Trumpettes...

Perotistas... Paulbots... Buchanonites... Trumpettes... six of one, half a dozen of the other.

Let's review a little history, shall we?

In '92, Ross Perot (a "populist" billionaire) captured 19% of the general election votes, but garnered a grand total of ZERO delegates and never came close to winning an actual state (never getting more than 30% in any state). And we got Clinton with only 43% of the vote. Not that Bush Sr. was anything to write home about, but still... those were our three choices, and none of them were that good.

In '96, Perot captured under 9% of the general election votes, but garnered a grand total of ZERO delegates and never came close to winning an actual state (getting no more than 14% in any state). And we got Clinton again with only 49% of the vote (twice winning without a majority). Again, not that Dole was anything to write home about, but still... those were our three choices, and none of them were that good.

In '00, "populist" Buchanan ran as an R in the primary, had a hissy-fit, and ran as the Reform Party candidate in the main election. Got 0.5% of the vote, and nearly cost GW the election against Gore (if you added up Buchanan's vote total to GW Bush's you'd never be hearing about him losing the popular vote to Gore). Not that W was anything to write home about, but still... those were our choices (along with Nader for the Green Party who pulled five times as many votes as Buchanan), and none of them were good candidates.

In '08, "populist" Ron Paul ran in the GOP Primary. His supporters were extremely vocal, yet only garnered a 5% vote total and only 16 delegates. Believe me, McCain and Obama were not the best of choices. But Ron Paul and his rabid fans accomplished nothing.

In '12, Ron Paul ran again in the GOP Primary. Once again, his supporters were extremely vocal, yet only garnered a 5% vote total and just 154 delegates (only 7%). Believe me again, Romney and Obama were not the best of choices. But Ron Paul yet again accomplished nothing.

And now, here we are in the lead-up to the '16 campaign.

And here's... "populist" billionaire Trump. *sigh*

I've said it before (multiple times) and I'll say it again (and will keep saying it 'til it sinks in). Don’t be so easily fooled, people.

Trump is a self-promoting carnival barker who, up until a few months ago, has supported policies championed by the leftists or denigrated those held by the right (e.g., Obamacare, illegal immigration and amnesty, the Kelo decision and property rights, bank and corporate bailouts, taxes, abortion, gay marriage, gun control, drug legalization, etc., etc., etc.), donated to the likes of Pelosi, Reid, Schumer, Hillary, and the Clinton Foundation, had a meeting with Clinton just before his announced candidacy, has the hissy-fit/bully temperament of a 12-year-old (we already have that in the WH these last 7 years), who lacks tact, decorum, and common decency, and who is the epitome of corporate crony capitalism - someone who can use pennies on the dollar from his multi-billions to buy influence and favor, and who already has the support of the likes of billionaires Icahn and Buffett.

Let's not forget the fact that he's bankrupted four companies, leaving investors and creditors out to dry while he personally remains untouched by the process. He tries to do the same thing with the U.S.? We make enemies worldwide, devalue the dollar, which then leads to hyperinflation and a worse crash of the economy - with the acceleration of the potential of the U.S. dollar no long being the international monetary standard.

Imagine what the bulk of the MSM will do to him in debate Qs and news exposés down the line. He may be expressing certain things on the campaign trail that resonates with segments of the populace (expressing frustrations pent up in the citizenry), but it's all narcissistic rhetoric, and he ain’t the guy you want as standard bearer and running the WH.

Why not? Because his actions, intentions and recently past stances are 180 degrees from what he's currently stating with the microphone up to his mouth.

I repeat, don't be fooled.

The difference between this time around and the previous elections is not that "this time we'll win!". Uh, no. The difference is that this time it's so early in the process, and there is plenty of time for the boomlet to burst. Because is has to. And it will. Because Trump cannot run away from his past positions and affiliations. He cannot hide from his own words and record.

There are several decent candidates on the GOP side right now who are much better choices than Trump or who at least deserve a good look and listen (Cruz and Jindal come to mind; maybe the likes of Carson, Fiorina, Rubio, Perry, Walker), and who have the opportunity to kick the "establishment" candidates (e.g., Jeb Bush, Christie, Kasich, Huckabee, Graham, Pataki) to the curb long before the primary process is over.

In the previous primaries there weren't that many decent candidates to choose from. This go-round, there are.

Keep emotions in check.

Have a discerning mind.

Don't settle for the blaring, shiny tin-horn.

Don't be a Trumpette.