you go to a gay wedding?" and "Should Donald Trump apologize to
Whenever someone does try to pin him down on policies -- to his great credit,
So what to do? You can't live like this forever, and all a Trump nomination means is another Clinton's in the
It's time for a new tack. Attacking him on style is pointless. Style is exactly what people like. What his supporters need to see is that there's no substance there. Knowing a guy in
So I propose that whenever you are asked a substantive question about income inequality, immigration or terrorism, for example, instead of thoughtfully answering as you normally would, respond with, "What would Donald do?" Until reporters and voters force Trump to lay out an actual agenda, answering tough questions about real policies, why should you be held to a different standard?
And except to say, "What would Donald do?" I would also refuse to answer any questions related to Trump. He doesn't speak for you and you certainly shouldn't have to speak for him. All that happens when you weigh in, even if to criticize Trump, is that the whole of the party looks somehow responsible for him. And it shouldn't be.
You've put up with Trump's antics and the media's complicity long enough. Time to put your feet down and refuse to play his games.
Sincerely,
#WhatWouldDonaldDo?
Previously:
• 07/17/15: Planned Parenthood and the abortion debate we won't have
• 07/10/15: What Donald Trump is doing right
• 07/03/15: America, you're beautiful
• 06/26/15: The Supreme Court's gift to Republicans
• 06/22/15: A woman on the $10 bill? Big deal
• 06/12/15: Relax, your technology dependency is healthy
• 06/07/15: Will the real Democratic challengers please stand up?
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S.E. Cupp is a Washington-based CNN contributor and author of "Losing Our Religion."