Donald Trump is running for President.

Those words have yet to sink in, though they are all too true. The first time I heard this, I assumed it was a complete joke, much like Steven Colbert’s campaign in 2012. But unfortunately, I was greatly mistaken. The former host of The Apprentice is currently leading the GOP polls despite his lack of political experience, his string of racist and sexist comments, and, of course, his haircut.

I mean seriously, what is this?

He has made a series of extremely controversial comments: demeaning women, Hispanics, and the less fortunate than himself. Trump must believe that all press is good press, as he has had a LOT of what most would consider terrible press, yet he keeps doing the same things over and over.

He has said that when elected, he will build a great wall, paid for by the Mexican government of course, along the Mexico-U.S. border because he claims Mexico is sending their worst people, including rapists and drug dealers.

Trump has also claimed the rich deserve better things, even openly stating that the sport of golf should be reserved for the wealthy. He claims the less fortunate and all kids shouldn’t be allowed to play, making the privilege of playing golf something to strive for.

During the GOP debate, mediator Megyn Kelly asked the Donald about many of his insensitive comments toward women, and Trump responded by saying that one of this country’s main problems is people being too politically correct, obviously avoiding the question at the same time. After the debate, when asked about this exchange with Kelly, he insinuated she asked those questions because she had been on her period.

Despite these comments and many, many more, Trump winning the 2016 election continues to be a realistic possibility. The fact that he is still being supported is dumbfounding. He is openly rude, elitist, sexist, and racist, yet U.S. citizens are gobbling up what he says like turkey on Thanksgiving.

Trump is a candidate for two reasons: his unbelievable amount of wealth and because he plays into people’s fears. His campaign has taught us that with a lot of money and stupid statements voters like to listen to, anyone can be a presidential candidate. Money runs politics, as big donors control what candidates do and unqualified rich people, like the Donald, get the opportunity others dream of but can’t afford.

Trump is actually quite smart, contrary to what he demonstrates. His comments are all extremely inappropriate, but he says them because that is what a lot of Americans want to hear. Many citizens are scared about hispanic immigrants, and he knows this, playing into those fears to gain popularity in the polls. It’s the sad truth about politics today; candidates must give off soundbites of what the public wants to hear instead of discussing the real issues. Perhaps Trump will be the one to make everyone recognize the issues politics have and change the way the public views campaigns.

Donald Trump should in no way be considered the right person to lead this country. How will he be able to conduct international relations with all of his insensitive and racist comments? All voters, please realize what Trump is about and vote for a real candidate. Make a statement and say no to any rich person entering the race just because they have the money. What democracy is becoming is not how it was intended to be. Please, do everyone a huge favor and DO NOT VOTE FOR DONALD TRUMP.