Keller @ Large: Does Donald Trump Have A Second Act?
By Jon Keller, WBZ-TV
BOSTON (CBS) - The Republican candidates for president meet for yet another debate Wednesday night in Colorado, and I can tell you right now about one thing I'll be watching for – does Donald Trump have a second act?
No question, he's done well with the first one. A significant plurality of Republicans are so fed up with political correctness and their party's establishment they were ready to embrace an outsider candidate who just doesn't care about etiquette.
But Trump appears to have gone as far as he can go with a Don Rickles-style standup act, vague angry-man rhetoric, and expert media manipulation.
His poll numbers have stalled. Women are bailing on him. Even the ratings-starved cable networks no longer carry all his speeches live.
It's time for Trump to prove he's more than just a clever self-marketer. The presidency requires more, now more than ever.
We're reportedly on the verge of putting troops on the ground to fight ISIS.
How exactly would a President Trump manage that battle, and rally allies behind us, and no, just saying "they'll do what I say because I'll get along with them" is not a satisfactory answer.
Listen to Jon's commentary:
We have a national opioid abuse epidemic to deal with. What's his specific plan?
His opponents mostly haven't caught the public's imagination, but some of them have clear records and detailed ideas, while Trump runs essentially on a cult of personality.
This debate is his chance to show he's more than just a really fun Halloween costume.
A few positive ideas, a demeanor that displays stability and intelligence rather than petulance and bluster, and he's right back in business.
Anything less, and look out, below.
