Donald Trump: America's "Man of the Hour." A man known for his immature nature and fat wallet, Mr. Trump has stolen the hearts of Republican voters everywhere with his proud, "politically incorrect" statements. He comes forth with a promise to make America great again, but I can't imagine him doing anything of the like. Yes, you heard me right: I, a proud conservative American, do NOT stand with Donald Trump. And no, I never will.
I wasn’t initially against the idea of Trump’s bid for president. Actually, I found it interesting. I mean, he's solid economically, so surely he could help take care of the national budget. He knows his stuff, right? However, as his campaign has dragged on, these positive and hopeful thoughts have quickly taken a turn to the south.
I began to think about the past controversies of Donald Trump’s record, especially those linked to his mouth. If you look back at his Twitter history, it’s a rather colorful spectrum of insults:
I wondered, "Is this the maturity level of the man I’d want running our country?"
Still, I pushed on, not quite set against Mr. Trump, but at the same time, hoping another candidate would begin to take the lead in the polls.
This still-open mind of mine completely changed while watching the GOP debates.
It all began when Mr. Trump chose not to pledge his allegiance to the party by refusing to give up the idea of running a third-party campaign, even while knowing that doing so would most definitely thwart any chance at a Republican victory. This action alone was telling enough of his character. Rather than genuinely wanting the best chance at success for the party, Trump selfishly and openly yearned for his time in the spotlight to continue.
This sense of distrust towards the candidate only heightened with his response to Megyn Kelly’s first question for him:
KELLY: You’ve called women you don’t like fat pigs, dogs, slobs, and disgusting animals.
TRUMP: Only Rosie O’Donnell.
KELLY: No, it wasn’t.
TRUMP: (In response to applause). Thank you.
KELLY: For the record, it was well beyond Rosie O’Donnell.
TRUMP: Yes, I’m sure it was.
KELLY: Your Twitter account has several disparaging comments about women’s looks. You once told a contestant on Celebrity Apprentice it would be a pretty picture to see her on her knees. Does that sound to you like the temperament of a man we should elect as president, and how will you answer the charge from Hillary Clinton, who was likely to be the Democratic nominee, that you are part of the war on women?
TRUMP: I think the big problem this country has is being politically correct. I’ve been challenged by so many people, and I don’t frankly have time for total political correctness. And to be honest with you, this country doesn’t have time either … And frankly, what I say, and oftentimes it’s fun, it’s kidding. We have a good time. What I say is what I say. And honestly Megyn, if you don’t like it, I’m sorry. I’ve been very nice to you, although I could probably maybe not be, based on the way you have treated me.
Kelly clearly points out Trump’s past blunders when dealing with women and, rather than apologizing, Trump embraces these remarks (not to mention, the applause) and puts on a sarcastic, nonchalant act, claiming he “doesn’t have time” for political correctness.
Excuse me for saying so, but these remarks of his go far beyond simply being “politically incorrect.” The conservative crusade against political correctness was born not out of a heart of hatred or anger, but one yearning for truth. It’s a desire to speak openly and freely about issues at hand, not just an excuse to sling insults at will. Donald Trump has taken the heart of the Republican Party and twisted it into something that I’m far from comfortable with. I feel insulted and disgusted by his remarks towards women. I worry that he will impede on any chances that women may have at true equality in the workplace or any other front, for that matter. There’s never a reason to violate a women by negating her worth to being someone that would just look pretty “on her knees.” In a nation that already has enough of a history of disrespecting women and claiming them to be of less value than their male counterparts (both being issues that we still deal with today), how could we even consider electing this man? We must move forward, rather than electing a leader who perpetuates these outdated and disgusting views towards women.
As a female, as an informed voter, and as an American, I simply cannot support Donald Trump in his bid for the Republican nomination. What it’s going to take to turn our nation around is not simply a media sensation, but a leader of true integrity and character. Enough with putting the spotlight on Donald Trump’s childish antics. Let’s find a candidate who can stand both humble and strong to lead our people to greatness once again.
“When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.” 2 Samuel 23:3-4
