Forget about Bernie fans supporting Trump. He is turning hard right to secure the base before tacking to capture the center. But Trump had already begun this strategy with his promising to appoint and Alito clone to SCOTUS, cozying with Ben Carson, and including Mario Rubio, Ted Cruz and Sarah Palin on his leaked VP shortlist. These are deal killers for progressives.
In addition, the ones that paying closer attention realized that Trumps close political advisers are Roger Stone and Paul Manafort. Now they will be joined by John Mashburn as campaign’s policy director.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the prominent anti-choice organization Susan B. Anthony List, heralded the move as an “excellent hire, especially for the pro-life movement and our legislative priorities.”…
“If elected, no doubt John Mashburn will serve you well as you fulfill your campaign promises to defund Planned Parenthood, advance and sign into law the popular Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, and appoint Justices to the bench who will protect and defend the Constitution,” Dannenfelser wrote.
Progressives remember all too well how they got taken in by Obama's campaign rhetoric only to be shocked by his appointment in quick succession of Rahm Emmanuel as Chief of White House Staff, Larry Summers as Chief Economic Advisor, and Tim Geithner as Secretary of the Treasury. They were further disillusioned by the appointment of Hillary Clinton to be Secretary of State, as well as the retention of Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense.
It's difficult to see how Trump could pivot enough to the center to attract many Bernie supporters without losing his right wing base. The dilemma Trump faces is that he cannot win without that base and he may not be able to win with it.
AlterNet
Trump Quietly Hires a Hardcore Anti-Abortion Crusader, Christian Right Delivers Heavy Applause
AlterNet
Trump Quietly Hires a Hardcore Anti-Abortion Crusader, Christian Right Delivers Heavy Applause
Elizabeth Prezza
