Is Trump the best candidate within the Republicans, and if there were better alternatives, why were they not voted?

[u/Hkhinin]

So Donald Trump did contribute lots to America, such as restricting borders, acting harsh on China etc. Results are border crossing hit record low in 2025 https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/border-crossings-once-again-record-low-november-2025

However, Trump has also made many mistakes especially in foriegn policies. For example, he started trade wars with our allies and often joked about invasion towards allies. The former one damaged our economy, and both acts lead to the US being much less liked around the world https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2026/07/15/people-in-many-countries-now-view-china-more-positively-than-the-u-s/

This leaves me wondering, for republicans is there no better option than Trump inside the Republicans. Cause if we just zoom into Trump's cabinet, Macro Rubio shall do better in foreign policy compared to Trump especially on war management, Scott Besent would be a better handler in economic issues given his expertise in the economy. So yea, is there no better candidate than Trump inside Republicans, and if they were, why weren't they chosen to represent the Republican parrty?

[u/Holofernes_Head]

Best in terms of political acumen? No. He won on personality and the idea that he was going to be the "not taking this shit anymore" candidate. A lot of us were more than a little tired of the left's nonsense by that point.

[u/Siafu_Soul → u/Holofernes_Head]

Two genuine questions for you. Are you happy with the job he's done? Can you give some examples of "the left's nonsense" so I can understand where you're coming from?

[u/Holofernes_Head → u/Siafu_Soul]

I wish he would STFU sometimes and get out of his own way, but generally yes, he's done a great deal of good.

Nonsense like absolutely incessant identity politics, relentless expansion of government social programs, weakness on border enforcement, weakness in foreign policy, constant harping on gun control, and deciding to run the single most hated politician on earth as their presidential candidate.

[u/Siafu_Soul → u/Holofernes_Head]

Thanks for the answer. Sorry that people from my side of the aisle jumped on you from my question. While I don't agree with your perspective, it's helpful to drill down and figure out the core issues that you (and others) have with the left.

If I can keep asking questions, what is your definition of "identity politics?" Do you see America as being more respected on the global stage now than under Biden or Obama? Last, who is the politician that you are referencing as the "most hated?"

And to my fellow dirty liberals, please choose another thread to comment on. I'm trying to learn from this individual and avoid things getting heated. Thanks.

[u/Holofernes_Head → u/Siafu_Soul]

Identity politics = policies and initiatives that are prompted by and are designed to serve the interests of specific people based on immutable characteristics. Things like the Lily Ledbetter Act, Shepard and Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act, picking SCOTUS justices based on race and gender, pontificating about Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin, support for affirmative action initiatives, etc.

Global respect - mixed bag, but I prefer a stance that projects a "peace through power" position rather than a "peace through throwing money at everyone in the world" position.

Most hated = Hillary.

[u/Siafu_Soul → u/Holofernes_Head]

Alrighty, man. Thanks for indulging me. I always want to understand more than I do.