Raging controversy over Donald Trump’s proposed ban on Muslims entering the United States ignores the most obvious fact about his suggestion: there’s no chance it would ever take effect.

Even in the unlikely event of a Trump presidency, courts or congress would promptly block any “Muslim ban.” That’s also true of Trump’s proposed new “Deportation Force” to expel 11 million illegal immigrants and their families: whether or not it’s a good idea, it’s obvious it won’t happen, due to legal and political objections, as well as a trillion dollar price tag.

Trump and most of his supporters have to know his grand schemes won’t become reality – no, Mexico won’t pay for a “big, beautiful” border wall.

But he uses outrageous, simplistic and totally impractical suggestions to gain attention and build support, with no real expectation that he’d ever actually implement his vague ideas. Trump’s campaign won’t change policy, but it could change politics and do profound damage to Republican prospects.