Addressing the Disabled American Veterans, a presidential candidate, and unlikely supporter, pledged a substantial sum of money, and in turn, failed to write the check. It’s the pledge that counts. Actual sacrifice is not part of his DNA. 

The vets went home impressed, unwittingly duped, but impressed. (Note: In fairness, legal pressure eventually tracked down some of the missing funds.)

Similar smoke and mirrors tactics can be scaled up to satisfy a general election. But don’t expect full disclosure. Unlike some performers, this one is largely who he pretends to be. Obviously, the self-assigned “prize for peace” is more about the prize than peace.

Alec Lyall
Middlebury