Obviously, a lot of what we've seen and heard has been downright embarrassing. . But has anything good come from it? I can think of a few but I'll list a couple and let you guys and gals add to it if you like.

 

1. I think Trump has really gotten more people engaged in politics. His rallies are must see TV. People that never watch political debates tune in to see what Trump is going to unload on his competitors. I even had a number of my Prob&Stats students who knew about the New Hampshire primary and that Trump and Bernie Sanders won their respective NH primaries. In the past, that would have never been the case. If more people are becoming engaged in political matters, then I see that as a positive. You have to admit, things wouldn't be quite as interesting had the Trumpster not been running.

 

2. I think the Trump phenomenon(and the Feel the Bern, too) has sent a huge message to both political parties. This should be a huge wake-up call that people are fed up with the same old way abusing the people's trust and failing to find a way to do the people's business. If the political establishments get the message and America is the beneficiary, then this will have been a positive.

 

Do you agree that the Trump phenomenon(and Bernie) has in some ways maybe been a positive? If so, can you add to the above? Or do you think there is nothing positive to say about the rise of Trump and that Armageddon must be approaching?

The Trumpster and Bernie definitely have revved up the national political scene, no doubt about that. So I would think that's a good thing.

I think Trump has been good in a couple of ways. Without Trump nobody would be talking about the ridiculous illegal immigration situation we have now. Existing laws about the border are being ignored and neither party seems to care. MANY people in the country do care and Trump has everyone in the GOP talking about it now. Cruz would be talking about it without Trump but Trump has made it a major issue. I think it is also refreshing that Trump has sort of blown up the PC world that most politicians cling to.

 

Now he has also done and said things that I find deplorable as well.

If it were not for Trump, nobody would have the guts to call out Hillary on her many issues. Now that he has broken down that door, nothing is off base or out of bounds.

We do agree on some things. I would absolutely say this is the most media coverage and social discussion I have ever heard so early before an election (seems like all I've heard the last 5 months is Trump, Hilary, Bernie, Trump, free everything, a big wall, Trump, Rest of GOP field, anti-Muslim, Bernie, and Trump.

We do agree on some things. I would absolutely say this is the most media coverage and social discussion I have ever heard so early before an election (seems like all I've heard the last 5 months is Trump, Hilary, Bernie, Trump, free everything, a big wall, Trump, Rest of GOP field, anti-Muslim, Bernie, and Trump.

 

No doubt about it. And if it happens to get more people interested and involved in politics, I see that as a positive.

I have watched more debates this election cycle than I ever have in the past. It's been great theater

Trump is simply a creation of weak minded liberals. Americans simply don't want to be France, they want to be strong and realize we are at our weakest point.

Trump is simply a creation of weak minded liberals. Americans simply don't want to be France, they want to be strong and realize we are at our weakest point.

 

:lol:

:lol:

 

Peace, love and rock and roll!

I have been hoping that the apolitical draw of Bernie/Trump might bring third party candidates into the picture for future elections.

 

When the establishment in each party is losing their collective minds, that's a good thing. Unfortunately Bernie will never be nominated. The DNC deck is stacked against him.

 

I really don't know much about Trump's positions. I haven't watched a single debate or town hall or speech. But if the Republican establishment is upset, Trump must not be a true conservative.

If you all think this is entertaining, wait until we have Trump vs Clinton debates...that will be awesome...Clinton has to be scared to death of this scenario...Trump will out her on everything imaginable... to the point I bet Billary refuses to do them!

Trump is simply a creation of weak minded liberals. Americans simply don't want to be France, they want to be strong and realize we are at our weakest point.

Trump is a result of the continuing feud between Republican obstructionists like McConnell and crazy conservatives like Cruz. The former "just says no" to everything while the latter wants to slash and burn safety net programs that benefit Republicans as much as Democrats.

There is good, and there is bad. The good is many of the items pointed out above about more people paying attention to politics, shaking up the status quo political scene and the pure entertainment of it all. The bad is I fear at the end of the day things will be more divisive and partisan than ever. There are very hard lines being drawn that no one will want to step across. That is not the way to get this nation moving forward. If Trump or Bernie or Hilary are elected, we will have the least productive most worthless Washington scene ever. As low esteem as Obama is held by many, Congress is even lower. My fear is it will be even worse after this election.

I have watched more debates this election cycle than I ever have in the past. It's been great theater

 

And I'd say that's true for a lot of folks. I see that as a good thing.