Iowa Republicans will have an alternative to Donald Trump when they caucus next month. Former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld is visiting the state, hoping his extensive, executive and international record will translate into a respectable showing on February 3rd.
During a stop in Davenport Friday morning, Weld said the president does not believe in the rule of law, considers a free press to be an enemy of the people, and thinks an independent judiciary is a threat.
"Roll all those things together and it paints a pretty clear picture of someone who's bent on dismantling our democratic institutions and turning the country in a more autocratic direction. That's completely unacceptable."
His strategy to win the GOP nomination is to get some support in Iowa, exceed expectations in the New Hampshire primary, then perform well on Super Tuesday.
"To be the alternative to Mr. Trump I think it's terribly important, given Mr. Trump's evident proclivities, that someone stand up to him and be the standard bearer as an alternative to him."
Weld also criticizes the president for "trashing our allies" and ripping up treaties, showing what he says is even less than a child's understanding internationally of how to advance the interests of the US.
Traveling with Weld is former eastern Iowa Congressman Jim Leach, who calls him the "most impressive long-shot candidate for president ever in the United States."
