Stories about politics are always contentious, and it’s not unusual for them to get hundreds of comments on bangordailynews.com.
Our coverage of Donald Trump’s rally in Portland was no exception, and as the comments continue to pile up, we thought we’d save you the trouble of digging through the rudeness and retorts to find the most interesting comments from both sides.
Here are 20 of the best, divided into pro-Trump and anti-Trump comments.
Pro-Trump
MovingForwardMaine: Donald Trump is the best chance our country has to get a new POTUS who actually cares about our country and wants to fix the many problems caused by the Progressive agenda. Donald is far from perfect, but he can help improve our largest problem – a bad economy and MASSIVE national debt.
People who vote to support any of the progressive candidates, which includes people on both sides of the political aisle, are voting to raise taxes on the middle class and put an even larger debt on the shoulders of our future generations.If you take an honest look, I trust you’ll see that the goal of the current Progressive agenda can be described in four simple words: Bigger, Expensive & Controlling Government.Is that what you really want for our USA? If not, please help defeat the Progressive agenda and we will make America great again.
Snowluvr: I was there. I was waiting in line for three hours. I got to about 20 feet from the end when they announced the place was full.
The protests were peaceful, with the exception of two incidents where I witnessed protesters screaming at people. I talked to supporters from Mass, NH, Maine, Calif, Texas, and New Mexico. What I have learned is that Trump supporters want America to be held to a higher standard. They want the USA to be strong, strong borders, strong economy and strong laws that are enforced. I also noticed no hate speech. Everyone was loving, and there were even a few minorities that loved TRUMP. Like I said I was there in line for three hours, then had lunch in the hotel watching the rally on TV, and noticed no hate speech from any Trump supporter. NONE!
allrs14: Yes LePage has cleaned up welfare. And the Donald is going to fire the current resident in the White House.
Harold T. Cline: America has the best only this time around never in the history of American politics has one person spent their own money, not even Ross Perot.
Only the Donald is a ‘self-made man.’ The rest are pretenders and crooks.
BeInformed: I was watching CBS news online coverage on Tuesday and saw the speech Trump gave after most of the results had come in.
He addressed the 400 to 500 million dollar trade gap with China and said (paraphraising).None of current politicians have ever been businessmen or operated a company. They have no clue how to operate businesses or deal with competitors. The Chinese do have those types of people in government and they are way too smart for our politicians. They are killing us.That type of statement doesn’t endear you to anyone and yet its so true. He is saying what Americans already know to be true. No more BS politicians!
hilltopper: I see the perfect storm brewing. H. Clinton gets the democratic nomination, gets indicted, and Trump sails into the president’s seat.
Bowdoin: Every time the Republican establishment bashes this guy he goes up in the polls. Go Trump.
kfogelman: Operating within the parameters of modern political theater, Mr. Trump, Governor LePage, and their political supporters continue to accurately speak for and represent the multitude of voters who find the solitude of the voting booth their only salvation.
Tired of being called sexist and abusive for opposing same-sex marriage, racist for opposing illegal immigration, elitist for opposing the expanding welfare State, and stupid for believing the American dream, this largely uncounted electorate has learned to forgo political polls, succinctly withhold their political viewpoints, and simply remain silent until their voices manifest within electoral tallies.We have observed this dynamic in Maine, with the “unexpected” victory by the current governor, and are viewing similar dynamics within the fold of Mr. Trump’s crusade. While many of his statements simply and accurately expand upon statistical projections, the political niceties insisted upon by left wing pundits and mainstream journalists preclude honest discussion, and brand any of those opposing views in the most vile and abusive manner. Mr. Trump continues to be the singular candidate willing to speak his mind, and not sully the ongoing campaign with tired out platitudes.Whether or not the Governor’s or Mr. Trump’s forays continue toward fruition, or whether his march toward electoral proclivity stalls and peters out, the views held by this candidate and supported by those of silent support will be reflected in some way and by some viable candidate in the days ahead,which are rapidly approaching some culturally determined reorganization of those who continue to refer to themselves as American.Ken Fogelman
Dr.SteveyDee: The Establishment is nervous when they bring Romney in to TRY to cool down Trump’s momentum. It’s fun to watch…
Finally, Ken Fogelman wrote a poem:
kfogelman: With the rising of the nation, with a voice that’s ringing clear
rides a horseless driven carriage spreading hope among despair
How the crooked pointing misfits from the years of constant pain
thought the way to keep their power was to do it all again
But by rising through the fog light and without a hint of fear
comes a candidate of vision, making absolutes ring clear
Let the party of the donkey, let the trunk from others roar
when the voters of the country rack the ever rising score
Yes, the message can deliver and the policies can change
if you think it all for nothing, watch the future re-arrange
-Ken Fogelman
Anti-Trump
elless8: I don’t think I’ve ever been so depressed about American politics as I am these days, seeing Trump’s rise, and that’s saying a lot after eight years of GWB. Trump lacks all the qualities necessary to be a good leader: tact, wisdom, genuine intelligence, discretion, timing, instinct, humility and compassion for his fellow man. I understand how we got here and that people want somebody who speaks their mind, but honestly, not everybody has anything to say that’s worth listening to, and Trump is one of those people who has nothing good to say. He stands nowhere on anything. He lies without blinking. He bullies like a middle-schooler and encourages people to act on their worst, least civilized instincts. He is a name-caller. He is a braggart. How does all this translate into a man who has the character required to make the country a better place? It’s insanity. Don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater, people.
Robert Jones: Because people want to believe that life and government are simple, easy, uncomplicated and can be changed instantly. They are not. Both are complicated, difficult to understand require a lot of hard work, take years to change and the results are often ambiguous.
People flock to the Trumps and televangelists of the world because they promise to fix all their problems and anxieties, that everything will be OK if they just elect or believe.
8Pi mijalted: Trump could have turned the “No hate in Maine” banner display to his advantage, but he assumed this was a statement against him, and ordered the person removed. It looks like a set-up intended to show Trump’s ‘strength.’
Bill Stuart: The Republican party is toast if they nominate Trump but the plain truth is . . . he’s probably their best candidate.
The Speaker Of The House came out strongly opposing his nomination (Paul Ryan). Scary, hey?
Cawren: Why don’t we hand this reality game show host the United Stated Of America because, with incredible tax breaks and mutable bankruptcies he made billions of dollars off his deceased fathers massive empire.
Eibhlihin: There were more anti-Trump folks at the rally than supporters. Romney struck a nerve and all Trump could do was talk about Mitt.
Hemlock: He said he wanted to touch on Mitt briefly because it’s totally irrelevant then spent the majority of his time rambling on about him.
KTinME: I really fail to understand why anyone thinks someone with a history of bankruptcies, failed businesses, absolutely no political, foreign, or military experience, and who has such a strong and vocal dislike/disdain for most Americans (America was founded and built by immigrants) would make a good president. Is this really what money means to people? Ruthless disregard for honesty, integrity, and world humanity? And just how is that worthy?
medicman101: We Republicans need to start a dump Trump campaign before it is too late. If he gets the nod it will be a sure win for Clinton.
humtum: A government is not a business and trying to run it like one will destroy this country. Those who are trying to convince you that running this country like a business is a worthy goal are running a con. It is sad to see so many people duped. As a child in history class I used to wonder how some of the worst leaders in history persuaded the people they were honorable leaders, and now I see it happening in my country in my lifetime.