The proverbial ink still isn’t dry on Donald Trump’s assurances that in Presidential debates, he won’t attack opponents, and he’s unleashed a new verbal lashing of the other GOP candidates. Granted, it was on his social media, rather than in a formal debate, but coming short hours after his declaration that he could focus on the issues and not the other candidates, it’s a bit of an eyebrow-raiser.
Politicians’ social media is sometimes handled by staffers who carefully vet every statement. Donald Trump’s social media appears to be a direct stream-of-consciousness, where he publishes opinions and thoughts freely, regardless of how one idea fits with the last one. Earlier today, the Inquisitr reported that Trump has assured the public he would not attack other candidates or try to “steal the show” during debates.
By mid-day Sunday, though, Trump was not displaying that particular attitude on his social media. He tweeted a scathing “wish” to some of his fellow GOP hopefuls.
I wish good luck to all of the Republican candidates that traveled to California to beg for money etc. from the Koch Brothers. Puppets?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 2, 2015
Trump further shared on his Facebook page a link to a recent interview — an interview about why the other Republican candidates are “scared” of Donald Trump.
Granted, Trump never said he wouldn’t attack other candidates outside of formal debate, and the interview in question was filmed previously and aired yesterday, but these rather low blows may say something about the presidential hopeful’s level of dedication to sticking to the issues and avoiding personal attacks.
It’s not the first time Donald Trump has lashed out in petty attacks — his campaign began with a destruction of several business relationships, and Trump responded by lashing out on his social media, attacking the President of Univision and asking him to deliver a message to the Mexican government, accusing Macy’s of supporting illegal immigration, and otherwise engaging in jabs and character assassinations that had little to do with any real political solutions or actions.
Donald Trump’s assertion that John McCain as a veteran is “not a war hero” because he was a POW caused a level of backlash that may be part of why Trump felt the need to assure the public he wouldn’t engage in such tactics during debates.
“He’s not a war hero. He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people that weren’t captured. I hate to tell you.” – Donald Trump, re: John McCain
On Thursday, the nation will learn whether Donald Trump can get through a debate without personal attacks.
[Photo by: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images]
