Adelson expresses support for trump presidential bid

Major Republican Party donor, land casino tycoon…and virulent anti-online gambling opponent, Sheldon Adelson has voiced his support for would-be US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, urging party unity.

The Washington Post published an op-ed letter from the ageing multi-billionaire Friday, although there has as yet been no indication of what funding support Adelson may be considering (in the past he and his family have been prepared to give over a hundred million dollars to support favoured political candidates)

“Republicans must join together to make sure he wins,” Adelson urged in his letter. “While the primary cycle still has some important elections ahead, it is clear that Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee for president.

“I am endorsing Trump’s bid for president and strongly encourage my fellow Republicans — especially our Republican elected officials, party loyalists and operatives, and those who provide important financial backing — to do the same.

“The alternative to Trump being sworn in as the nation’s 45th president is frightening,” he continued, adding, “As Republicans, we know that getting a person in the White House with an ‘R’ behind his name is the only way things will get better. … If Republicans do not come together in support of Trump, President Obama will essentially be granted something the Constitution does not allow — a third term in the name of Hillary Clinton.”

Adelson ended his letter by noting:

“You may not like Trump’s style or what he says on Twitter, but this country needs strong executive leadership more today than at almost any point in its history. The world is less secure than ever, and our allies have lost confidence in our ability to lead.”

The Washington Times, commenting on the letter, observed that Adelson’s endorsement could mitigate doubt about Trump among Jewish voters, who were leery of the candidate six months ago when he suggested he might stay “neutral” in the ongoing strife between Israel and Palestine.

Earlier this year Adelson praised Trump’s success as a businessman.