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Fast Walker 52

(7,723 posts)
Thu Aug 25, 2016, 08:28 AM Aug 2016

Have Americans ever elected anyone like Trump (in the modern era)?

Specifically I'm referring to someone who regularly insults people in a very rude manner, spouts ridiculous things, promotes conspiracy theories, and who is clearly a bigot.

How is this POSSIBLY a winning combination? How is this guy considered a viable presidential candidate at all?

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Have Americans ever elected anyone like Trump (in the modern era)? (Original Post) Fast Walker 52 Aug 2016 OP
Or in any era liberal N proud Aug 2016 #1
only Nixon would come close lapfog_1 Aug 2016 #2
I guess Agnew was known for his insults, wasn't he? Fast Walker 52 Aug 2016 #6
but at least he or his speech writers had a vocabulary lapfog_1 Aug 2016 #11
The closest to Trump in ambition was Aaron Burr. gordianot Aug 2016 #3
No. Pat Buchanan was the most like Trump but he never won their nomination. pampango Aug 2016 #4
wow, some eerie similarities there... but Pat was a little more subtle in his speeches, wasn't he? Fast Walker 52 Aug 2016 #8
Elected to what? Can we include governor of Alabama? DFW Aug 2016 #5
True... but I was thinking for POTUS Fast Walker 52 Aug 2016 #7
No Johnny2X2X Aug 2016 #9
Warren G. Harding? Third Doctor Aug 2016 #10
He was a loser, but George Wallace would be the closest that comes to mind. Sancho Aug 2016 #12

pampango

(24,692 posts)
4. No. Pat Buchanan was the most like Trump but he never won their nomination.
Thu Aug 25, 2016, 10:05 AM
Aug 2016

In Buchanan's 1992 primary run:

...platform of immigration reduction and social conservatism, including opposition to multiculturalism, abortion, and gay rights.


In 1996:

... opposition to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
... campaign co-chairman, Larry Pratt, appeared at two meetings organized by white supremacist and militia leaders. endorsed by conservative icon Phyllis Schlafly among others.
The line "The peasants are coming with pitchforks" became somewhat of a slogan for the campaign, with Buchanan occasionally appearing with a prop pitchfork at rallies.

In 2000 as the nominee of the Reform Party:

Buchanan proposed US withdrawal from the United Nations and expelling the UN from New York, abolishing the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Education, Department of Energy, Department of Housing and Urban Development, taxes on inheritance and capital gains, and affirmative action programs.
We may not succeed, but I believe we need a new fighting conservative traditionalist party in America. I believe, and I hope that one day we can take America back.
Some observers said his campaign was aimed to spread his message beyond his white conservative and populist base, while his views had not changed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Buchanan

DFW

(54,057 posts)
5. Elected to what? Can we include governor of Alabama?
Thu Aug 25, 2016, 10:56 AM
Aug 2016

In that case, the name George Wallace comes to mind.

Johnny2X2X

(18,745 posts)
9. No
Thu Aug 25, 2016, 12:59 PM
Aug 2016

Seeing as we do not witness daily public be-headings, and we don't live in the Hunger Games world, no we haven't had anyone like Trump. You'd know if we did.

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