.@BradThor This can't be true, Brad was the absolute last person that I thought would cave. Trump is too dangerous. pic.twitter.com/1EbYOmm90r
— Daniel the Globalist (@dsjensen12) August 16, 2016
Wow. This afternoon, bestselling author and self-described “#NeverTrump stalwart” penned what was no doubt a difficult piece for HotAir:
.@BradThor, setting down his #NeverTrump cudgels 4 fight against @HillaryClinton Hope @realDonaldTrump calls him: https://t.co/ngoDoZQ7u5
— Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) August 16, 2016
"I believe one hundred percent in standing on principle. Principle, in this case though, will not cure cancer." https://t.co/mW6nhUUOMo
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
In his op-ed, Thor concludes:
Drug #1 [Hillary] will kill us – no question. Drug #2 [Trump] might kill us, but it also might:
A) Slow the cancer, or even
B) Cure the cancer
It’s a lot to hope for, I know, but hope is all we have left. We have exhausted every other avenue. Make no mistake – I believe one hundred percent in standing on principle. Principle, in this case though, will not cure cancer.
Sadly, that crappy clinic south of the border is starting to look like our only option.
Needless to say, Thor’s piece proved extremely provocative. He elaborated on his position on Twitter:
.@BradThor Trump is not a cure. He's a symptom.
— Gina Dalfonzo (@ginadalfonzo) August 16, 2016
It's either Trump or a syringe full of Windex… https://t.co/jitd2tTXgJ
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
.@BradThor Somewhat disappointed. I guess we can now, and forever, be counted on to "come around and get on board." Need to dwell on this.
— Paul Marsh Ex-GOP (@pdmarsh54661709) August 16, 2016
America is in a (figurative) hostage crisis. If we do nothing, Hillary wins and all the hostages (America) dies… https://t.co/7Je7uQvJMt
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@angelaisms very sad. if changing dc is the goal. if limited govt is the goal how is the answer not an Article V convention? @BradThor
— Charles (@repub9989) August 16, 2016
You can't get an Article V between now and Nov 8. Trump may be only form of life support to get USA to next step. https://t.co/rWyRtp8Gpe
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
I by no means think Trump is the answer. He may, tho, be a (regrettable) step that buys us time to getting there. https://t.co/mW6nhUUOMo
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Why rethink #NeverTrump now? It's never been more clear that Trump is unfit than during the past two weeks.
— Carl Forsling (@CarlForsling) August 16, 2016
I agree with you 100%. He's a lousy candidate. I'm willing to use him to get us where we need to be going forward. https://t.co/PX3UQZ9szD
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor I mean you go from Trump being a dictator in the making to "well his justices might not be as bad".
— Sean Wendt (@Writ3Wing3r) August 16, 2016
I still think Trump has the potential to be a dictator. If he becomes one, he'll have to be tossed out. https://t.co/CYOAZmLa2a
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
It's neither. The Church and Christ on principle are the cure, not the election of a lesser evil. https://t.co/1Zvddc5Lyu
— Trey Mays (@TreyMays) August 16, 2016
Have been praying for a miracle. It hasn't come. No hard feelings if you go to Lourdes. I'm going to Mexico clinic: https://t.co/IqAJAI795o
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
If Trump doesn't win, Hillary wins. Crappy times call for crappy decisions. Being a responsible steward isn't easy https://t.co/8oqc5vk0p5
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
Fact: Hillary WILL be an extinction level event 4 liberty
Fact: Trump MIGHT be an extinction level event 4 libertyhttps://t.co/mW6nhUUOMo— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
Let me perfectly clear that I am not pro-Trump. I am pro-liberty & pro-limited gov't, which makes me anti-Hillary.
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
If you say something like this, then you've given up on 2020 as well as 2016 https://t.co/7OslYH5ixw
— (((Political Math))) (@politicalmath) August 16, 2016
Trump buys us time. Hillary, tho, would rip the clock off the wall and burn it in a pile of $$ from Clinton Fndtion https://t.co/6Jx1qOzXAJ
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
I get it but disagree. Even without Trump we're heading here. It's a question of speed. The people are the problem. https://t.co/SD9Z6wGOr5
— Drew McCoy (@_Drew_McCoy_) August 16, 2016
The people are also the answer. Trump, as much as I can't stand him, buys us time. Hillary throws away the key. https://t.co/MQs1AzK7B8
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Even @JudgeNap would prefer @GovGaryJohnson So instead of making a deal with the devil, compromise.
— EX-GOP Christian (@FCMarx68) August 16, 2016
I like Gov. Johnson. There are not enough votes for him, though, to stop Hillary. https://t.co/m9uwI48PoH
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
note to @BradThor: DJT “buys us as much time” as that floating piece of wood bought Jack after he left the Titanic.
— Pivoting Pivoter (@ThatElJefe) August 16, 2016
There were survivors from the Titanic. There won't be any survivors from the USS Progressive… https://t.co/u7VYiuBJzp
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Technically it makes you anti-Trump as well. We need to think long term—the left always does. Trump as GOP figurehead = game over.
— Tommy Joe (@DrollNDry) August 16, 2016
The GOP is already dead – think "Weekend At Bernie's." We will build something new, but it won't happen before Nov 8 https://t.co/TQZHHpeWbs
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@flores8047 @BradThor The question is who will lead us into WW3 sooner? I believe Trump will.
— #NeverTrump Alison (@pondlizard) August 16, 2016
Absolutely one of my biggest fears. The other side of that coin, tho, is what if he doesn't? That must be weighed. https://t.co/Mfg9mFwZgr
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
.@BradThor pic.twitter.com/oQJp7oUuHP
— Brian Nichols (@BNicholsLiberty) August 16, 2016
Brother, I am going to be the biggest pain in Trump's ass if 1) he wins and 2) he tries to renege on any promises… https://t.co/vh1RhI23ro
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor while USS Conservative sinks? no thanks. Again DT = Right wing progressive. @EdMorrissey
— Charles (@repub9989) August 16, 2016
The USS Conservative needs a complete overhaul. Trump buys us time to do that and attract new followers. https://t.co/IhKK9ek4XE
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
I guess @BradThor wants to sell some books on @seanhannity …good luck with that because you won't sell any more to me
— Michael McLendon (@Mikemclendon) August 16, 2016
No matter how hard I fight for liberty, small-minded people always want to chalk it up to books. smh https://t.co/ze5spccIVo
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Hate to disagree but Trump's nationalism/statism is just as harmful to liberty and more harmful to conservatism. Needs to die.
— Neil Hansen (@njh2005) August 16, 2016
I agree. But if the Trump campaign dies in the next 86 days (which looks likely), what/who then wins? https://t.co/rL3157M0Pt
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor It's hard to attract new people with Trump leading the way.
— Drew Birl (@actdrewary) August 16, 2016
Trump is no conservative and I don't want him anywhere near the movement. He buys us time. https://t.co/R8QLXWaXFI
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
Our choices are absolutely terrible. In 4 years we can rebuild from Trump or Hillary. Which one might do the least damage?
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor You can be clear as you wannabe. Doesn't make it the right call.
— Lee Southwell (@LeeSouthwell96) August 16, 2016
Not unreasonable. What's our out re: Hillary packing the Supreme Court? https://t.co/9gNjEpYj52
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor @actdrewary The ideology that wins this election WILL STRUGGLE in 2020 and beyond. Let the dems bite that bullet.
— Joel Smith (@joel_alex_smith) August 16, 2016
Not unreasonable. What's our out re: Hillary packing the Supreme Court? https://t.co/9gNjEpYj52
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Doesn't matter. Result is still gonna be 43-7. At least everybody thought Mcgovern was a good man. Trump that much worse.
— Jon Lustig (@jonlustig) August 16, 2016
Trump's biggest enemy has always been himself. That's what happens in a man w/ such a massive personality disorder. https://t.co/tgwVonlnHg
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
On Nov 9, we're going to wake up to a horrible, horrible president-elect. The question has to be: who is demonstrably worse for liberty?
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Or we could all grow a set and vote for one who is not horrible.
— John For MO House (@JPrice02) August 16, 2016
We could, but sadly not nearly enough Americans will. https://t.co/f3ZO33itp6
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor I think that ship has sailed. Trump is tanking. Are you just trying to avoid being the on the #nevertrump side of the blame?
— Freedom Matters (@Brksaj1) August 16, 2016
Nope. I own my fierce resistance to Trump proudly. I think he's a horrible candidate. https://t.co/PiwsXV69Lq
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Sorry but supporting Trump at this point is just silly. Sell out for no reason. He's going to lose whether you support him or not
— Anne Zurmehly (@GmailAkzurm) August 16, 2016
I'm not supporting him. I'm looking for the safest possible harbor for liberty for the next 4 years. https://t.co/ROJwtpKO89
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@JMNR @BradThor @TreyMays A misogynist supported by the KKK, North Korea, and Putin, no less.
— LucyPevensie Ex-GOP (@LP6801) August 16, 2016
Yup. I have never seen a worse GOP candidate. https://t.co/wzY2SK9rkG
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor @AceofSpadesHQ The next 4 years will bring some nasty stuff. Let the Left own it and focus on 2020, I say.
— Steve Kirby (@Skinny_Steve_A1) August 16, 2016
If there were a way to undo Supreme Court appointments, I'd be with you. Besides #Kanye2020 is going to be crazy! https://t.co/V5j8vZKhsM
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Then you don't 'believe 100% in standing on principle'. You believe less than 100%.
— Marla Hughes (@MarlaMHughes) August 16, 2016
I do believe. I also believe police have to be willing to risk losing some hostages in order to save the rest… https://t.co/kVPWsQPbSl
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor The best thing for #GOP: for Trump to be utterly humiliated & for all of the fools who supported him to lose credibility forever.
— NeoconTraitorCruzbot (@heatpacker) August 16, 2016
Show me how we don't lose the Supreme Court and my kids don't curse me in 50 years and I'm with you. https://t.co/L2DBv7yeVG
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Appreciate the thoughtfulness, the great analogy, & irony of #2's country of origin. Still, won't affix my name/vote to bad seeds.
— Tee Em (@TexanCat) August 16, 2016
And I respect your decision https://t.co/IFCsJqtqT2
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
Hillary, because we can spend the next 4 years rallying around defeating her. Can't do that with your own. https://t.co/uhp0ML2stK
— Kyle Foley (@KFoleyFL) August 16, 2016
Show me how we get rid of Hillary's SCOTUS appointments and I'm all in… https://t.co/alBnByzoyt
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor leaving #neverTrump because of absurd @hughhewitt "cancer cure" analogy's like deciding Trump can win because Dick Morris says so
— John Ziegler (@Zigmanfreud) August 16, 2016
Actually, I don't think Trump can win. He's his own worst enemy and too screwed up to be fixed… https://t.co/Kkb6OKiMWX
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
The goal is to strengthen the Libertarian Party for the future. May be America's only salvation. https://t.co/wvun4xThQf
— Neal Boortz (@Talkmaster) August 16, 2016
I have liked this idea for a long time. My problem, tho, is what America looks like under Hillary's SCOTUS picks… https://t.co/dAdlGU6R9e
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
Keep in mind that there is only 1 SCOTUS vacancy right now. Retiring justices can wait until a Dem Senate. Then who does Trump nominate?
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
I'm looking for the best tactical advantage to advance the fight for liberty. Who's going to give me more trouble? Hillary or Trump?
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Probably Hillary but I wouldn't count out Trump. He seems to love causing trouble!!
— Jennifer Irons (@TeamBobbyEwing) August 16, 2016
Trump loves to win + he's not that bright. A clever GOP Congress could run circles around him. /1 https://t.co/EtRnFB81Ze
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Probably Hillary but I wouldn't count out Trump. He seems to love causing trouble!!
— Jennifer Irons (@TeamBobbyEwing) August 16, 2016
Also, Trump will play even more golf than Obama. He'll farm everything out. Not interested in the job at all. /2 https://t.co/EtRnFB81Ze
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
From that perspective, it's worked. But @BradThor is assuming lesser evils fallacy has worked for conservatism. https://t.co/BQF44cuQfy
— Trey Mays (@TreyMays) August 16, 2016
At this point, Hillary is winning. Take a breath, project forward 4 to 8 years. My principles won't allow for that https://t.co/13e1Th0yU2
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
My principles won't allow me to hand over a Republic dominated by Hillary's Supreme Court appointees to the next generation.
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor He's changed positions on EVERY SINGLE issue just since his campaign started.
— Erik (@SuperLooperAZ) August 16, 2016
Yup. Trump is the worst GOP nominee in the party's history. No question. With Hillary liberty loses. With Trump? https://t.co/tWVW5J1wDT
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
Trump's biggest problem is that he can't stop being Trump. It is a mental disorder. He won't get better. He won't pivot.
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor authoritarianism and liberty are polar opposites
— Category0ne (@Category0ne) August 16, 2016
Agreed 100%. If Trump goes full authoritarian and Congress/citizens can't toss him out. We're toast. https://t.co/bz6SqSet82
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor You people have been saying that since January. SMDH. Jus aren't getting it. He's not here to win…lmao.
— Geswho (@TheGeswho) August 16, 2016
He's doing an awesome job of losing. Imagine if he pulls out and Pence becomes the candidate. #miracle https://t.co/3dE3gMMCZx
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
Gun to your head. You have to bet your life savings. Two squares. One says "not a chance" the other "maybe." Trump = "maybe"
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor @billnsher42197 Won't listen to best people now and won't listen if by some miracle he's elected.
— Richard Saunders (@Minuteman_1756) August 16, 2016
True. Trump will not listen to anyone other than Trump. That's what's wrong with him. https://t.co/hHpDQXGMeN
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
@BradThor what part of Trump looks like liberty to you? And what do you think liberty means?
— Pope Ron Polyp II (@p0rblems) August 16, 2016
Trump has agreed to defend liberty, Hillary has declared herself against it. 0% chance w/ Hillary. 50% w/ Trump. https://t.co/L6fF3FhoLd
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 16, 2016
(Note: Thor still has a lot to say. You can follow the conversation here.
Some of Thor’s followers agree with his position, or at least understand where he’s coming from:
@BradThor Your point above IS the bottom line. Glad you came over.
— Don Daughtry (@ddaughtry2) August 16, 2016
@BradThor I appreciate ur over-arching sentiment & that statement, actually makes sense. Must stop hiLIARy at all costs #BitchShouldBeInJail
— Mark Poirier (@bertram25) August 16, 2016
@BradThor You make a fairly compelling case, Brad.
— Paul O'Brien (@paul_L_obrien) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Thank you Brad for this, I hope more #NeverTrump people come around. I agree that Trump is awful, better than evil and "careless"
— Tennessee Star (@TheTennStar) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Respect your position, have same respect for you. Still not participating. Most times, rock bottom is what it takes. natures cure
— Steve Kelly (@Skelly363) August 16, 2016
@BradThor I disagree w/ this analogy but respect & admire your logical conclusion-2 choices-one will definitely continue our downward spiral
— Karen Walker (@walkerkpt) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Respect the decision but jumping on a train that is derailing only lets the GOP know we will eventually go along to get along.
— Freedom Matters (@Brksaj1) August 16, 2016
@MarlaMHughes @dminor85 @BradThor I get where he is coming from we are running out of time
— #never Hillary (@pixiebell2008) August 16, 2016
I honestly don't hate people like @BradThor who are trying hard to make best of awful situation.
I don't agree w/him, but that's ok.
— Pradheep Shanker MD (@Neoavatara) August 16, 2016
@BradThor – Respect your opinion, but I'm okay with dying on my principles. I'm old anyway.
— Brian Hoyt (@BrianHoyt3) August 16, 2016
Many others are just disappointed, to say the least:
@BradThor I respect your position, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit disappointed by this.
— Casual Observer (@apartment_2f) August 16, 2016
@BradThor if your conscience allows you to vote for Trump then God be with you. My conscience does not, and I will not do it.
— Mutt Sanders Brother (@Reaganomics2016) August 16, 2016
.@BradThor Somewhat disappointed. I guess we can now, and forever, be counted on to "come around and get on board." Need to dwell on this.
— Paul Marsh Ex-GOP (@pdmarsh54661709) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Nah, Trump can't cure anything. But he will damage GOP with minorities, independents, and under 35s for decades.
— Natural Economist (@Natural_Econ) August 16, 2016
That is more than a little disappointing. * Brad Thor is RETHINKING his #NeverTrump position & might vote for Trump! https://t.co/9pAnTgV8bI
— I am Chuck, Dude. 🙂 (@ChuckNellis) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Don't cave. He is HRC2 who hasn't had a chance to politically be her yet. Good character matters & where all wise decisions arise.
— Pam Atkinson (@COgrandmom77) August 16, 2016
.@BradThor I have immense respect for you. Don't cave. Don't give in. Our principles are bigger than temporal convenience. Stay strong.
— Demetrius Minor (@dminor85) August 16, 2016
@BradThor nope. Not going down that road, can't do it.
— Tracy (@rubyfurie) August 16, 2016
@BradThor It should make you anti-both! No matter how many books you've written this defies logic. I will not fall in line. No way. Period.
— Jeremy L (@stlcards778) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Brad I can't handle the cancer. I'm willing to test the other drug. Wish we were on same page. I'm worried about our country
— Debra Garrett (@debragarrett) August 16, 2016
@BradThor What happened to this guy? You will have to live w/ this decision after Trump's loss in Nov. https://t.co/tOlyRdk0qd
— (((AG))) (@AG_Conservative) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Disappointing.
— Stephen Gutowski (@StephenGutowski) August 16, 2016
.@BradThor Trump is not a cure. He's a symptom.
— Gina Dalfonzo (@ginadalfonzo) August 16, 2016
@BradThor i summarized it for you "i believe in principle, but not really"
— I Am Disappoint (@Joseph_Curze) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Disagree. If cons embrace Trump he's ours, and conservatism is then replaced by Trumpism. This isn't about 4 years. It's about 40.
— Time For Choosing (@TimeForChoosing) August 16, 2016
@BradThor If we don't stand on principles, then we fall for anything.
— Susan Kuebler (@KueblerSusan) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Sorry but supporting Trump at this point is just silly. Sell out for no reason. He's going to lose whether you support him or not
— Anne Zurmehly (@GmailAkzurm) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Trump has no chance anyway, so why get on the Titanic now? The only one going down is you. #Unfollow
— (((Purple C.A.T.))) (@ThePurpleCat16) August 16, 2016
"We have to pass the bill to know what's in it" https://t.co/KPdp42wJh0
— Matt Dawson (@SaintRPh) August 16, 2016
"He will be a dictator, but here's my screed urging you to vote for him." https://t.co/n6lNU8zITb
— Drew (@FigDrewton) August 16, 2016
@BradThor So everything you said about Trump being another Chavez waiting in the wings was BS?
— Sean Wendt (@Writ3Wing3r) August 16, 2016
@BradThor I mean you go from Trump being a dictator in the making to "well his justices might not be as bad".
— Sean Wendt (@Writ3Wing3r) August 16, 2016
@BradThor Where the hell do you think we need be going? Toward Venezuela? You clearly understood that's where Trump takes us before.
— (((AG))) (@AG_Conservative) August 16, 2016
He's not going to, though. This would be a better argument if he hadn't basically already lost the election. https://t.co/o7sVoqAAta
— John Podhoretz (@jpodhoretz) August 16, 2016
Are you serious? You're permanently sinking the ship by tying it to Trump. We are going to lose a whole generation. https://t.co/PzmCIL1f09
— (((AG))) (@AG_Conservative) August 16, 2016
What do you think?
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with additional tweets.
***
Related:
Author Brad Thor outs Donald Trump as ‘strongman in waiting’
