The many ways in which Donald Trump was once a liberal’s liberal
But in Trump's world, there is no truth but now. Here are some of his most glaring flips (or convenient evolutions):
Abortion
Then: On "
Meet The Press" in 1999, Trump said he was "very pro-choice." "I hate the concept of abortion," he said. "I hate it. I hate everything it stands for. ... but I just believe in choice."
Now: In an interview with
Bloomberg Politics in January, Trump said, "I'm pro-life and I have been pro-life." He said he believed there should be exceptions in cases of rape, incest or the life of the mother.
Guns
Then: In Trump's 200 book "The America We Deserve," he wrote that he "generally" opposed gun control but supported an assault weapons ban and a longer waiting period to purchase a firearm.
Now: At the 2015 NRA-ILA Leadership Forum, Trump said if he became president, "the 2nd Amendment will be totally protected." He told the Web site
Ammoland he does "not support expanding background checks" and said current background checks "don't work."
Healthcare
Then: In an interview with Larry King in 1999, Trump said he was "very liberal when it comes to health care" and that he believes in "universal healthcare."
Now: During his announcement, he called Obamacare "a disaster called the big lie" and said the deductibles were so high they were "virtually useless."
Hillary Clinton
Then: Either Trump or his son
donated to Clinton in 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2007, he invited her to his 2005 wedding in Florida, where she sat front row, and he's donated at least $100,000 to the Clinton Foundation. He also said in an appearance on the Howard Stern show in the mid-2000s that she was a fantastic senator.
Now: On NBC on Wednesday, he called Clinton "the worst secretary of state in the history of our nation" and said she would be "a terrible president."
Party affiliation
Then: Trump changed his party from Republican to Independent Party in 1999, and switched again to Democrat in 2001.
Now: Has been a registered Republican since 2009.
There are also some flips which haven't necessarily been from left to right.
Jeb Bush
Then: In Trump's 2000 book "
The America We Deserve," he called Bush "a good man," "bright, tough and principled," and "exactly the kind of political leader this country needs now and will very much need in the future."
Now: On Fox News's "On The Record" this week, he called Bush "pathetic" for his support of Common Core, said his immigration views were "baby stuff."
Press availability
Then: Trump wrote in his 1990 book "Surviving At The Top" that he had been "burned too many times by reporters" and didn't believe in being available for the media anymore.
Now: He grants more interviews than anybody else -- including to the major TV stations on Wednesday and this new interview with the Post publish today and titled, "
Trump vows long campaign, won't commit to backing GOP nominee."
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Will the real Trump please stand up.
Anyway, he's locking down the Stupid vote knowing he's forcing Jeb's hand: If Jeb doesn't pick him as the VP, Trump could run as a third party candidate and it's '92 all over again. This is probably the best scenario for him to get to the big house.