Sean Hannity responded this weekend to criticism he supports Donald Trump by publishing a 3,292-word essay listing all the reasons why he thinks the former reality TV star makes an excellent presidential candidate.
Trump “has a track record of getting the job done,” Hannity wrote. He’ll “secure the border” and he’s a “straight-talking, non-politically correct politician!” But Hannity indicated that despite his clear support for Trump, he’s not sure how he’ll vote in the primaries.
“Let me first point out that I am personally UNDECIDED as to whom I [sic] will support in the GOP primaries,” Hannity said in a blog post Sunday.
Hannity’s defense came on the heels of conservative radio host Glenn Beck asking last week why so many Republican entertainers, including Hannity, Laura Ingraham and Ann Coulter, appear to be pro-Trump.
“I get it if you are tired of politicians, a Republican progressive or you are only about winning,” Beck wrote in a message posted to Facebook. “Perhaps you are angry and you just want to make someone pay or just want something done and you don’t care how it gets done, but what PRINCIPLES does he have that they are attracted to?”
Beck once referred to Trump as the “biggest, flaming body part that’s located in the back of an individual just below the waistline that you could possibly imagine.”
Hannity’s blog response noted that several of the 2016 Republican presidential candidates, including Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Rand Paul of Kentucky, have impressive backgrounds and offer a lot for primary voters to consider. But so does Trump, Hannity added.
“The first debate attracted 24 million Americans, by far a cable television record. There is zero doubt in my mind that he was a big part of that record-breaking debate,” he wrote, suggesting that cable ratings translate into voter enthusiasm. “By comparison, the first Republican debate of the 2012 cycle hosted by Fox News in May 2011 drew just 3.2 million viewers, according to Nielsen. Its highest-rated Republican debate (in 2012) drew 6.7 million viewers.”
“Kudos to Donald Trump for creating an audience that not only benefitted him, but every other candidate and the entire country,” he added as he touted his network’s ratings. “He single handedly made politics refreshingly fun, unpredictable and interesting. That is a great benefit to the country.”
Trump is more than just ratings gold, Hannity offered. The 2016 Republican presidential candidate also has some really awesome promises.
Trump will “fight to win,” “stand up to China” and “make America great again,” he wrote, listing all of Trump’s supposed positive qualities.
The longtime Fox News anchor has dedicated a large amount of airtime to Trump recently, including a lengthy interview last week that aired over the span of several days. Hannity cheered Trump’s candor, referring to the candidate’s admission in the first GOP primary debate that he partakes in political graft.
“How refreshingly honest that he admits what we all know. I asked him about this and he answered by saying he ‘hates’ the system, wants to change it, but as a businessman he played the game. I applaud the honesty and desire to change it,” he wrote.
In reference to Trump voting and donating like a Democrat, Hannity appealed to Beck’s own conversion experiences.
“Glenn, one of the things I admire about you is how you have changed. Your life story is extremely compelling because of the significant changes you have made in your life. You are not shy about pointing out how you once led a pretty fast life. (I did, too, when I was young, as we have all sinned and fallen short), how you found your faith, how you changed your politics and how your thinking evolved by studying our founders and framers,” he wrote.
“I read that you recently became a libertarian. I like the changes you have made and your willingness to share those things with your audience. Are you a better person as a result of these changes? My guess is you are,” he added.
The rest of Hannity’s blog post explained various controversial Trump remarks, including when he said he wouldn’t defund Planned Parenthood and that he is for “taking the oil” from Iraq.
Hannity concluded, “I repeat … I am personally undecided at this point. But I am glad Donald Trump is in this race. I like his straightforward outsider’s view of politics. His personality and background are impressive and refreshing. I like anybody who is not politically correct.”
“I hope his outspokenness and his courage rubs off on his fellow Republicans, who have all become stale, timid, weak and generally (especially in D.C.) useless. Many Republicans can learn a thing or two from Trump,” he added.
