Trump really can’t trust anyone at this point. So if he tries this he needs to keep this to
himself and do this as a complete surprise to everyone – his family, his
campaign people, and even Mike Pence. He
needs to bring this out when there’s virtually no time for anyone to plan a
response.
I’d suggest in the opening minutes of the next debate.
He simply needs to say:
“If I am elected, I pledge to not
serve for more than one term.”
This would be devastating to the Clinton campaign It would
catch them completely off guard. Hillary isn’t good on her feet without a lot
of prep – and sometimes, apparently, even the questions in advance – so she’d
be stuck. It would change the whole dynamics not just of the debate, but of the
race.
What could she say? This is just a stunt from a failing
candidate with no chance of winning anyway?
That would come off as more of her arrogance. She could say her campaign
is all about preventing him from getting even that one term – which then only
adds weight to doubts people have that Hillary actually stands for anything
except grasping for power and money.
Then Trump should double down:
“Furthermore, I challenge Hillary
to make the same pledge. Let’s face it …
we’re both in our 70s and the country needs younger leaders willing, and able,
to move us forward.”
Hillary would be completely dumbstruck. Trump would be playing the age and health card on both of them. I don't know how she could respond. Would she even try to make a case that she's full of fresh new ideas and physically up to the job? Que the TCU on her and that fails.
Meanwhile, the media would go completely nuts – this has never been
done before by any major party candidate for President.
The media have about run the sex
tape thing into the ground and this would give them a new angle. Since both
candidates are deeply unpopular, and the media know the public wants change,
this would add high drama plus another historic first – the first time someone
running for President has willingly closed his or her options for a second
term. That’s got a wow factor.
It would probably bring out the millennials for Trump as
well – they want a fresh face in office; neither of these are, but now one of
them will open the door for someone who probably will be younger and more in
tune with their attitudes.
Trump’s base – as well as proponents of term limits – would get
on board. Independents and others who
want to send a message to the political establishment would probably love this –
they could stick it to the Washington elites and know Trump’s only in a relatively short
time before they get a do-over. And another perhaps more responsible bite at the apple.
Wavering Republicans would have the opportunity to support Trump
and Pence now, with the probability they’ll get Pence – who would gain four
years of executive office experience – when Trump’s four years are up. And they
much prefer Pence.
I know it’s a hail-Mary pass. But I think it would work.
After all, as Trump himself has said: What the Hell do you
have to lose?
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