A lot of pundits have been knocking Donald Trump's conservative credentials in recent days, yet his poll numbers keep climbing. Clearly, The Donald's tough talk has connected with people's frustrations. On his radio show, Buck Sexton joined many of the voices criticizing Trump's record. He got a lot of pushback from listeners, and decided to post a letter he wrote to one Team Buck member who took issue with his comments. It's not the sarcastic or frustrated argument you've probably been seeing from Trump critics, but a well-written and (seemingly) final word on the subject.
Buck wrote:
Got a lot of heat from some of you on my Trump commentary- including an email from a longtime listener and friend who was really fired up about how wrong I am on this--- so I decided to post my email response, which would also be my response to many of the comments I've seen here over the last 24 hours. Give it a read (please read all of it if you plan to scream at me in all caps)- and of course, share your thoughts:
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Dear (TeamBuck member),
Always good to hear from you, even when you are writing in to express your vehement disagreement with me.
Before I address your criticisms: I think you would concur that I spend a vast majority of my radio time on things that matter to us all, and leave the petty intra-party GOP squabbles and poll-chasing to others to sort out.
However, I agree that, in this case, with the rise of Trump, I have deviated from that norm, and with that in mind, as you are a loyal and respected member of the TeamBuck radio tribe, Im writing to give you a full and considered response.
Before I go into my reasoning- let me say that I am already aware that some members of Teambuck (yourself included) strongly disagree with me on this Trump issue. And by no means am I going to needlessly antagonize some of my supporters and friends by continuing to harp on my opinion regarding one GOP candidate out of 15.
That said, it is because I believe so deeply in conservatism and Constitutionalism (as well my adamant refusal to pander, ever) that I felt compelled to speak out about the Trump candidacy. For me, it feels like watching a close friend walk up to the altar with someone you know has cheated on them time and again in the past. The choice is theirs to make, but I would feel it ignoble to stand by and say nothing.
I spoke out on Trump because I love my fellow conservatives and I love this country. Please keep that in mind as you read below:
Donald Trump, by his record, is not a conservative. I do not believe anyone really argues otherwise, as Trump has over the last ten years advocated for socialized medicine, a wealth tax, and amnesty for illegal aliens. He has very publicly praised Hillary Clinton (and given money to her campaign), expressed the deepest respect for Barack Obama's skills as President, and denigrated George W Bush while he was still in office.
Now, I understand that the argument is made that Trump is saying the right things today, that he is saying what needs to be heard today, and that he is giving voice to people who want to be heard- today. I know- in fact I share- deep unease with the current state of politics in this country. And Trump is articulating those frustrations.
But Trump has a long history of saying whatever will garner the most press at any given time, and so my concern is for what he will say (and do) tomorrow.
Character is destiny... and Trump is a character above all else.
I also do not understand why so many who wish for liberty and Constitutional governance are quick to forget about Ted Cruz, who I do not believe has to prove his conservative credentials to anyone, or Scott Walker, who while imperfect on the issues has fought- and won- against the progressive union machine in a Democrat stronghold. To ignore these- and even some other GOP candidates- I believe is a mistake.
With all of that said- and with full knowledge that I have almost certainly not in any way changed your position about Trump as a candidate- let me say that I understand the difference between sharing an opinion among like-minded friends and patriots- and lecturing them. I think my thoughts on Trump are well-known to TeamBuck at this point- and I do not intend to turn this presidential campaign season into one long anti-Trump harangue.
I have told my TeamBuck family how I feel about this possible future spouse of theirs, so to speak...if any one of them wants to sign on the dotted line and say "I do," it is up to them.
We have a busy summer ahead in the Freedom hut: illegal immigration, ISIS, Obamacare, gun control schemes, Russian expansionism- and of course the unknown unknowns of the news cycle. I hope that you will accept my respectful disagreement on the issue of a Trump primary win (I would vote for Trump over Hillary, of course) and join me again, with the rest of TeamBuck, as we continue our mission to grow together in wisdom, knowledge, and friendship.
Shields High,
Buck
Got a lot of heat from some of you on my Trump commentary- including an email from a longtime listener and friend who...
Posted by Buck Sexton on Monday, July 20, 2015