Is Trump even playing to win anymore (if ever)?

[democrattotheend]

I read that his original goal was to come in a strong second in the primaries and strengthen his brand. But now I think his ego has gotten to him and I thought he was playing to win, until I saw his campaign schedule for this week. Any Republican who wastes time campaigning in New York is not playing to win, especially when he can barely hold onto Georgia and Utah.

I could see the merits of campaigning in a Democratic-leaning but not rock solid state like New Jersey or Minnesota to potentially force Hillary to defend traditionally blue states, but New York? Obama got 63% of the vote here in 2012, and Hillary represented the state for 8 years in the Senate. Trump is nuts for believing he has a chance here.

His ridiculous campaign schedule, combined with how much he seems to be self destructing, makes me wonder if he is even playing to win, or if he has decided he'd rather make more money running his businesses?

[emulatorloo]

1. Tiring of this meme. He's in it to win, or he would have dropped out long ago

[NurseJackie]

2. I think he wants to win the contest, not BE the president. He just doesn't know how to win.

[emulatorloo]

6. Far enough. We both recognize that he wants to >>win<<

and it is not some kind of headfake

[democrattotheend]

4. Even if he's in it to win it, his ego is getting in the way of making rational strategic decisions

No sane Republican strategist would tell him to waste time competing in a state that Obama won with 63% of the vote and that has one of the most expensive media markets in the country. His pride in wanting to win his home state is getting the best of him here.

[emulatorloo]

7. He lives in a bubble, only listens to his children who share the bubble

Agree about his pride driving him to campaign in NY. It is crazy and stupid to think he'll win NY. But that's Donald.

[get the red out]

3. He's just not a political minded person

And apparently won't hire any for his campaign either.

[hamsterjill]

5. Even Trump doesn't know.

He has no idea what in the hell he wants to do from one minute to the next. He just wants attention.

[rurallib]

8. He should have dropped out before he started damaging his brand

I am no business person, but I would be real hesitant to do business with this guy now or be associated with him.
Associating with him loses you half your customers off the top now, I would think.