[Jim W N]

Seems like a bit of a ruling elite argument to me in the sense that if you haven’t been in government, how can you prove you’re a conservative?

We need more citizen-statesmen running for office in government and fewer career politicians.

I like Cruz in general but I don’t like that argument. As I said, to me it is a “ruling elite” argument that only those in government can prove themselves and do the job. I loathe and despise ruling elitism and don’t buy it.

[Harpotoo]

I would think that Trump is a Fiscal Conservative and Social moderate. And that’s just fine with me.

[Lagmeister]

Just your typical ‘big donor’ PAC ad pretending that politicians like Cruz actually have a moral compass other than the direction that the donors insist they go. Any sense at all tells you to ‘follow the money’ not what the PAC ad money tells you to think. PAC ads are revolting no matter who puts them out. Sadly, the average schmuck has no idea that they are being manipulated by globalists who only want their vote and who will knife them in the back at the first opportunity.

[IrishBrigade]

to me it is a “ruling elite” argument that only those in government can prove themselves and do the job

You’ve stated the perfect observation, that corruption in the political realm is endemic to success, which completly invalidates the political model itself-—in theory...

In a perfect world, your concern is correct; if I were being held at gunpoint and forced to reveal who I would like to see in the presidency, I would say Trump, for the very reasons you’ve put forth...but when it comes time for my state’s primary (way down the road,so it’s moot) I wouldn’t vote for him, because he can’t win agaisnt the party I oppose; and to do otherwise, would be counterproductive to the political process that we have, the only one we are ever going to have...

a sad situation, really...

[5thGenTexan]

Seems like a bit of a ruling elite argument to me in the sense that if you haven’t been in government, how can you prove you’re a conservative?

One way is thru your past record of support and affiliations on political topics and organizations.

By this measure, Trump has a big problem. His conervstism dates back only to when he began making moves to position himself for this run, in 2013. The other 45+ years of his adult life paint a different picture.

[Dr. Sivana]

We need more citizen-statesmen running for office in government and fewer career politicians.

I agree, and though a Cruz supporter, I have been willing to consider Trump as an interesting option). Trump has done a great job framing the race, and confusing the Establishment class and the consultancy class.

HOWEVER, even on his best day, Trump never comes close to striking me as a "statesman".