Many GOP strategists are still marveling at the Trump effect, while some others come to terms with it. Naturally, it's the DC-based class that's last to catch on
reports Politico:
"There is a fairly delusional bubble from Washington, D.C., powered by the wishful thinking among the party establishment that this will all magically dissipate,” said Steve Schmidt, a GOP strategist who guided John McCain’s 2008 campaign. “This is a movement. The leader is a master showman and master communicator who is in complete and absolute command of every facet of the political battlefield.” [...]
"It was going to be Jeb and someone else; now a lot of people think it'll be Trump and someone else, maybe two others," a strategist for one Republican campaign said.
But it isn't just the Republican candidates who are taking it on the chin. Reincy wiency had to
kiss The Donald's ring and beg him to take a Republican-only pledge lest he doom the party's 2016 chances in the general. Even the donor class seems entirely dismayed to find out that money can't buy them everything.
“You always have one set of donors who wait it out,” said Charlie Black, a long-time GOP lobbyist who has advised a number of presidential campaigns. “They are even less able to pick at this point in this cycle because Trump’s cast a big cloud over the field.”
While neither Charles nor David Koch has been considered likely to get behind a single primary candidate, those familiar with the billionaire industrialists’ plans say they’re more determined than before to keep their powder dry. The Kochs recognize the unpredictability Trump creates, and neither sees much upside in putting their considerable resources behind a primary contender.
Then there is Sheldon Adelson, the Las Vegas casino mogul who four years ago pumped millions into Newt Gingrich’s bid. Adelson, who is said to favor Marco Rubio, had been expected to pick his candidate sometime after the second debate. Now, however, those close to Adelson expect him to wait until the end of the year to make his selection.
Trump, a billionaire, has neutralized the GOP's billionaire class.
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