According to nearly every poll, Donald Trump has taken the national lead in the Republican GOP primary race. With all of his negative media attention and more than one offensive comment made, what is it about this self-made billionaire-turned-politician that people seem to be taking such a liking to? 
Well, it seems that U.S. voters are pretty sick and tired of politicians – an observation that Trump even makes himself. One Republican voter commented to a CNN reporter, "I'm tired of the sugar-coating that they tell us that they're going to fix this economy. I believe Mr. Trump really wants to make America great again.” In accordance, one of Trump's approaches has been to make the point that he is certainly not a politician – and proud not to be. He contrasts himself to these politicians with a more 'relatable approach' to the American people with, “I am who I am. I have no pollsters telling me what to say. [Politicians] talk, and they keep talking, and nothing ever happens." He may not be the smoothest talker, but Trump is convincing voters nationwide with his rash approach. To back up that approach, Trump made the point in an interview in regards to talk of terrorism with, "People are tired of these politicians. They're tired of tone…They chop off heads, the boarder is a disaster, the whole world is a disaster, and we’re talking about TONE? We need energy, we need enthusiasm, and we need a much tougher tone, not a weaker tone." Well, Trump is definitely bringing a new energy to the race, and that energy is part of what has got voters excited and supporting him.
The second reason why Trump is doing so well is because he is drawing on American pride, which is in my opinion, one of the most powerful forces a candidate can utilize. Trump's main slogan for his campaign is "Make America Great Again," and he has even gone as far as to argue, ”We are a whipping post, we are a laughingstock as a country, we are not respected anymore, and that's why I decided to run for president, because I don't want to take it anymore.” Even in response to Trump's most criticized comments in regards to the Mexican border, supporters defend him out of U.S.A. pride. One supporter, Jerry DeLemus, argued, "His point was that Mexico is out-maneuvering America and they are out-maneuvering us. What other country in the world would allow that type of illegal immigration to come across the border?" Prideful Americans are not those who aim for being "out maneuvered" by other countries, and for that reason, supporters are backing up Trump's aggressive claims.
Through all the heat he has gotten, Trump's triumph in the polls is definitely impressive – for now. Even his rash, aggressive approach is appreciated by many. One supporter made the point, "He brings up issues that other politicians are scared to because they're afraid to ruffle feathers. But these are real issues that need to be addressed and honestly, I'm glad someone is finally taking the reins." However, when asked about whether or not they would actually vote Mr. Trump into the White House, voters were much more hesitant and admitted he needed a little – maybe a lot – more "polish" before that stage. Like many Americans, I for one, am curious to see where this race will lead Donald Trump.
