Ken Berwitz
Months ago I speculated that, barring some major unforeseen circumstance, Donald Trump\’s ridiculous, barroom-loudmouth presidential candidacy would soon end.
Well, it didn\’t. Here, in my opinion, is why.
Let\’s start with the fact that, like what he says or not, Trump says it. He doesn\’t dance around, he doesn\’t mince words, he doesn\’t wait to get the poll results or focus group responses the way some other candidates appear to. No one wonders where he stands. Voters like that – and, I believe, even a lot of people who think little of what Trump says, nonetheless like the fact that he a direct opposite of the mealy-mouthed politicians most people on both sides of the aisle are sick of.
Then there is the fact that Trump is far stronger on defense – specifically on treating Muslims as a threat – than anyone else. A pretty sizable segment of voters reacts very well to that.
My evidence? We saw Trump\’s numbers spike after the Paris terrorist massacre. And we\’re seeing his numbers spike after the San Bernardino massacre as well.
Plus, when Trump says keep all Muslims out “until we can figure out what the hell is going on”, it is resonating with a large segment of the population. And, despite what the preponderance of mainstream media either think, would like to think, or know better than but tell us differently anyway, it isn\’t just Republicans who feel this way.
My evidence? Look at the results of a just-released yougov.com poll, when respondents were asked their overall opinion of Muslims:
Opinion of the Islamic religion Total Democrat Independent Republican
Very/Somewhat Favorable 17% 27% 15% 11%Somewhat/Very/Unfavorable 58% 45% 58% 75%
Take a good look at that chart. 45% of Democrats – as in presumed Hillary supporters – have an unfavorable view of Muslims, thus have the potential to be on board with Trump….and 58% of Independents – as in the people who swing elections to one side or the other – do as well.
So when you hear so-called “pundits” tell you that a Trump candidacy, Republican or third party, is going to hand Hillary Clinton the presidency on a silver platter, maybe it would be a good idea to ignore them.
Does any of this change my personal – wholly negative – opinion of Donald Trump as a credible potential President? Not in the least. But it certainly explains why a lot of people disagree with me.
