Bret Baier began the first Republican National Primary with a simple question directed at all the candidates onstage. In an attempt to gauge allegiance to the Republican Party, rather than any of the candidates and set a precedent for the remainder of the night, Baier asked if there was “anyone onstage who is unwilling tonight to pledge (their) support to the eventual nominee of the Republican Party, and pledge to not run an independent campaign against that person.” He then asked for a show of hands if any of the candidates could not make such a pledge. Standing in the center of the stage, Donald Trump looked over his shoulder, quickly shrugged, and raised his hand. The crowd immediately erupted in an assortment of boos and cheers, as Baier awaited a response from the leading polling candidate.

Let’s look at exactly what Baier and Fox News was really asking of the candidates. Essentially, they wanted all ten presidential hopefuls to promise that regardless of who won the primary elections, regardless of whomever the GOP gave the final nod to run, and regardless of their political stances, personal demeanor, and relationship with the other candidates, they would not run against the eventual Republican nominee. Furthermore, they were asked to support the nominee politically throughout the remainder of the election process. Asking this of a candidate may seem somewhat extreme, but it is warranted from a strategic standpoint. Someone like Trump, who could potentially carry a major following outside of the GOP as an independent candidate, has the ability to sway millions of votes away from the decided Republican nominee. This would result in a major loss of votes particularly from the forty-three percent of American’s that identify as independents. By dividing the Republican-leaning independent votes, an independent candidate with enough clout would spell doom for the party.

So the question was warranted. Independent candidates can truly be a huge political threat. But it was Trump’s response that turned the straight-forward request into a moment of subtle defiance that perfectly represented his overall campaign efforts. Trump stated that he wanted to win and represent the Republican Party, but he could not make that pledge without knowing who the eventual winner is because he had to respect the candidate. Now this may not appear “defiant” or “rebellious,” but in a primary system where essentially only voters who identify as Republicans choose the eventual party nominee, not making that pledge is in many cases political suicide. Those who identify with a particular party typically choose candidates who similarly pledge unwavering support to that party. So why after failing to pledge allegiance would Trump not only continue leading the polls, but increase his lead? Because he represents the type of candidate American voters are craving.

Trump’s refusal to conform to party platforms and engage in politically correct dialogues is exactly what is attracting millions of supporters to an otherwise polarizing candidate. With political parties essentially requiring candidates to adopt their platforms without any divergence in opinion, it is rare to see a bi-partisan candidate garnering political and economic support from a major party. Trump is the man to change that.

To pave the way for a more bi-partisan candidate, or at least more transparent one, there needs to be someone who has the money, audience, and clout to take on a major political party. Trump has all three. Unlike the other Republican candidates, Trump’s campaign does not necessarily require the monetary and publicity advantages of being the official nominee in order to be successful. Without having to worry about the GOP’s official support, Trump can be more outspoken about his opinions, challenge party platforms, and confront other candidates head on. In addition, his refreshing abandonment of political correctness has proven to be a more relatable way of speaking among voters than the scripted, drone-like approach of most politicians. Trump’s ability to ignore the seemingly necessary protocols and politically correct approaches other campaigns must follow is what is separating him from the pack.

Regardless of your political beliefs, Donald Trump should, at least for the short-term, be a source of hope and inspiration for you and future candidates. He is opening the doors for more transparent, outspoken, and bi-partisan politicians. Despite how you may feel about him personally, the facts of the matter are that Trump simply is one of the only people in the world who have all three tools (money, audience, clout) to run a successful campaign without the support of a major political party. Even if he does not win the eventual nomination for the Republican Party, the strong showing of the Trump campaign will open the eyes of the major parties’ beneficiaries and supporters, thus paving the way for a new generation of more outspoken, transparent, bi-partisan political leaders.