The story you are about to read is a work of political fiction (or conspiracy theory) that is based on speculation, circumstantial evidence, facts, and a little imagination. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The names have not been changed.

Facts:

In 1988, Oprah Winfrey asked Donald Trump in an interview his thoughts on foreign policy and in response he spoke about business trade. She then commented that his words sounded like "presidential talk" and asked if he would ever run, to which he said, "Probably not...I'm not inclined to do it...but I never want to rule it out."

Two years later he told Playboy magazine, "Well, if I ever ran for office, I'd do better as a democrat than a republican."

Indeed, over the course of the last 25 years his political views varied greatly and his financial contributions tilted far left for 20 of those years and far right for the last 5. He even experimented with a few runs at office and was member of an independent party. Some of his largest contributions to the democrat party were during the Clinton presidency, the George W. Bush presidency, and the first year of Obama's presidency. He would later endorse Mitt Romney in his run against Obama.

The Story:

In 2005, Donald Trump invited then senator Hilary Clinton to his wedding shortly after giving her and Bill's foundation a sizable donation. Maybe they had a conversation that went something like this:

"Donald, we are so honored to be at your wedding. Thank you for having us, the ceremony was beautiful!" Hilary exclaimed.

Donald smiled, "It's my pleasure, Hilary. Hey, it looks like you're doing great things as a Senator in my home state. You know, you have about as much experience as Bill, you ought to run for president one of these days!"

"You really think I could be president?"

"I really do. I'd support that campaign!"

More Facts:

In 2007 Hilary Clinton made her first run for a presidential nomination but lost to the charismatic Barrack Obama. While she managed to find a place in his administration, Donald Trump's financial contributions began to tilt to the right. Later, Hilary would be blamed for the tragedy at Benghazi and would leave her post as Secretary of State. Even though she quit her job as Madam Secretary and was the subject of a Federal investigation, she went on to make a another run at the nation's highest office.

So in 2015, Bill Clinton gave Donald Trump a call.

The Story Continues:

"You've always been a major donor to our causes, Donald, and we've never forgotten..."

"So what is it you want, Bill?"

"Well do you remember that conversation we had at your wedding a few years ago, about how you said that Hilary would make a great president? Imagine if she was the first female president and put me in charge of the economy. I know a business man like yourself would like to see that happen!"

"Alright come on! You asking me for more money, Bill?"

"Actually, I was thinking, you have a unique skill set. You are a real business man, a reality TV star, you're great with the press, you're a natural entertainer, and you've been asked a number of times about political ambitions. If there is anyone who could help elect someone with a questionable record, it's you."

"Honestly, it sounds like a DISASTER. Believe me, believe me. But I don't know, maybe we can work something out."

Back to the facts:

And so in the summer of 2015 the Republican primaries kicked off and people all over the country scratched their heads. "Donald Trump is running as a Republican? That seems strange." All of America watched in awe, confusion, frustration, and wonder. Soon his messages began to resonate. With terrorism on the rise, his bold stance on immigration struck a chord. While the sitting president lectured the American people on tolerance for protestors, he boasted of his love for law enforcement. He stirred their emotions with lines like "We're going to make America Great Again" and "We don't win anymore; we're going to win again!" When the FBI director proved that Hilary violated the espionage act but didn't recommend charges, Donald Trump told America "I am the Law and Order candidate!" He won the Republican nomination.

Many news commentators praised Trump for succeeding in his unorthodox ways. Some questioned his platform and motives, and when they did a slew of voters turned on them. People would write on social media, "I used to listen to your program, but now I'm done. You're a traitor and you want Hilary to win!"

Then something really strange happened. Trump started losing in the polls and didn't seem to care. One talk radio host began to ask, "Is Trump part of the #nevertrump movement?" Trump began to criticize his past GOP competitors more than his opponent, Hilary. He mocked a Gold Star Family. He said that he would wait to endorse his fellow republicans. He invited the Russians to hack our emails. Some of his most devout political allies began to publicly rebuke him.

Many of his devout supporters continue to defend him saying that he may be a flawed candidate, but he has his strengths and he can get our country back on track. They say "No vote, write ins, or third party voting is a vote for Hilary." They continue to count on him to stop another Clinton from getting into the White House.

Some of us intend to heed that advice and avoid a repeat of 1992 when Ross Perot spoiled the election and helped Bill Clinton seal the nomination. But some of us just can't help but wonder, have we been had? Did Trump really run as a Republican to clear a path for Hilary? Or is he sincerely a man who wants the highest office in the land?

Let's revisit the Oprah Winfrey interview of 1988. When asked if he would ever run for President and he responded, "Probably not...but I would never totally rule it out because I do get tired of seeing the country get ripped off... I tell ya what, I wouldn't go in to lose..."

Closing thoughts:

When I see the photos of Donald Trump with the Clintons, remember some of his political history, consider his flip-flopping policies, and watch him ramble through press conferences and rallies with little substance I really question if this is a real campaign or the art of a deal. Then I see so many intelligent individuals whom I respect give him credit because he has made some appeals that make sense.

I believe that Donald Trump can win this election in a landslide if he wants to. No I am not a #nevertrump advocate (except during the primaries), but my speculations and challenges with his candidacy represent the private thoughts of many fellow Americans--not all of whom will be quick to conclude that it is better to support him than "crooked Hilary". He should have an easy time defeating a candidate with as many negatives as Hilary Clinton. It will be up to him to prove in the coming weeks that he actually does want to win; if not, we will be left to wonder if this whole thing was one big sham.