The New York Post has endorsed GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump ahead of Tuesday’s primary, with the paper’s editorial board saying that despite some “rookie mistakes,” Mr. Trump has “electrified the public” and is “a plain-talking entrepreneur with outer-borough, common-sense sensibilities.”
“Should he win the nomination, we expect Trump to pivot — not just on the issues, but in his manner,” editors wrote. “The post-pivot Trump needs to be more presidential: better informed on policy, more self-disciplined and less thin-skinned.”
“Yet the promise is clearly there in the rookie who is, after all, leading the field as the finals near,” the editorial board wrote.
The piece points to Mr. Trump’s record as a businessman and says he’s right about the system being “rigged.”
“Trump is now an imperfect messenger carrying a vital message. But he reflects the best of ’New York values’ — and offers the best hope for all Americans who rightly feel betrayed by the political class,” editors wrote.
The piece also offers a critique on Mr. Trump’s pronouncements on nuclear proliferation and a U.S.-Mexico border wall.
“No, pulling US troops out of Japan and South Korea — and pushing both countries to go nuclear to defend themselves — is not remotely a good idea. American commitments may need rethinking — but careful rethinking.
“Yes, controlling the border is one of Washington’s fundamental duties — but ’Build the Wall’ is far too simplistic a policy for a nation of immigrants.
“By all means, get the best trade deals for America — but remember that trade means cheaper goods for the less well-off, and challenge US industries to improve.
“Trump’s language, too, has too often been amateurish, divisive — and downright coarse.
“But what else to expect from someone who’s never been a professional politician and reflects common-man passions?” editors wrote. “Indeed, his political incorrectness is one of his great attractions — it proves he’s not one of ’them.’ He’s challenging the victim culture that has turned into a victimizing culture.”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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