Why the Paris attacks will only empower Donald Trump and Ben Carson

Will conservatives want a wiser, steadier hand in dangerous times? Nope.

Trump isn't going anywhere.
(Image credit: AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Throughout this bizarre Republican presidential race, those derisively referred to as the party's establishment have reassured themselves with this thought: Eventually, our voters will come around. They'll end their fascination with these buffoonish "outsiders" who proudly proclaim that they know virtually nothing about how government works. They'll turn back toward a more experienced candidate who has a chance to win the general election. After all, that's what they always do. There may be a fight in the primaries, but the comforting middle-aged white guy is the one who gets the nomination in the end. And at this point, the establishment would settle for someone who isn't middle-aged or white, as long as he's not Donald Trump or Ben Carson.

But if they think that the terrorist attacks in Paris will bring that day any closer, they've got another thing coming.

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Paul Waldman

Paul Waldman is a senior writer with The American Prospect magazine and a blogger for The Washington Post. His writing has appeared in dozens of newspapers, magazines, and web sites, and he is the author or co-author of four books on media and politics.