LPA Foundation
Presidential Issues: Immigration

Immigration

View all Articles by News and Views

Selling America Short

March 7, 2016

By Max Boot and Ben Steil

Following his primary victories in New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada, Donald Trump has established himself as the clear frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination. He has done so offering grandiose slogans — He'll Make America Great Again! He'll have us win so much we'll get bored with winning! — and precious little in specifics. He has said, for example, that he would repeal Obamacare, without saying a word about what would replace it — beyond promising that his health program would be "terrific" and "take care of everyone."

When Trump does offer specifics, more often than not they are impossible to implement. Recently, for example, he said that he would solve the North Korea nuclear problem by getting China to assassinate Kim Jong-un. Given that China's leaders are unwilling to sanction North Korea, it is exceedingly unlikely they will murder its leader at President Trump's request.

In short, Trump has redefined the Art of the Deal in American politics: His promises would make even the most cynical political veteran blush. It is hard to know whether Trump is serious about what he says, given his ever-shifting views, lack of policy advisers, and claims that he would behave differently in office than on the campaign trail. Nevertheless, with the populist billionaire continuing to ride high, it is important to take him seriously as a potential occupant of the Oval Office. What would a President Trump do, and what would be the likely consequences of his actions?

Read more at The Weekly Standard: Selling America Short