Well-respected conservative commentator and economist Tomas Sowell really doesn’t like Donald Trump:

It is amazing how many people have been oblivious to this middle-aged man’s spoiled brat behavior, his childish boastfulness about things he says he is going to do, and his petulant response to every criticism with ad hominem replies.

He has boasted that his followers would stick by him even if he committed murder. But is that something to boast about? Is it not an insult to his followers, if it is true?

Sowell goes on to make a suggestion one hears from time to time in election years: “If you don’t understand the issues, but want to do your patriotic duty, then stay home on election night.”  “Uninformed voters,” he writes, “turn elections into a game of playing Russian roulette with the future of America.”

Attempting to bridge the gap between Trump supporters and Trump dislikers conservative online-video commentator Bill Whittle makes a related point that could arguably serve as a self test for Trump’s ardent fan base.  If you like Donald Trump, Whittle suggests, then follow the Donald’s own counsel and make a deal.  Don’t simply follow him no matter what he says or does just because he rouses something in your spirit.  Ultimately, he’s applying for a job.  Make him earn it.  Insist that he make solid commitments for specific actions.

If you’re negotiating with somebody, the absolute worst thing you can do is to let them know that their product or service is the only one that will do and that you feel as if you must have it.  In the political context, one way to do that is to acknowledge that critics have a point and to give the impression (at least) that your candidate hasn’t quite closed the deal, for you.

If you don’t feel like you can do that — whether because you lack the power or for some emotional reason — that might be a sign that you should walk away.