So many political commentators have said, accurately, that Donald Trump has enjoyed the kind of bulletproof success he has precisely because he isn't a career politician. That means the rules of the game don't apply to him.
However, that hasn't stopped the billionaire from conveniently employing all-too-common political tactics -- he hopes, to his success.
During a South Carolina stop on Wednesday, Trump tried to scare up the Hilton Head Island crowd by claiming that second-place Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders wants to raise taxes to 90 percent (presumably the marginal rate) for the wealthiest Americans. Although Sanders has never explicitly mentioned a rate hike that steep, it didn't stop Trump from using it in tandem with one of the island's most enjoyed activities.
“This guy wants to tax you — think of it — this guy wants to raise your taxes to 90 percent,” Trump said. “No, no, think. You’ll have to move out — I love this area by the way, I’ve been here many times. Great golfing area, right? We love it. No more golf — no more golf. You won’t have any golf any more. You won’t have any money left to be golfing.”
Most golfers are Republicans, so it's a talking point that almost surely would play well in front of a country-club crowd. However, no matter where you sit on the political spectrum, this kind of fear-mongering is despicable.
