Trump burns Iowa GOP

Trump burns Iowa GOP

As of a couple hours after the announcement, the ad is still there, next to the story:



Earlier today the Iowa GOP was informed that Mr. Trump will not attend and keynote the June 10 Lincoln Dinner. Citing Mr. Trump’s unique appeal and the close proximity to the event, the Iowa GOP has decided to cancel the 2011 Lincoln Dinner.

Iowa GOP Chairman Matt Strawn issued the comment below following Mr. Trump’s decision to cancel his appearance at the Lincoln Dinner.

“In Iowa, your word is your bond. We are disappointed that Mr. Trump has chosen not to honor his commitment to Iowa Republicans.”

Dick move by the Donald. I can't see the week's other dropout, Mike Huckabee, doing the same thing.

Yet I can't help but laugh at the RPI's dilemma. If they'd have booked a legit candidate who had to cancel for a legit reason it would be one thing. But the RPI fully embraced Trump's ego-driven charade, right at the peak of his birther-driven hucksterism.

Then Barack Obama tore down the whole Trump facade in just one week: releasing the birth certificate at just the right moment to maximize the egg on Trump's face, with that teaser "I've got more important things to do." Then the smackdown at the White House Correspondent's dinner, where a visibly enraged Trump couldn't even get up and walk out. Then Obama and team, along with some brave SEALS, made it all seem trivial and irrelevant the very next day.

Conservablogger Mike Thayer at Coralville Courier:

Every reasonable person in the party knew very well this might happen and said so. Knowing Trump's history of spotlight and spurn is why so many party faithful questioned the wisdom of naming him the keynote speaker. This isn't a hindsight is 20/20 moment, this was called. A lot of folks cautioned against this both publicly and behind closed doors.

So don't feel sorry for the RPI. They made the wrong call, and they got what they deserved.