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Hearing that the polls taken before the primaries this week predicted greater support for Donald Trump than the actual primary vote elicited, I am reminded how vital a secret ballot is in this fragile democracy. Clearly, it is one thing to admit publicly that Trump and his doctrine should be anathema to Republicans, but another when it comes to privately marking a ballot in support of that candidate and his program.
This reticence to publicly declare that “the emperor has no clothes” is inexplicable, unless it is fear of losing the herd’s protection when asked to publicly express that fact. That said, it is heartening to see that when push comes to shove, in private at least, some voters mark the ballot in support of the reasonable choice.
Indeed, had the Republican National Committee stepped forward, and pushed harder for Nikki Haley, she would more than likely have still been in the running — she is a woman and a sane one, both aspects which make her very appealing — and she would have garnered even Democrats in November. It was a missed opportunity.
Nancy Nadzo
Eastbrook