Iowa Republicans must reject Trump’s brand of reckless outrage

It's often said there are three tickets out of Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses. This time around, we're urging Iowa Republicans to also issue a pink slip.

The recipient is Donald Trump, who this week proclaimed in the wake of a horrific San Bernardino terrorist attack that Muslims should be denied entry to the United States. The Republican presidential front-runner advocates placing a religious test on admittance to the land of the free. It's an astounding affront to our values, principles and our Constitution.

Fortunately, blowback from all corners, including his rivals for the Republican nomination, has been overwhelming, forceful and swift. A campaign that's thrived on busting through the normal bonds of decency and honesty again and again may finally have gone too far.

But it's also true that outrage and attention gained by spawning so much of it have fueled Trump's rise. His poll numbers seem to climb as he becomes more and more incendiary. Republicans concerned about the future of their party are wondering if Trump can be stopped.

That's where, we believe, Iowa Republicans come in.

Iowa has anchored its lofty status at the starting line in the race for president on the contention that Iowans take the job very seriously. We meet candidates in small venues, ask them direct questions and size up their presidential possibilities. Are they serious candidates, prepared to lead the nation, with specific, realistic plans and strategies for tackling difficult issues? Can we comfortably envision them as commander in chief?

Trump clears none of those bars. Despite that, he's led many Iowa polls.

With less than two months to go, it's time for Iowa Republicans to get serious. Outrage over the country's current course should not trump the duty to nominate a qualified, prepared and responsible candidate for the presidency. A candidate who seizes on a moment of national anguish to stoke the fires of un-American bigotry for political gain fails the test.

A turn away from Trump may be happening. A Monmouth University poll shows Trump slipping to second place in Iowa. A good sign.

Because a sound defeat in Iowa would take the wind out of Trump's sails, and serve as an important repudiation of his reckless campaign. Iowa has gained a deserved reputation for launching presidential hopes. But it's most important job this time may be derailing a campaign driven by fear.

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