Myth Debunked: Democrats Never Loved Trump Before 2015
There is a persistent myth circulating that Democrats supported Donald Trump before 2015, specifically worrying that the cartoonist Berke Breathed mocked him in the 1980s. However, this notion is utterly false. Let's delve into the evidence and facts to see why this is a baseless claim.
Early Support and Endorsements
The claim that Democrats loved Trump before 2015 is simply unfounded. Throughout the early stages of his political career, Trump did not see significant support among Democrats. For instance, in a July 1999 poll, he garnered only 7% support when matched against likely Republican nominee George W. Bush and likely Democratic nominee Al Gore.
Furthermore, in 2013, Trump spoke at CPAC and criticized illegal immigration and the policies of Obama. This was a clear sign that he was more aligned with the Republican party than the Democratic party. In the same year, Trump spent over $1 million to research a possible 2016 candidacy, which further reinforced his Republican leanings.
Blurry Lines in the Political Spectrum
It is important to understand that the political landscape is not always straightforward. In some instances, individuals can shift their affiliations or present themselves in a way that might seem appealing to different parties. However, the evidence shows that Trump's support was primarily driven by Republicans, not Democrats, before 2015.
An example to illustrate this point is the New York Republicans' suggestion that Trump should run for governor in 2014 against Andrew Cuomo. While Trump expressed interest, he ultimately decided not to run, stating that the state had issues but he was not interested in the position. A Quinnipiac poll in February 2014 showed Trump losing to Cuomo by 37 points in a hypothetical election, indicating a lack of support from potential Democratic voters.
Social and Political Attitudes
Another critical factor is the social and political attitudes of Democrats. They were never "loving" or "tolerating" Trump. Democrats were highly disgusted by Trump's racist birther conspiracy theories and his overall behavior, which they saw as disreputable. While there might have been some tolerance or acceptance of Trump by some individuals, it was not representative of the majority of the Democratic party.
It's crucial to recognize that not all Republicans are the same, just as not all Democrats are the same. Figures like Dwight D. Eisenhower, a respected Republican, embodied the kind of leadership and integrity that many Democrats aspire to and respect. These are the types of leaders who have historically garnered bipartisan support.
Conclusion
The succinct summary of the evidence is that Democrats never loved Trump. Their support for him was virtually non-existent before 2015, and those who might have had a more lukewarm opinion were the exception, not the rule. It is essential to base our political understanding on facts and not fall into the trap of spreading misinformation.
So, the next time someone brings up the myth that Democrats loved Trump before 2015, kindly remind them with the evidence presented here. Democracy thrives on truth, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that we are informed and accurate in our beliefs.