Donald Trump is the wrong messenger

To the editor:

The primary purpose of political parties is to offer candidates who can win elections. Political parties that nominate candidates to 'make a statement” abandon their purpose. I believe my party, the Republican party, is on the road to a dismal destination next November. It does not have to be this way.

Good men have run disastrous campaigns in my lifetime: Adlai Stevenson, Barry Goldwater, George McGovern, Walter Mondale. But never before have we seen a bad man run a disastrous campaign - until now. Donald Trump is nothing more than an ego surrounded by tissue, a lout who, despite today's polls, would lose the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by 70 to 30, a margin of 40 points. Folks, 10 points is considered a landslide.

There are a few syllables of truth in every Trump speech. But they are lonely. Issues do matter and I share the frustration many Americans feel with the direction of our country. But Trump is exactly the wrong messenger. This is not the best we can do.

Recent election trends have been good for our party. The American people have trusted Republicans with control of both houses of Congress. Comet Obama has streaked across the heavens and will soon leave the executive branch. Our time has come.

The 'party of government” is fulfilling its purpose: Hillary Clinton will be a formidable candidate. Will we do the same?

Christopher H. Marks

Amana