The caution I feel toward DT is that he's all about the "deal." I want a Constitutional Conservative, not the next PT Barnum or deal seeking Jerry Springer. I do not see DT as man of principles and that is something this country desperately needs in government and society - a definitive right and wrong. I do see him as a product of these times - a say anything opportunist. My concern is that his interests will not always align with the best interests of this nation, that he'll appoint "deal oriented" SCOTUS and screw this country up for decades.I have no doubt when interests collide DT will put himself first, even if its to pass a piece of coveted legislation (what would he not deal???).

All that said, I suspect his "say anything" will lose to HC's "committed" communism. Too many in America just don't care enough anymore to gather more info than a 12 second sound-byte. Worse HC are even more delusionally rabid that the DT supporters (each thoroughly repulsive in their Alinsky tactics).

For some reason, Trump makes a lot more sense to me than he does to a lot of people. I see him through the glass of "the deal". He literally wrote the book on it and prides himself on being a deal maker.

No one approaching a negotiation reveals what he will settle for and usually asks for something he knows the other side is unwilling to give, just to get them moving in his direction.

You also don't, as he explicitly says, let your opponent know that you are determined to come to an agreement -- this gives him all the power. The Obama administration was obviously determined to get a deal with Iran. Didn't work out so well.

So, is Mexico going to write a check for the wall? Probably not, but they may wind up paying for it one way or another. Trump has mentioned the amount of money flowing over the border in unbalanced trade. It obviously reflects an opportunity to collect sufficient funds to pay for a border wall.

Nice find, Rob. This article is a very accurate portrayal of Trump's strategies to get exactly what he wants. Like selfishness, cunning has gained a negative connotation, when it doesn't always mean that. Trump fits the first two definitions of cunning from Merriam-Webster's dictionary. The typical use of cunning is definition 3.

Full Definition of cunning
1: dexterous or crafty in the use of special resources (as skill or knowledge) or in attaining an end
2: displaying keen insight
3: characterized by wiliness and trickery
4: prettily appealing : cute

Game theory?
Anyone who has ever been successful in negotiation knows that stuff, if not from book learning, then from experience.
Also, demeanor is a key factor. Just watching Trump is a treat to a good negotiator.

Trump understands the psychology of negotiations far better than any political figures in the last decade. He wouldn't announce a specific date of withdrawal of American forces, like Obama did, for Iraq. He also understands that walking away from a deal isn't necessarily failure, as when Reagan walked out on Gorbachev in the Reykjavik talks. To be successful in world affairs, a leader needs to project confidence and strength, more than anything else. He doesn't need to be a policy wonk, with an encyclopedic affinity for details, but he does need to be able to select the right people to provide that insight. Let's see what his proposed cabinet looks like.

Interesting article. I do have to comment that while game theory can get you a better bargaining position, in the end its substance that will rule.

I say that Trump probably does use game theory in negotiations, but he is very deliberate and thoughtful when making a final decision. If he werent, he would never have gotten to where he is in business.
Also, this offspring are really impressive, and that just doesnt HAPPEN by itself.

I would be very proud if those were MY children indeed.

This nation elected a President (twice) with the "qualifications" of being a Muslim-raised, communist-raised community organizer .... and people are getting hypoxic about Trump? Curious.

I worked for a time in a US Congressional office, the realities, no one is as good as they sound when campaigning. They all play games. I was for Rubio, my husband for Cruz, until both melted down and tried to woo the establishment. Cruz reminded me of Lyndon Johnson, never could have voted for him nor do I believe he is what he says. We are both happy with Trump.

When I read of Trump being purposefully unpredictable caused me to think of the greatest samurai who ever lived, Miyamoto Musashi.
Once he showed up hours late to one of his numerous duels to frustrate thus infuriate just another doomed opponent.
I lost his "The Book of Five Rings" about martial arts strategies and tactics when I left my ex.
Perhaps she hid it from me in order to study it.
Ha! Ha! Me dino make a funny.

http://www.samurai-archives.com/musas...,

Here is a video summary of the movie, "A Beautiful Mind" that explains "Game Theory": https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7Dl...