What are Donald Trump's Real Motives in Running for President?

[tmoneyearlyretiree]

So I feel like he is very rational as he was able to grow a multibillion dollar business empire, and with his unfavorable rating among Republican primary voters there is zero chance he could actually win. For someone who has to crunch numbers all the time to decide what business deals to make, he has to know this reality. He would also not do this just to troll I think because there is a lot of time and energy spent into running for president that a pure troll wouldn't be capable of. My thought is that he is doing this campaign to expand the value of his brand. I'm figuring if he appeals to 10% of the population very strongly, that's a bunch of new marketing opportunities and products he can sell to a wide swath of new customers. Like his Trump ties collection, he could magnify that on steroids and the media is playing right into it giving him plenty of free press. So I'm wondering if you agree or disagree, or perhaps there's another reason I haven't even thought about.

There was a Bloomberg story that came out a while back that estimated his net worth at $2.9 billion and he claims its $10 billion. I suppose it could all be one crazy ego trip but I just don't think people that become that wealthy are that dumb. I think they play dumb to get the media to cover them. Anyhow I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[asiljoy]

Your question reminded me of this one on quora: http://www.quora.com/How-smart-is-Donald-Trump.
 

[forummm]

I think he really likes himself and really likes attention. And he thought it would be good for business. He is just a marketer (and not a good businessman). The businesses he runs have a high propensity for bankruptcy. But he lends his name to projects that he has no operational activity in and makes his money from that. So increasing his brand power means more money in his pocket.

And he thinks he has a chance to win the nomination. And I agree that he does.

[Pigeon]

Narcissism.

[DeltaBond]

He's not one to sit by and watch a trainwreck, that's not how one does so well in business.  He sees the need, and has the ability and interest in doing so, so why not make an effort to fix things.  I see he appreciates people as without them he wouldn't be who he is.  Not many people see that big picture like he does.

[Hamster]

He's not one to sit by and watch a trainwreck...

Some might suggest he is the trainwreck.

[tmoneyearlyretiree]

2 follow up questions:

1) do you think the business impact so far has been net positive or negative? he's had a lot of partners pull back from him. I'd love it if anyone had a summary of this because all I've seen its news stories flowing in about this big company that won't hold events at X and that big company that won't carry Y item with his name on it.

2) do yall really think he believes he has a chance at the nomination ? I can't imagine why he would want that he would have to sell all of his assets or put them in a blind trust. When Harry Paulsen was Treasury sec I think he had 200 mill in Treasury bonds no? I could be wrong on that but I know he had no involvement with his investments. This is the reason that Warren Buffet would never in a million years be Treasury Secretary, no way would he allow his assets to go into a blind trust.

[thek1d]

Hasn't he/his companies filed for bankruptcy like 4 times? I understand there are some savvy reasons for doing so sometimes, but a smart businessman would never need to rely on bankruptcy.

Wasn't his father a well to do commercial real estate guy and Donald basically was raised in that environment and took it over? Sounds like he's had the same silver spoon in his mouth as some other politicians recently.

He also comes off as an out of touch bigot. America can do better. Sadly, I don't think any of the mainstream candidates are much better.

[nobodyspecial]

He also comes off as an out of touch bigot.

Sounds ideal - has he found Jesus ?

[forummm]

2 follow up questions:

1) do you think the business impact so far has been net positive or negative? he's had a lot of partners pull back from him. I'd love it if anyone had a summary of this because all I've seen its news stories flowing in about this big company that won't hold events at X and that big company that won't carry Y item with his name on it.

2) do yall really think he believes he has a chance at the nomination ? I can't imagine why he would want that he would have to sell all of his assets or put them in a blind trust. When Harry Paulsen was Treasury sec I think he had 200 mill in Treasury bonds no? I could be wrong on that but I know he had no involvement with his investments. This is the reason that Warren Buffet would never in a million years be Treasury Secretary, no way would he allow his assets to go into a blind trust.

It's impossible to say how the run will affect his finances. He has had some short term pullback. But he is also getting so much publicity that it might increase his long term earnings power a lot. It will depend on how well things go for him as the campaign progresses. It will be interesting to watch. He runs his mouth and it could easily cost him. He also has a ton of dirty laundry that will start trickling out. He's a messed up dude. Who knows what secrets are out there.

I think he would happily put his assets in a blind trust in order to be president. For one thing, he'd get to be president. He's all about power and fame. For another, a lot of those "blind trusts" aren't really so blind. And he'd be dramatically increasing his earning power upon leaving office.

Hasn't he/his companies filed for bankruptcy like 4 times? I understand there are some savvy reasons for doing so sometimes, but a smart businessman would never need to rely on bankruptcy.

No, you could actually be very smart to abuse the bankruptcy system. He borrowed a lot of money from people, and he got the upside while they got the downside. Some projects worked (he wins). Other projects didn't work (he doesn't lose).

[arebelspy]

Relevant article: www.jamesaltucher.com/2015/07/is-donald-trump-pulling-a-nigerian-419-scam/

[forummm]

Relevant article: www.jamesaltucher.com/2015/07/is-donald-trump-pulling-a-nigerian-419-scam/

By the way, it’s NEVER going to go higher than 12%. But he knows that.

It was up to 25% last I saw.

Kinda funny article. But I disagree with the analysis (not surprising since the guy brags he doesn't pay attention to the news at all). He's definitely trying to stand out. But they all are. I think he's more speaking his mind than saying things he doesn't believe in. He's said this kind of stuff for a long time. His general schtick is to criticize people, usually using simple language. People are "dummies". He's big on insults.

[Kaspian]

What are Donald Trump's Real Motives in Running for President? -->  Narcissistic, megalomaniac, psychopath who has to carry a dying groundhog (which bites and scratches) around on his head all day.  ...That's why he's running.

[jooles]

Free publicity.

If he actually runs, consider this -

He goes on the ticket without a party affiliation
To divert a percentage of the vote away from the GOP candidate
To facilitate a win for the Dems, and eventually
To start a third party system

The choices are many

[arebelspy]

It's my understanding that he wants to be president.

Are you serious?

If it's between The Donald and Hilary, we'll have seen the end of the Clinton era.

Are you serious?

[tmoneyearlyretiree]

What I think is most interesting is his complete lack of willingness to apologize about the McCain comments. After saying something very deplorable about someone who served his country along with the fact that he used his influence to avoid service, he goes after the people demanding he apologize. He refuses to admit fault, which sends the media into a frenzy even more and keeps him relevant. I agree with the Altucher article posted above it more eloquently sums up my thinking. Another question I have is when the first debate happens and some other people get airtime will his numbers drop because regular voters get to hear other names out there? I bet they will.

[arebelspy]

[Kris]

Pretty sure Mr. Tummy Mustache is actually Ted Nugent.

[GuitarStv]

That's uncalled for.  Nugent is a draft dodging, drug use condemning hypocrite, and statutory rapist.  Nobody should be compared to that.

[Kris]

That's uncalled for.  Nugent is a draft dodging, drug use condemning hypocrite, and statutory rapist.  Nobody should be compared to that.

Could be. But could someone please tell me whose picture he's using?

[Constance Noring]

Trump's real motive? To lure Berkeley Breathed out of retirement.

[forummm]

That's uncalled for.  Nugent is a draft dodging, drug use condemning hypocrite, and statutory rapist.  Nobody should be compared to that.

Could be. But could someone please tell me whose picture he's using?

Ah, his posts make more sense now.

[Financial.Velociraptor]

Motivation: Trump is a Democrat Mole.  He is out to rip apart the GOP, split the conservative vote, and ensure a Democratic victory in November 16!

[mrpercentage]

He is taking Arizona by storm. I still can't get past the fact that it looks like he has a dead rat on his head. Very presidential.

We could use a business man but really we need to flood congress with them. Im not sure. It just might come down to Trump vs Hillary.

Close call. There are more women then men and plenty of Clinton fans. Clinton vs. Business Celebrity. We will see.

He isn't very tactful in his choice of words but as my wife says-- he says a bunch of stuff people really think and just don't say.

I don't watch regular or political news, just business news for me, so I don't know whats going on. I do know his name keeps coming up and more positive then negative.
--------------
Oh yeah, to answer the question. Power. Same reason everyone turns themselves into a pretzel to get that office.

[sol]

Motivation: Trump is a Democrat Mole.  He is out to rip apart the GOP, split the conservative vote, and ensure a Democratic victory in November 16!

You're not alone in that assessment.

People said the same thing about Ted Cruz, yet here we are.

I think Trump entered the race for the same reason any fringe candidate does.  He likes the attention, and hopes to influence the narrative by pushing the more mainstream candidates to address his pet issues, like how Obama is secretly an alien Kenyan rapist who made up climate change because of the Muslim Brotherhood.

[Financial.Velociraptor]

...like how Obama is secretly an alien Kenyan rapist who made up climate change because of the Muslim Brotherhood.

You missed the part about the gh3y agenda...

[regulator]

Trump is running because it means his name is continually in the press.  I very much doubt he cares what they say about him so long as they print his name and picture.  As for the presidency, meh...

I have very little interest in him or any other politician.  But I will say one thing for the Donald: unlike every other power hungry shitbag politician, with him you know for sure without any pretense of anything else that he is a power hungry shitbag.

[milesdividendmd]

Ego fulfillment. Don't overthink it. It's been his motivation for everything.

[clifp]

Ego fulfillment. Don't overthink it. It's been his motivation for everything.

+1
I also think the http://www.theonion.com/tag/donald-trumphit it out of the park on why he is doing so well in  the polls. It is great summer time entertainment.

[GuitarStv]

...like how Obama is secretly an alien Kenyan rapist who made up climate change because of the Muslim Brotherhood.

You missed the part about the gh3y agenda...

HEY!  It's important to protect traditional marriage . . . each time you remarry.

[DeltaBond]

What I think is most interesting is his complete lack of willingness to apologize about the McCain comments. After saying something very deplorable about someone who served his country along with the fact that he used his influence to avoid service, he goes after the people demanding he apologize. He refuses to admit fault, which sends the media into a frenzy even more and keeps him relevant. I agree with the Altucher article posted above it more eloquently sums up my thinking. Another question I have is when the first debate happens and some other people get airtime will his numbers drop because regular voters get to hear other names out there? I bet they will.

Just a little FYI for you, as I work for the VA and am close to the person who handled all the POW cases... POW's tend to hate McCain.  I was shocked at first before I heard the reasons.  Look it up, I dare ya.

[forummm]

...like how Obama is secretly an alien Kenyan rapist who made up climate change because of the Muslim Brotherhood.

You missed the part about the gh3y agenda...

HEY!  It's important to protect traditional marriage . . . each time you remarry.

Trump bragged how each of his 3 marriages was a "traditional marriage".

[Cpa Cat]

My theory is that Donald Trump got bored of his normal hobby as an anonymous internet troll and decided to take his trolling public for his own amusement.

[Silverado]

What I think is most interesting is his complete lack of willingness to apologize about the McCain comments. After saying something very deplorable about someone who served his country along with the fact that he used his influence to avoid service, he goes after the people demanding he apologize. He refuses to admit fault, which sends the media into a frenzy even more and keeps him relevant. I agree with the Altucher article posted above it more eloquently sums up my thinking. Another question I have is when the first debate happens and some other people get airtime will his numbers drop because regular voters get to hear other names out there? I bet they will.

I was scared he was going to fully back off from his comments. He made a good point. Being in war in general does not make you a 'war hero'. I knew a guy who shot himself in the foot in Somalia. Purple heart. War hero? No way. My dad was in Vietnam. War hero? Not automatically. Plane shot down, war hero? It's not automatic. As a former Army guy, I personally hold the term 'war hero' to a higher standard, though I readily admit to not being clear what that standard is. It certainly has nothing to do with medals.

 The McCain comments and such is a little different, becuase I have always respected that McCain rarely ever tries to use his wartime experiences as a direct weapon. He is quiet about it, and in general it seems it is other people who bring it up and dwell on it.

[arebelspy]

He isn't very tactful in his choice of words but as my wife says-- he says a bunch of stuff people really think and just don't say.

Really?  I mean that's a common saying for anyone who says offensive stuff "We're all thinking it, I'm just saying it," so maybe your wife was repeating that refrain, but otherwise.. was she serious?

Cause I sure don't know anyone who thinks the racist, misogynist bullshit that he spews is true, but just afraid to say it, and I'd be embarrassed and quickly cut ties with someone who did.

[forummm]

He isn't very tactful in his choice of words but as my wife says-- he says a bunch of stuff people really think and just don't say.

Really?  I mean that's a common saying for anyone who says offensive stuff "We're all thinking it, I'm just saying it," so maybe your wife was repeating that refrain, but otherwise.. was she serious?

Cause I sure don't know anyone who thinks the racist, misogynist bullshit that he spews is true, but just afraid to say it, and I'd be embarrassed and quickly cut ties with someone who did.

Maybe you haven't spent a lot of time with very conservative people. Some are pretty open about their racism and misogyny, and some others use code words. I can't say what percent of people think the exact things Trump has said, but there are significant numbers of conservatives who are definitely in general agreement and would go even further than he has done. He's still polling #1 (by a lot) among the whole Republican field.

But I agree that I try not to be around those people. It's hard when some of them live next door or down the block or are in your family.

[milesdividendmd]

He isn't very tactful in his choice of words but as my wife says-- he says a bunch of stuff people really think and just don't say.

Really?  I mean that's a common saying for anyone who says offensive stuff "We're all thinking it, I'm just saying it," so maybe your wife was repeating that refrain, but otherwise.. was she serious?

Cause I sure don't know anyone who thinks the racist, misogynist bullshit that he spews is true, but just afraid to say it, and I'd be embarrassed and quickly cut ties with someone who did.

Maybe you haven't spent a lot of time with very conservative people. Some are pretty open about their racism and misogyny, and some others use code words. I can't say what percent of people think the exact things Trump has said, but there are significant numbers of conservatives who are definitely in general agreement and would go even further than he has done. He's still polling #1 (by a lot) among the whole Republican field.

But I agree that I try not to be around those people. It's hard when some of them live next door or down the block or are in your family.

This is the central issue. Modern republicans increasingly represent the narrow interests of old white males of 2 main flavors: rich and racist (as in the old southern democrats).

So when they look in the mirror is it any surprise that the Donald stares back at them?

[Bob W]

He isn't very tactful in his choice of words but as my wife says-- he says a bunch of stuff people really think and just don't say.

Really?  I mean that's a common saying for anyone who says offensive stuff "We're all thinking it, I'm just saying it," so maybe your wife was repeating that refrain, but otherwise.. was she serious?

Cause I sure don't know anyone who thinks the racist, misogynist bullshit that he spews is true, but just afraid to say it, and I'd be embarrassed and quickly cut ties with someone who did.

well he was correct about the Mexican rapist criminals crossing the boarder if that is what you mean by racist?     

[milesdividendmd]

He isn't very tactful in his choice of words but as my wife says-- he says a bunch of stuff people really think and just don't say.

Really?  I mean that's a common saying for anyone who says offensive stuff "We're all thinking it, I'm just saying it," so maybe your wife was repeating that refrain, but otherwise.. was she serious?

Cause I sure don't know anyone who thinks the racist, misogynist bullshit that he spews is true, but just afraid to say it, and I'd be embarrassed and quickly cut ties with someone who did.

well he was correct about the Mexican rapist criminals crossing the boarder if that is what you mean by racist?   

If you have any data to support that there are a greater percentage of rapists among illegal immigrants, when compared to US citizens as a whole please share it with the group.

The other point is that the first generation of your family to emigrate to America whether they were Irish, Jewish, Italian, Chinese, etc surely had similar baseless accusations leveled against them, and were quite possibly illegal immigrants.

[sol]

the first generation of your family to emigrate to America whether they were Irish, Jewish, Italian, Chinese...were quite possibly illegal immigrants.

Nonsense.  I'm sure his family came over on the Mayflower, with permission from the Native Americans.

[milesdividendmd]

the first generation of your family to emigrate to America whether they were Irish, Jewish, Italian, Chinese...were quite possibly illegal immigrants.

Nonsense.  I'm sure his family came over on the Mayflower, with permission from the Native Americans.

Good point. the pilgrims were unfairly painted with the broad brush of genocide.

[Bob W]

He isn't very tactful in his choice of words but as my wife says-- he says a bunch of stuff people really think and just don't say.

Really?  I mean that's a common saying for anyone who says offensive stuff "We're all thinking it, I'm just saying it," so maybe your wife was repeating that refrain, but otherwise.. was she serious?

Cause I sure don't know anyone who thinks the racist, misogynist bullshit that he spews is true, but just afraid to say it, and I'd be embarrassed and quickly cut ties with someone who did.

well he was correct about the Mexican rapist criminals crossing the boarder if that is what you mean by racist?   

If you have any data to support that there are a greater percentage of rapists among illegal immigrants, when compared to US citizens as a whole please share it with the group.

The other point is that the first generation of your family to emigrate to America whether they were Irish, Jewish, Italian, Chinese, etc surely had similar baseless accusations leveled against them, and were quite possibly illegal immigrants.

. Here's your link. http://dailycaller.com/2015/07/03/heres-one-rape-culture-the-media-wants-to-be-fake/             by definition 100% of illegals are criminals.   Because someone like trump points out the obvious,  does not make him a racist or misoginist or bigot.   Apparently telling the truth in the Republican primaries makes you the leader. 

[forummm]

the first generation of your family to emigrate to America whether they were Irish, Jewish, Italian, Chinese...were quite possibly illegal immigrants.

Nonsense.  I'm sure his family came over on the Mayflower, with permission from the Native Americans.

And were greeted as liberators.

[forummm]

He isn't very tactful in his choice of words but as my wife says-- he says a bunch of stuff people really think and just don't say.

Really?  I mean that's a common saying for anyone who says offensive stuff "We're all thinking it, I'm just saying it," so maybe your wife was repeating that refrain, but otherwise.. was she serious?

Cause I sure don't know anyone who thinks the racist, misogynist bullshit that he spews is true, but just afraid to say it, and I'd be embarrassed and quickly cut ties with someone who did.

well he was correct about the Mexican rapist criminals crossing the boarder if that is what you mean by racist?   

If you have any data to support that there are a greater percentage of rapists among illegal immigrants, when compared to US citizens as a whole please share it with the group.

The other point is that the first generation of your family to emigrate to America whether they were Irish, Jewish, Italian, Chinese, etc surely had similar baseless accusations leveled against them, and were quite possibly illegal immigrants.

. Here's your link. http://dailycaller.com/2015/07/03/heres-one-rape-culture-the-media-wants-to-be-fake/             by definition 100% of illegals are criminals.   Because someone like trump points out the obvious,  does not make him a racist or misoginist or bigot.   Apparently telling the truth in the Republican primaries makes you the leader. 

The Daily Caller is a scurrilous propaganda rag. Don't waste your time reading that stuff.

It doesn't even make sense. People here without permission to be here are incredibly worried about having any involvement with law enforcement because they would get sent back. So they are going to be much less likely to commit a crime (other than being here without permission, which is a nonviolent infraction born out of economic necessity to take care of their families).

"Foreign-born individuals exhibit remarkably low levels of involvement in crime across their life course." (Bianca Bersani, University of Massachusetts, 2014. Published in Justice Quarterly.)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/07/02/surprise-donald-trump-is-wrong-about-immigrants-and-crime/
http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/anecdotes-evidence-setting-record-straight-immigrants-and-crime-0
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/16/illegal-immigration-murder_n_5154959.html

[Roland of Gilead]

I am voting for Trump if I get the chance.  Seeing the Oval office decorated with gold plated carpet, walls, and gaudy chandeliers would be hi fuckin larious.

[forummm]

I am voting for Trump if I get the chance.  Seeing the Oval office decorated with gold plated carpet, walls, and gaudy chandeliers would be hi fuckin larious.

It would be huge. The designers would do a terrific job.

[nobodyspecial]

An odd fact missing from the graph is that the most legal immigrants - the ones where somebody paid, import duties, taxes and had sales contracts - are even after 20 generations the most likely to be imprisoned.

[sol]

An odd fact missing from the graph is that the most legal immigrants - the ones where somebody paid, import duties, taxes and had sales contracts - are even after 20 generations the most likely to be imprisoned.

It took me like five seconds of staring blankly at this sentence to figure out that you were talking about historical slavery and current racial sentencing biases.  I might need coffee.

[milesdividendmd]

He isn't very tactful in his choice of words but as my wife says-- he says a bunch of stuff people really think and just don't say.

Really?  I mean that's a common saying for anyone who says offensive stuff "We're all thinking it, I'm just saying it," so maybe your wife was repeating that refrain, but otherwise.. was she serious?

Cause I sure don't know anyone who thinks the racist, misogynist bullshit that he spews is true, but just afraid to say it, and I'd be embarrassed and quickly cut ties with someone who did.

well he was correct about the Mexican rapist criminals crossing the boarder if that is what you mean by racist?   

If you have any data to support that there are a greater percentage of rapists among illegal immigrants, when compared to US citizens as a whole please share it with the group.

The other point is that the first generation of your family to emigrate to America whether they were Irish, Jewish, Italian, Chinese, etc surely had similar baseless accusations leveled against them, and were quite possibly illegal immigrants.

. Here's your link. http://dailycaller.com/2015/07/03/heres-one-rape-culture-the-media-wants-to-be-fake/             by definition 100% of illegals are criminals.   Because someone like trump points out the obvious,  does not make him a racist or misoginist or bigot.   Apparently telling the truth in the Republican primaries makes you the leader.

Bob,

You are smarter than this comment.

The challenge remains unanswered. At the risk being Trumpesque I will quote myself:

"If you have any data to support that there are a greater percentage of rapists among illegal immigrants, when compared to US citizens as a whole please share it with the group. "

Your linked article, in addition to being poorly written and argued answers nothing of the sort.

And while undocumented workers have in fact broken the law, that is wholly irrelevant to the question of whether they have a higher propensity towards violent crime or rape.

As pointed out above, undocumented workers have extra economic motivation (compared to legal citizens) to not break  the law once here, since doing so would bring an additional risk of deportation.

[milesdividendmd]

An odd fact missing from the graph is that the most legal immigrants - the ones where somebody paid, import duties, taxes and had sales contracts - are even after 20 generations the most likely to be imprisoned.

It took me like five seconds of staring blankly at this sentence to figure out that you were talking about historical slavery and current racial sentencing biases.  I might need coffee.

I've drank coffee, and read your interpretation, and I still have no idea what that sentence means.

Apparently there are limits to my IQ that coffee simply cannot cover up.