Donald Trump is at his most damaging to Republicans not when he lies, but when he tells the truth. When he opens a window to the soul of the Republican Party and shows the darkness within. Such a moment happened last night, and, yet, no one is mentioning it.
About halfway through the debate, Hillary argued:
Clinton: … he mentioned China. And, you know, one of the biggest problems we have with China is the illegal dumping of steel and aluminum into our markets. I have fought against that as a senator. I've stood up against it as secretary of state.
Donald has bought Chinese steel and aluminum. In fact, the Trump Hotel right here in Las Vegas was made with Chinese steel. So he goes around with crocodile tears about how terrible it is, but he has given jobs to Chinese steelworkers, not American steelworkers.
Trumps response was unprecedented and astounding in truthfulness. He stated:
For 30 years, you've been in a position to help, and if you say that I use steel or I use something else, I -- make it impossible for me to do that. I wouldn't mind. The problem is, you talk, but you don't get anything done, Hillary. You don't.
In short, Donald Trump, as the standard bearer for the Republican Party, just admitted that American businesses will not act in the national interest, just their self-interest, unless regulators force them to do so. He admitted that businesses will not act responsibly unless regulated. He just provided the factual foundation for the Democratic argument for strong regulations and enforcement.
This exchange is a dagger to the heart of a key point spouted by Republicans in opposition to regulation. Democrats should be able to get some long-term mileage out of this quote in hearings and ads in the years to come.