Trump Protesters Are Hurting their Cause

Protesters remained onsite for a few hours after the Trump rally ended, disturbing the peace and flouting commands by police for them to disperse to the point where authorities declared the protest an "unlawful assembly." Police moved in, and arrested at least 35 people.

So, protesters, I understand that your objective was to send a message to Trump, and those who support him, not to mess with you. But instead, in the process, you made a mess of everything.

What makes this all the more frustrating to watch is that, whether or not you believe it, I'm on your side. I think Trump is a classless bully whose message is toxic. I think he's given people permission to be racist, intolerant, even violent. I think he'd be a disaster as president, even dangerous.

And I think that Trump and his entire campaign apparatus -- having spread their cheap brand of demagoguery for months throughout the Midwest, the Northeast and the South -- are getting a wake-up call. It's coming now that the candidate is making appearances throughout California, where 39 percent of the state's population is Hispanic and where people have dealt with racial demagogues before.

But I also recognize that Trump has gotten this far against long odds by advancing a narrative that America is out of control, that too many people don't respect law and order, that political correctness is stifling debate, that there is often no one more intolerant than those who preach tolerance.

Through your actions, you prove him right, give him votes and make him stronger. Good job.

And you can bet Trump is watching. He knows exactly what to do to get a rise out of you, and you always respond on cue.

After the San Diego protests, Trump tweeted a special message thanking law enforcement officials: "Fantastic job on handling the thugs who tried to disrupt our very peaceful and well attended rally. Greatly appreciated!"

Don't worry, Trump protesters. I'm sure the candidate appreciates you too.

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Ruben Navarrette's email address is ruben@rubennavarrette.com.