John Block Reports from Washington

Hello everybody out there in farm country. This radio commentary is brought to you by Monsanto, and John Deere. They are all friends, supporters, and allies of a healthy farm economy and prosperous rural America. Thank you.

And now for today’s commentary—

I have resisted the temptation to talk about the Presidential Campaign. But it has become so wild and entertaining, I can’t help myself. Donald Trump has everyone’s attention. He is leading 16 other Republicans in the polls – not as much now, but still leading. He is not afraid to say anything. He tells us he is rich (and he is). He can fix everything – balance the budget. “I’m not beholden to any big company. I’m using my own money.” He went after Fox News. I don’t like to listen to someone bragging all of the time.

I do respect the fact that he is not afraid to say what he thinks. Too often, candidates dance around the issues afraid that if they take sides, they will anger a group of voters. How would Trump fix the country’s problems? He hasn’t told us.

On the Democratic side, suddenly, 73-year-old Socialist Bernie Sanders has shot up in the polls. He is ahead of Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire. He is also very outspoken. The public seems to love the protest candidates. Extremely liberal (after all, he is a Socialist) running as a Democrat. I don’t think he can win the nomination, but he sure is shaking things up.

Hillary has a new problem since she turned over her private E-mail server to the FBI. We shall see.

There is even talk that Vice President Joe Biden could get in the race. Doubtful, unless Hillary fades.

Back to the Republicans – Jeb Bush might be considered the leader today. At least he is holding his own. But if you look at the trend lines, there are three or four others that are moving up. I thought that Governor of Ohio John Kasich did the best in the debate. He has done a super job as Governor of blue state Ohio. Let’s not overlook neurosurgeon Ben Carson. Governor Scott Walker has distinguished himself as a tough, strong Governor in Wisconsin. We can’t overlook Senator Ted Cruz. Watch him. He is a great debater. To me, he is a little too extreme -- too much of a “war hawk.” Carly Fiorina came out of nowhere and is now in the headlines. She says she wants to “shrink bloated government.” She isn’t the only one. I like her.

In the debate, Donald Trump refused to commit to support the Republican winning nominee. All the rest signaled that they would. The Republican Party should not allow any individual to participate in future debates unless they agree to support their Party’s nominee. Democrats should do the same.

I have no idea who will get the Republican nomination, but I don’t think it will be Donald Trump.

If you would like to review my radio shows going back more than 20 years, just go on- line to www.johnblockreports.com. Have a great weekend.

Until next week, I am John Block from Washington, D.C.