If anyone hasn’t noticed how biased and imbalanced most mainstream national media has become, their head is in the sand.
Case in point: Recent attacks on Donald Trump.
Mr. Trump is making waves, the kind for which many Americans hunger. His no-nonsense, straightforward, candid messaging is one that Americans can finally absorb with pleasure and concurrence.
Not in recent memory has a presidential contender been so transparent and open about his beliefs. Mr. Trump doesn’t opine based on what will or will not offend the audience.
It’s appreciated, because pervasive political correctness keeps the average politician from speaking his or her mind. The days of Lincoln-Douglas debates are long gone. The country has been stymied because of political correctness; because of thin skin and overly sensitive people, who shirk from the hard truth that America is fading in power, reputation, and respect.
Donald Trump succinctly states what he thinks. 100% of the time. How refreshing, whether you agree with him or not.
When Governor Perry of Texas disparaged him personally, Trump reminded Americans of Perry’s failed academic record. When Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts took a swing at him, Trump reminded Americans that it was Romney’s presidential race to lose that he very well did against Obama. And when Senator John McCain of Arizona cast spurious and defamatory aspersions at him, Trump reminded Americans of McCain’s failures.
Donald Trump supports the Armed Forces of the United States. He respects service and valor, risk of life and limb, and Americanism. To question his commitment to the military based on a comment about one person is obtuse.
If Americans and the media expect cookie-cutter sound bites and goose-stepping reverence to milk-toast debates, and more boring, trite rhetoric, then watch Jeb Bush or Scott Walker or Marco Rubio. All of these men are smart, capable, patriotic candidates but lack flare and genuine candor.
Donald Trump is what the American electorate has been asking for for the last two decades. Not since Reagan has a frontrunner in a presidential election been so direct and honest in his plans and opinions.
Trump’s support of the military and veterans runs deep. Just audit his companies’ support of multiple organizations, or his community stewardship embracing and donating to our Armed Services over his long tenure as a businessman.
As the debates, the forums, and the coverage of the presidential race continue, I want voters to get a backbone. Don’t hang your hat on one sentence or one opinion from a candidate. Consider the entire package, from experience to values, from vision to plans for making America great again.
The white noise of defeated presidential candidates like John McCain, Mitt Romney, and Rick Perry is distracting and irrelevant fodder used and promoted by the biased, anti-Republican media.
Don’t forget, right-leaning news sources like FOX, Townhall, and Breitbart are disturbingly few and far between in the U.S. media collective. Because of them we don’t get fooled. Nor do we close our eyes to the tangible, proactive platform of a candidate like Donald Trump.
Political correctness be damned for the 2016 presidential election.
I expect presidential candidates to speak boldly, openly, and honestly on all subjects. And I discourage affinity with the comfortable polarization and bias of the media against visionaries like Donald Trump.
By Tom Anderson, Publisher APEonline
Jack Charles / July 18, 2015
I couldn’t agree more and appreciate your perspective. John McCain is a pompous ass. He reminds me of Don Young, and I’m a Republican! Trump is brazen and direct, but also honest and real. What a change when it comes ot candidatea and their worrisome persona to be political correct every sound bite.
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Jack Charles / July 18, 2015
I couldn’t agree more and appreciate your perspective. John McCain is a pompous ass. He reminds me of Don Young, and I’m a Republican! Trump is brazen and direct, but also honest and real. What a change when it comes ot candidatea and their worrisome persona to be political correct every sound bite.
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Cortney / July 18, 2015
I agree with Tom. It’s about time politicians were honest and real about their opinions, and Donald Trump has shown he doesn’t mince words. How many candidates can actually say that? They can’t, because they’re trying to gain favor from everyone. Trump says how he feels and let’s you decide. That’s awesome to me! Well said Tom! And seriously who wouldn’t want a president with a toupee.
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Cortney / July 18, 2015
I agree with Tom. It’s about time politicians were honest and real about their opinions, and Donald Trump has shown he doesn’t mince words. How many candidates can actually say that? They can’t, because they’re trying to gain favor from everyone. Trump says how he feels and let’s you decide. That’s awesome to me! Well said Tom! And seriously who wouldn’t want a president with a toupee.
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Todd Cortner / July 18, 2015
I’m hesitant to completely agree with this editorial, however I do like Mr. Trump and think he’s the superior candidate of the current Rs running for pres in 2016. I just think bashing McCain doesn’t work. John McCain is arrogant. I lived in AZ for a while. He doesn’t listen and can be overboard in opinion. Trump kind of seems like that, too. BUT – I like your theme Mr. Anderson. I think politicians need to be open. Completely open. So we all know how to choose. Nicely written.
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Todd Cortner / July 18, 2015
I’m hesitant to completely agree with this editorial, however I do like Mr. Trump and think he’s the superior candidate of the current Rs running for pres in 2016. I just think bashing McCain doesn’t work. John McCain is arrogant. I lived in AZ for a while. He doesn’t listen and can be overboard in opinion. Trump kind of seems like that, too. BUT – I like your theme Mr. Anderson. I think politicians need to be open. Completely open. So we all know how to choose. Nicely written.
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Mary Hernandez / July 18, 2015
Go Trump! Your immigration comments didn’t offend me and I’m Hispanic. Illegals make it harder for all of us. The Mcain thing is something I don’t know about but I can tell you have been successful and I think we need a business person not a politician to be our next president and Obama wasn’t in business ever. That’s why my husband and I work hard in our business here in Alaska so we can earn a living and support our babies. I say give Trump a chance.
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Mary Hernandez / July 18, 2015
Go Trump! Your immigration comments didn’t offend me and I’m Hispanic. Illegals make it harder for all of us. The Mcain thing is something I don’t know about but I can tell you have been successful and I think we need a business person not a politician to be our next president and Obama wasn’t in business ever. That’s why my husband and I work hard in our business here in Alaska so we can earn a living and support our babies. I say give Trump a chance.
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Barry Shennum / July 18, 2015
Former Alaskan, and John McCain constituent now…I don’t know if John McCain will even win the primary election next fall. Arizonans, (at least this Alaskan-
Arizonan) have grown weary of what appears to be “sustained incumbency pomposity”. He has been in Washington so long, that the courageous young man that he was, is no longer anywhere to be seen. Thank goodness he has not embarrassed himself by entering the Presidential race. I am not sure I would vote for Trump, but it is refreshing to hear somebody not couching everything in a friggin PC wrapper.
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Barry Shennum / July 18, 2015
Former Alaskan, and John McCain constituent now…I don’t know if John McCain will even win the primary election next fall. Arizonans, (at least this Alaskan-
Arizonan) have grown weary of what appears to be “sustained incumbency pomposity”. He has been in Washington so long, that the courageous young man that he was, is no longer anywhere to be seen. Thank goodness he has not embarrassed himself by entering the Presidential race. I am not sure I would vote for Trump, but it is refreshing to hear somebody not couching everything in a friggin PC wrapper.
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Ted Jorgensen / July 18, 2015
Trump is spot on and other candidates are jealous. It’s pretty obvious. If I were a presidential candidate and a multi-billionaire was running and got all the attention I might resort to attacks to. I gues it shows Trump is ahead and the rest are not.
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Ted Jorgensen / July 18, 2015
Trump is spot on and other candidates are jealous. It’s pretty obvious. If I were a presidential candidate and a multi-billionaire was running and got all the attention I might resort to attacks to. I gues it shows Trump is ahead and the rest are not.
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Pingback: Megyn Kelly | Opinion: Trump’s boldness refreshing, McCain’s white noise annoying / July 19, 2015
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Pingback: Megyn Kelly | Opinion: Trump’s boldness refreshing, McCain’s white noise annoying / July 19, 2015
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Steve / July 19, 2015
Interesting 2008 opinion on McCain by fellow POW.
http://www.alternet.org/story/95825/i_spent_years_as_a_pow_with_john_mccain,_and_his_finger_should_not_be_near_the_red_button
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Steve / July 19, 2015
Interesting 2008 opinion on McCain by fellow POW.
http://www.alternet.org/story/95825/i_spent_years_as_a_pow_with_john_mccain,_and_his_finger_should_not_be_near_the_red_button
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Marriette Cantwell / July 19, 2015
I like Donald Trump but I wish all candidates were kinder to each other. I also don’t understand why there isn’t better contact information to the Trump campaign. Does he have a campaign newsletter I can subsribe to?
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Marriette Cantwell / July 19, 2015
I like Donald Trump but I wish all candidates were kinder to each other. I also don’t understand why there isn’t better contact information to the Trump campaign. Does he have a campaign newsletter I can subsribe to?
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Howard Weaver / July 19, 2015
Tom:
I am deeply disappointed to read this nonsense about Donald Trump. Though we have often disagreed about policy, I’ve always taken you to be a thoughtful and fair-minded person. This post raises doubts about that.
Simply put, Donald Trump has told so many different stories over time and exaggerated or outright fabricated so many things that nobody can tell what he means, stands for or will do. To argue otherwise requires willful blindness.
Catch phrases like “biased, anti-Republican media” and “political correctness” indicate that you won’t consider any facts that don’t support your point of view, but some of your readers might. I’d urge them —and you, if you’re willing—to research this on their own. A summary of Trump lies and exaggerations can be found at http://www.politifact.com/personalities/donald-trump/statements/. If you don’t trust the conclusions of the Pulitzer-winning PoliFact (frequently cited by politicians of both parties as a standard), just use their list of questions as a starting point and seek out your own answers.
Most of the statements have solid empirical foundations. Did Jeb Bush have five “sanctuary cities” in Florida or not? Is public opinion turning against abortion choice or not? Does a recent CNN poll show Trump “statistically tied” with President Obama or not?
Not. As Casey Stengel reminded us, “You can look it up.”
You rely on sweeping generalizations that are as inaccurate as Trump’s “facts.”. Saying that it’s a “hard truth that America is fading in power, reputation, and respect” is wrong. Compared to the Bush presidency, for example, our standing has risen around the world. Not long ago people like Rudy Giuliani were opining about what a great leader Putin was and how we should look for that instead of Obama. Well, Putin is now isolated from the international community, his economy is a smoking ruin and Russia’s future prospects are dimmer by the day. (P.S. He’s also invading and killing his neighbors).
I don’t intend to start pitting reality-based sources against Breitbart et al. That’s a fool’s game with no winners.
But reality exists, Tom. Embrace it.
P.S. I remember that your dad was mighty good at smoked salmon. I’m jealous.
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Tom Anderson / July 19, 2015
I’ve always respected and valued your opinion Howard. My point in the commentary is less about a vote for Donald Trump and much more about being candid as a politician. I was a lot like the frontrunners (Bush, Walker, Rubio) when I ran, with sound bites and careful crafting of what I would say. I wish I would have been more like him in candor and stating my opinion, no matter the consequence. I find Trump refreshing and he abolsutely has donated and supported our troops through his multiple businesses. As for the spirit of my message, it’s about having the backbone to say what you mean…and like Trump or not, he has and does just that. Shame on Huffington Post and Salon and the flagrance they spew against a relevant candidate, by the way. My contention about the left-leaning media stands. I don’t include Alaska Dispatch News because I really value, read and cite often its content daily on my radio show and appreciate its coverage, and praise Alice for her vision. As for smoked salmon, if you were near you’d have a handful and I’ll convey to my dear old dad your compliment. smile emoticon Glad we live in America and can have these thoughtful exchanges. Thanks for all you do.
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Howard Weaver / July 19, 2015
Tom:
I am deeply disappointed to read this nonsense about Donald Trump. Though we have often disagreed about policy, I’ve always taken you to be a thoughtful and fair-minded person. This post raises doubts about that.
Simply put, Donald Trump has told so many different stories over time and exaggerated or outright fabricated so many things that nobody can tell what he means, stands for or will do. To argue otherwise requires willful blindness.
Catch phrases like “biased, anti-Republican media” and “political correctness” indicate that you won’t consider any facts that don’t support your point of view, but some of your readers might. I’d urge them —and you, if you’re willing—to research this on their own. A summary of Trump lies and exaggerations can be found at http://www.politifact.com/personalities/donald-trump/statements/. If you don’t trust the conclusions of the Pulitzer-winning PoliFact (frequently cited by politicians of both parties as a standard), just use their list of questions as a starting point and seek out your own answers.
Most of the statements have solid empirical foundations. Did Jeb Bush have five “sanctuary cities” in Florida or not? Is public opinion turning against abortion choice or not? Does a recent CNN poll show Trump “statistically tied” with President Obama or not?
Not. As Casey Stengel reminded us, “You can look it up.”
You rely on sweeping generalizations that are as inaccurate as Trump’s “facts.”. Saying that it’s a “hard truth that America is fading in power, reputation, and respect” is wrong. Compared to the Bush presidency, for example, our standing has risen around the world. Not long ago people like Rudy Giuliani were opining about what a great leader Putin was and how we should look for that instead of Obama. Well, Putin is now isolated from the international community, his economy is a smoking ruin and Russia’s future prospects are dimmer by the day. (P.S. He’s also invading and killing his neighbors).
I don’t intend to start pitting reality-based sources against Breitbart et al. That’s a fool’s game with no winners.
But reality exists, Tom. Embrace it.
P.S. I remember that your dad was mighty good at smoked salmon. I’m jealous.
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Tom Anderson / July 19, 2015
I’ve always respected and valued your opinion Howard. My point in the commentary is less about a vote for Donald Trump and much more about being candid as a politician. I was a lot like the frontrunners (Bush, Walker, Rubio) when I ran, with sound bites and careful crafting of what I would say. I wish I would have been more like him in candor and stating my opinion, no matter the consequence. I find Trump refreshing and he abolsutely has donated and supported our troops through his multiple businesses. As for the spirit of my message, it’s about having the backbone to say what you mean…and like Trump or not, he has and does just that. Shame on Huffington Post and Salon and the flagrance they spew against a relevant candidate, by the way. My contention about the left-leaning media stands. I don’t include Alaska Dispatch News because I really value, read and cite often its content daily on my radio show and appreciate its coverage, and praise Alice for her vision. As for smoked salmon, if you were near you’d have a handful and I’ll convey to my dear old dad your compliment. smile emoticon Glad we live in America and can have these thoughtful exchanges. Thanks for all you do.
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