Analysis
We have to admit we were surprised by the results of this poll. We didn’t really know what to expect, but Donald Trump prevailing by such a large margin was a shocker, especially considering Hillary Clinton is leading Trump by as much as 10% in national polls, and the oddsmakers have had her consistently in the lead the whole time. It’s even more surprising, given the number of criticisms of him that we fielded in the comments, particularly as they relate to his casino bankruptcies, but also in general.
“Why would any gambler back Trump? All he knows is how to run a casino into bankruptcy.”
“Trump has gone through bankruptcies so many times that he’d be the right man for the job of finally bankrupting the U.S. government.”
“Trump has gambled and lost with his businesses and casinos so often that I would not trust him to handle the finances that might jeopardize my retirement, which would then cause me to not be able to go to gambling places myself as recreation.”
One wag had an idea of how Trump might stave off a government default.
“I checked ‘other’ but I think Trump would better. Going back to the previous poll, if a casino operator became president, he/she would balance the budget by charging resort fees for staying in our own houses and parking fees to park in our own driveways.”
Then there were a couple of interesting observations about Trump’s personality and possible hidden agenda.
“I remember reading about Trump pacing and sweating and gnashing his teeth and tearing his hair out in the surveillance room while watching some whale take his casino to the cleaners. For a man who can play only by his own rules, someone beating him at those same rules doesn’t say much for his ability to take the heat in a much much MUCH larger game.”
“I finally heard the one plausible reason that the Donald is running for president. Obviously, he doesn’t want TO BE president; if he did, he wouldn’t be sabotaging himself at every slightest opportunity. The biographer of Roger Ailes, the disgraced Fox News kingpin who now consults for him, said that Trump is in the process of launching a cable news network to compete with Fox for the right-wing. So all he’s doing up till election day is building an audience! And jacking up the advertising rates.”
Again surprisingly, we received no positive comments about Trump. Not one. Indeed, the level of antagonism corroborates how he triggers strong responses, such as the following.
“My choice is not listed. I am a lifelong Republican. I will NOT vote for Trump. I dislike and do not trust his ethics, morality, rhetoric, and more. I would never trust him as commander and chief or to keep the peace.”
We did receive one two responses in favor of Hillary Clinton, the first with a reservation, the second damning with faint praise:
“I'm with her! I know she has some wily characteristics, but she also works hard, is well informed, and has the right temperament.”
“I am a true gambler, but I don't want to gamble on an ‘outsider.’ Sometimes the ‘devil that you that you know ...’”
We weren’t surprised by the number of people who indicated that they plan to sit out the election
“I don't support any of the presidential options this time around.”
“I'm writing in none of the above. I know it's a wasted vote, but i can't vote for any of the candidates in good faith.”
“I've voted in every presidential election since 1980 and 90% of all other elections as I felt it was my civic duty. I'm taking a pass on this election.”
Finally, the bulk of our poll comments, as we expected, revolved around write-in candidates.
“Well, I know we have Goofy and Mrs. Pinocchio running for president, but I would rather vote for Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.”
“I voted for Kasich in the primary. I will write him in for the general election.”
“John Kasich seems to be the only one with a good head on his shoulders.”
“Vin Scully. Vin did his last game October 2, so he now has free time and can devote all efforts for the job. Unlike Clinton/Trump, NO ONE hates Vin. Even fans of the Dodgers’ most hated rivals love Vin. I know he is 88, but he still is sharp and as we heard almost every night for 67 years, he is still as eloquent as it gets ... His approval rating would be as close to 100% as any POTUS ever. He gets my vote. As for his Veep, L.A. Kings play-by-play guy Bob Miller. Everything I said about Vin also applies to Bob. They are great friends and would work well together as a team. As for their slogan: Win for Vin!”
“Thomas Sowell. Brilliant, has had the sanest (Charles Krauthammer comes in 2nd) grasp of the political landscape for decades and of barriers to the furtherance of racial harmony then and now. And he has solutions. Unfortunately, he and others of his quality would probably never stoop so low as to seek the office of POTUS.”
“I have not voted FOR a presidential candidate so much as I have voted AGAINST other candidates. If I can write in a candidate, I'll put my name in there. I know that I usually agree with myself on major topics. When I disagree with myself, I seek professional help. Just kidding about that last bit. I just lack any sort of trust in a politician who is seeking the office.”
“Anyone but the above. Steve Wynn sounds good to me!”
“I vote for Alfred E Neuman [the mascot of Mad magazine]. If Canada wasn't so cold or Mexico so screwed up, I'd be gone. This is an American tragedy in the making. It is unbelievable to me how low our country has sunk. We are the laughing of stock of the world. I really hope the citizens of this country will shake off this apathy and start demanding that the elected officials start acting like adults.”
“Alec Baldwin [who impersonates Trump on “Saturday Night Live”]. He is smarter than the real Trump.”
“I vote for the giant clown in front of Circus Circus. At least then, you know what you are getting! In a country of over 300 million people, can't we get some better choice?”
