I don't believe it

I don’t believe the news that Donald Trump’s campaign raised $82 million in “small donations” from his supporters in July. No one raises that kind of money in a month. 

The names of donors who give less than $200 need not be disclosed to the Federal Election Commission in otherwise public filings by the presidential candidates. They can claim any number that comes to their head and say it came from hundreds or thousands of supporter. Would the Trump campaign do this?

In my opinion, in a heartbeat. Trump could pump his own money into the campaign and label it “small donations” to give his campaign an aura of  authenticity. He has refused to make his taxes public and has a record of overstating his personal wealth in business dealings. 

The more important story about money, however, is the debt Donald Trump will carry into the White House should he (God help us) somehow be elected. The man is in debt more than $100 million to banks (e.g. Deutsche Bank of Germany and its subsidiaries) that clash with U.S. bank regulators like clockwork. No other presidential candidate in the history of America has carried such a potential conflict of interest burden into the Oval Office. 

The news about the alleged $82 million naturally struck fear into the beating hearts of the Hillary Clinton campaign. The Trump claim raised Hillary’s fund raising effort to a new pitch. It is like morning following the night. One candidate makes a claim and the other capitalizes on it. I got an email today from Hillary’s campaign manager asking for a $75 donation to help compete with the (alleged - my word) Trump success in July. 

I’ve already sent my contribution to Hillary for August. If I believed Trump’s claims I would do more but I don’t believe it…

Click here for complete blog.

Comment to: arch@archibald99.com  

Finding a running mate for Hillary

Clinton’s running mate

It seems like America’s favorite guessing game at this time is “the running mate.” It would be a stretch to out-source this important selection to “America’s Got Talent,” but it might come down to that. 

It has also been suggested that we should take a monkey up in a plane and throw him out at 10,000 feet somewhere over the country and whoever he lands on is the next Vice-President. (Not a scientific approach.) 

Today, I am concerned enough with helping to find Hillary Clinton’s perfect, complementary running mate, that I am making my nominee public.  

Names currently bouncing off the walls in newsrooms across the country include such luminaries as Elizabeth Warren, John Warner, and a number of other senators, cabinet officials, sitting and former governors, hispanics, African-Americans, etc. etc. 

Also being mentioned are Southern bail bondsmen, men who wear shoes and those who don’t. Southern California candidates have declined consideration outright because the job entails living outside of Southern California. 

All of these prospects, from the highly likely to the more outrageous (who would be better on Trump’s ticket), are subject to the chemistry test and vetting by Hillary’s lawyers and political advisors, including, I am sure, The Big Dog himself who plans to host a five-figure dinner for donors to meet the next vice-president of the United States. 

I have given this some thought and offer for consideration the ideal, well-rounded, candidate.

He is a white, male, Irish descent, raised Catholic, native of Lexington, Massachusetts; lived his early years in the former home of a Revolutionary War patriot. Decently educated: has a Masters in International Relations. Served in the United States Air Force for eight years. Worked through most of the Cold War as a security director for the Navy. Volunteered as a civilian security chief to go to Vietnam in the early seventies. 

He has been an elected state legislator in his adopted state of South Carolina and a senior executive of that state’s Department of Corrections. Also a Vice President (see brings experience) in the S.C. Chamber of Commerce. 

He is tough on national defense and limited government. Complements Hillary’s early support in Chicago for Barry Goldwater who, in the 1960s, summed up the role of government as: “defend the shores, deliver the mail and get the hell off my back.” (My nominee would respect Hillary’s feelings and suppress his joy when the Boston Red Sox beat the Chicago Cubs for the World Series title.)

Over his lifetime, the nominee, in addition to helping to rise five children (kids’ mother deserves most of the credit), has modulated his views and believes government is essential to the well-being of all. Not as a provider of all things to all people, but as a helping hand to those who truly need it. In world affairs, the United States must be a strong leader, looking to build bridges and not walls. 

So what more could be asked for? Who is this miracle worker who touches all bases around the diamond of political life?

It’s me, your humble (?) servant, Francis. Despite my humility, however, I am too busy to stay hone waiting by the phone to ring, so just leave a message. I’ll return the call.

Click for complete blog.

Comment to: arch@archibald99.com