Trump lacks strong consensus

Donald Trump claims to understand the “Art of the Deal” like no one else. He knows the landscape, knows the rules. He explains his multiple bankruptcies by claiming he so cleverly used “the rules” to his advantage.

So how is it that he complains endlessly that Sen. Ted Cruz understands the rules better then him and perhaps, more importantly, complains Cruz is running circles around him and outhustling him in the hunt for delegates?

His excuse is the system is rigged. If so, it surely is rigged in his favor. Trump garnered 61 percent of the vote in New York but gathered 95 percent of the delegates. As far as Colorado is concerned, as in our state, people voted in precinct caucuses, and ultimately at a state convention. Anyone truly interested could have voted.

Trump scarcely has 37 percent of primary votes and yet claims the nomination is being stolen from him. The primaries are not a sporting contest, but a process to gain a consensus among Republican voters as to who has the broadest appeal.

Clearly with 63 percent of Republicans opposed to Trump, and many vehemently opposed, Trump is not a strong consensus candidate. The national convention is designed to choose the consensus candidate.

David Barnes

Spokane Valley