Election: What's different this year? Trump

The 2016 national elections are again crucial - but different from all past elections, and probably more politically and socially determinative.

Voters are disappointed and angry with the performance of both the president and Congress.

Donald Trump is deftly playing to the disenchanted middle class and against the leaders of both parties - the “establishment.” His tactics should embarrass his loyal supporters (including the media) as much as Trump himself.

Insults, bullying and bad manners were once unacceptable by all children and office seekers - from “dog catcher” to president. The “Trumpsters” have demolished the once-polite paradigm.

Manners should matter in politics and the presidency. A Trump nomination would change the Republican Party and the culture of our nation, maybe forever.

Trump self-identifies with the Democratic Party more than the Republican but chose to run against a multi-Republican field rather than Hillary Clinton. He denigrates Republican principles and issues to attract disaffected Democrats. He promises to change the libel and eminent domain laws to benefit Trump, not the people.

He believes America is weak, not exceptional. He has no record to substantiate any claim. He leaves American citizens in limbo or conned.

This story was originally published March 2, 2016 at 11:05 AM with the headline "Election: What's different this year? Trump."