How in the HELL does Donald Trump lead in the Republican primary polls?

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   Josh Ratzburgposted 9 years ago

   How in the HELL does Donald Trump lead in the Republican primary polls?
   
   People who support him have to be trolling, right?
   
   

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2. 50

   bradmasterOCcalposted 9 years ago

   I hate that word.
   Perhaps if you had specific reasons for making this statement, it might get a reasonable answer.
   Who is your pick of the litter of either party?

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      Josh Ratzburgposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I haven't decided who to vote for yet, but if Trump is the candidate there is 100% chance that I'm voting Dem.

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3. 75

   Valeantposted 9 years ago

   He appeals to white people who hate everyone else.

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      RJ Schwartzposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      really?  that's your answer?

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4. 83

   gmwilliamsposted 9 years ago

   
   
   Donald Trump is saying what many Republican politicians are thinking but are afraid to say because the latter fear that their constituents will disavow them.  Mr. Trump is brutally honest in his assessment of the current American condition and many people find this refreshing.  They see Donald Trump as new political blood which is needed in politics these days.  They view him as an aggressive candidate who is no-nonsense on many key issues such as ISIS, the influx of refugees and immigrants, America's status in the world, and the unemployment issue.  The American people want answers and feel that Donald Trump HAS the answers.

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      LoliHeyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I think you are right.  Not to mention that Trump won't be bought, and doesn't need anyone's money.

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   2. 74

      Josh Ratzburgposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      The problem is, he doesn't have any REAL solutions for anything, he talks loudly and is completely out of touch with reality.

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      Perspycaciousposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      So far, according to the very polls the questioner sites here, Mr. Trump is "in touch" with today's political reality, or he wouldn't be leading among Republican voters.  He certainly faces the expected distortions of his statements and positions.

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5. 57

   Levi Legionposted 9 years ago

   Probably for many of the same reasons Hillary Clinton leads in the Democratic polls.
   
   Both of them are wealthy and have a cult following largely because of their personalities. Both of them say stupid things and propose ideas that are harmful and misguided.
   
   If any of the current frontrunners of either party win the presidency, the majority of the American people ultimately lose.

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      Josh Ratzburgposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Hilary is a FAR better candidate than Trump... I don't even like Hilary, but Trump? just no.

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      Levi Legionposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Apples to oranges, I guess. Both candidates have major ideology problems and both candidates want to use the power of big government to force their policies on us. My point is, if either of them become president, we lose.

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      Perspycaciousposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Levi, if you are right, it all comes down to who cares enough about one of them to vote for them anyway.

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6. 95

   jansharesposted 9 years ago

   I find his appeal mind-boggling, his popularity disappointing. Pay attention to which polls the media keeps showing us, too. Donald Trump does not appeal to the majority of voters from my understanding. As gmwilliams and levi said, he represents people being fed up with the status quo. But seriously, they must know a Trump presidency would be laughable at best.
   
   I also think his popularity in the polls speaks to the personality types of those attracted to the Republican party who gravitate to a Donald Trump personality. It makes me more afraid of them than I am of him when they accept somenof the outrageous things he says and does. I find him and some of his followers disturbing.

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   Shyron E Shenkoposted 9 years ago

   Because trump (t purposely in lower case) is saying outrageous things that whether people agree with him or not, they like that he seems fearless.
   trump is better than cruz who wants to give our country to his native country Canada, it must be for his quest for power and love of money; he is better than paul who had his father buying the election for him; he is by far better than bush, who wants to finish what his father and brother started; and to top that he is not qualified, there is a film called the movie donald trump does not want you to see.  It says it all.
   David Podvin's  8/10/2003 -- The Media Cover-up of the Gore Victory
   This man said in one paragraph why I am not voting for any of these yahoos:
   
   Here is my reason for not voting for any of these clowns.  Said "We are looking forward to further erosion of our civil liberties, endless war, and depression, unless the Republicans are soundly defeated.  They can only be soundly defeated if we have election reform (among other things).  We can only have reform if we fully understand and acknowledge what happened in the last election.  When the man who was elected president is not the man in the White House, something is seriously wrong

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      Perspycaciousposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      A lot "is seriously wrong" which is why so many Americans are looking for an outsider who can shake up what "is seriously wrong" and fulfill the promise to "Make America Great Again."

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8. 71

   LeslieAlexposted 9 years ago

   He is leading because a lot of people agree with him.  Did you need a post for that?

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   FitnezzJimposted 9 years ago

   One possibility is something I saw on a bumper sticker:  "You can't buy Trump".  He's a multi-billionaire.
   
   I recently was reviewing a poll here on HubPages that asked 'Who Owns Your Congressman'.  The poll sought to understand what folks believed was the predominant influence on their Congressman.  The overwhelming answer was 'Money/Deals'.  That answer was chosen over the ideal 'we the people', religion, and party.  Given the level of disgust with Congress, the notion that "You can't buy Trump" might be why Trump leads in the polls.

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10. 51

    Jeff Rogersposted 9 years ago

    There are several reasons Donald Trump is polling:
    
    1) Many conservatives feel that they have been sold a "bill of goods" by the establishment and see him as someone not bought off by the establishment.  For example, George W. Bush promised to ban Gay Marriage during his re-election bid, but never made one effort to do so.  While Mitt Romney presented himself as a staunch conservative during the 2008 election it is important to note that while he was Governor of Massachusetts he implemented Romney care which was the model for the Affordable Care Act.  In a nutshell the base of the Republican has become much more conservative over the years when it comes to traditional issues.
    
    2) While the Republican party has become more conservative, it is important to note that Donald Trump still does not hold a majority of the Republican electorate, just a plurality.  The fact is there are so many establishment candidates running for president, they are splitting the vote giving Trump an edge.  This may change once the field narrows and more people drop out.
    
    3) He is not bought and paid for.  Something I have found very interesting is the number of conservatives I have encountered that actually like Bernie Sanders.  While they would not vote for him they have indicated that they could stomach him more than Hillary.  So part of what might be going on is that people are so fed up with and the way money has bought off the political system. 
    
    4) Trump is the only candidate that says he would not cut Medicare and Social Security.  I don't know if this is a big factor, but it is important to note that the donor class would like to see these programs cut so they can have lower taxes.  The voting class does not no matter how conservative.
    
    5) Racism was not eliminated in the way we thought.  Trump plays into the racist fears of many Americans.  The problem with Trump is that even if he gets the nomination this rhetoric does not resonate very well with the general election population.  In the past the Republican party had to use language that implied racism to those that were without making a statement that offended the general population.  (i.e. Radical Islamic Terrorism).  This is called "Dog Whistle" politics.  Trump just decided to stop using the "Dog Whistle" and the racist part of the Republican party likes it.

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11. 61

    fpherj48posted 9 years ago

    I wouldn't want to even "guess" what goes on in the minds of the American public in terms of politicians, at this particular time of such chaos & unrest.
    
    It may be safe to say that so many are frustrated & confused.  We, the people have been literally steam-rolled, lied to, manipulated, used & abused.  For those of us over the age of 40, we can barely recognize our country any longer.  In short, it's obvious people are "scared."  When we're frightened, the basic "fight or flight" response kicks into high gear.
    
    Donald Trump appears on the band wagon (right off the set of his Reality TV show) and uses what talents & tools he has.~~ a super ego, lots of tough guy speeches, his billions & his point blank, matter-of-fact attitude.
    Trump touched on the HOT SPOTS in the minds of those who have had enough of being pushed around.  He turned the heat up on the pot just ready to boil over~ and out spilled emotions & a lot of fist-pumping.
    
    I've become leery of the poll results.  Even if they are more accurate than not, I have a hard time believing Trump will remain the front runner, the closer we get to making a real choice.  Little by little and all by himself, he is turning off many who rallied round him at first. 
    
    His statements may be correct & hit home with at least half the country but the other half are not succumbing to the hoopla.  Yes, "hoopla."  Let's face it please.  His grand delusions sound like what we need and want, but REALISTICALLY, they're far from possible. 
    
    Personally?  What scares the hell out of me at this point is that IF he becomes IN FACT the Republican candidate, the result is bound to be ~~~I hate to even say her name!!~~  Hillary.  Then only GOD can help us.

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    tjlajoieposted 9 years ago

    The biggest mistake people are making about Trump is not taking him seriously.  I know MANY educated and successful people joining his ranks (doctors, lawyers, businessmen, teachers, college professors, etc.) because they are fed up with career politicians who have accomplished nothing more than being elected telling them how to live.  Yes, Trump is tapping into that frustration...but it's long overdue.  American can do a helluva lot worse than Donald Trump.  I wrote a hub about it...you're welcome to read it.

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    1. 74

       Josh Ratzburgposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       The only way America could do worse is if Donald Trump suffered brain damage and still won.

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       fpherj48posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Josh....Hello?  a closer look at some of our recent Presidents should tell us that brain damage is a requirement.  I'm just sayin.......

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    RJ Schwartzposted 9 years ago

    Trump speaks to America in a language they understand.  While mainstream establishment candidates get caught up in issues which smaller portions of the nation care about (abortion, LGBT right, etc.) - Mr. Trump is tacking just a few very top line issues which everyone has some level of concern about (immigration, terrorism, etc.) - He is showing leadership by speaking what he thinks instead of getting a poll first.  He isn't beholden to anyone else's money.  He loves America.
    
    He is leading because he demonstrates leadership.

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