Some See Attacks by Donald Trump as Start of His Downfall
Dave Carney, a Republican political strategist who ran Rick Perry’s presidential race in 2012, speculated that the remarks could be deeply damaging.
“He’s walking on a tightrope,” Mr. Carney said of Mr. Trump. “He loves the applause of the crowd 100 stories down. But when you start to make fun of being born again and redemption and Christian faith in our party, you can talk yourself right off the tightrope.”
.. Ed Goeas a longtime Republican pollster, said the biggest problem for Mr. Trump may be the use of the word “stupid.” Voters may forgive many things, like insulting Mexicans and Mr. McCain, he said, but they do not like being called dumb.
.. “He can say these things and get away with it because the race really isn’t about him, but about voter anger at Washington and President Obama and also at Republicans who can’t get things done,” Mr. McLaughlin said.