Trump’s popularity perplexes some; others see him as just what’s needed
National polls have shown Donald Trump leading all other candidates for the Republican presidential nomination, even after saying some things that many people consider outrageous. In fact, he’s shown that he will defy and even attack almost anyone and anything, even — perhaps especially — in his own party.
He said Mexico is sending criminals to the U.S. He said being a Vietnam POW did not make Sen. John McCain a hero. He publicly announced the cellphone number of Sen. Lindsey Graham, a fellow presidential contender.
Why is Trump politically popular?
Trump is saying what a lot of people have been wanting to hear. He isn’t allowing the media to set his agenda or timid about stating the truth.
— Clista Hancock, Arlington
Our country needs a slap in the face to return to conventional reality. Trump is doing that with an abrasive, yet factual, attack on the establishment. We applaud his rhetoric and pray that his corrective actions come about.
— Bill Hodges, Colleyville
The Republicans need a leader, not a wimp. If Trump can’t win over Hillary Clinton, this country is doomed.
— Derek Sidwell, Fort Worth
When someone actually speaks his mind without regard to political correctness or constraints imposed by his political party, it comes across as something fresh, new and inspiring.
— Patrick Jenkins, Arlington
Trump says what America has been wanting to hear!
— Eva Snapka, Arlington
Trump is about sound bites and nothing else. Hate spewers always do well early on. It is lack of substance that tends to wipe them out.
— Frank Matthews, Fort Worth
Americans are sick to death of political correctness!
— Patsy R. Abbott, Grapevine
Trump is an embarrassment and doesn’t deserve to represent the United States in any way, much less as president.
— Sandy Allen, Haltom
Trump is a narcissistic bully without a real depth of understanding of our nation’s problems or its history. He’s all about Trump, not about you and me and the rest of America!
— Hugh T. Lefler Jr., Fort Worth
Trump brings to mind an old song by Stephen Sondheim, Send In the Clowns.
— Floyd Ostrom, Arlington
Trump is so popular with the voters because he speaks his mind. He lets the ball fall where it may. He has the guts to say what most people are thinking, but are afraid to say.
— Sandra Landrum, Haltom City
People are tired of politically correct, jump-on-the-bandwagon, business-as-usual, lip-service Republicans.
— Nancy Paulson, Whitney
Trump is saying what people are thinking.
— Wyman Bess, Roanoke
The one thing we know about Trump is that no one owns him. This time we have a candidate the other parties and the media just can’t stand. That is one big plus for the people.
— Clayton Breckenridge, Flower Mound
A large segment of society craves controversy and outrageous behavior. Trump has simply identified a segment of the population who will keep coming back for more.
— Winston Barney, Fort Worth
My husband and I are for Trump because we’re tired of a Bush and tired of a Clinton!
— Jennifer Wehrfritz, Arlington
Trump knows that we need someone really tough to straight talk, not “politically correct” talk.
— Sandra Martinez, Fort Worth
People are attracted to Trump because he tells the truth. He respects few politicians. Most politicians make decisions that are good for large contributors, but bad for “The People.”
— Gil Cain, Joshua
Why Trump? Because nobody owns him! Will I vote for him? Probably not. But most others running must speak politically correct to receive money from various groups to get elected.
— Denis Dunagan, Fort Worth
Trump is the direct result of seven years of rampart political arrogance, lies and cover-ups. People are looking for some truth in the political arena.
— Walter H. Delashmit, Justin
Americans, are tired of the politically correct nonsense and want something done to make America great again.
— Jim Sanderson, Fort Worth
The media have no clue as to the frustration many citizens feel about the politically correct weakness that dominates our society and threatens our freedom of speech. Trump represents the opposite.
— Paula Scoggin, Benbrook
Trump appeals to a particular type of person — one whose anger has been touched off by him.
— Doris Bivens, Granbury
Trump has the experience and expertise to bring a refreshing new talent to the office of president, and the intestinal fortitude to manage the responsibility of the office of president.
— Kenneth Alford, Arlington
Trump is rude, brash, loud and outrageous. He’s also willing to bring up topics that concern many voters that other candidates will not for fear of offending ethnic segments.
— Troy Worthy, Hurst
Trump is a populist who says things that a large group of frustrated voters want to hear.
— Ron Criswell, Grapevine
Why is everyone so surprised? That’s exactly how cold-blooded conservatives think: No mercy, law of the jungle.
Let them gain control and we’ll have a few living in splendor while the rest of us hack and cough in an environment and economy decimated by greed.
— Gary B. Hicks, Fort Worth
Seems Trump can’t do anything right, except be a successful billionaire and make enough to buy an airplane with his name on it and have policies that resonate with many conservatives.
— Alan Norman, Fort Worth
Although Trump comes across as bullish and demanding, he espouses the truth — something that America yearns for.
— Grady Fuller, Kennedale
The appeal of Trump seems to be his gutsy attack on the status quo in Washington. Enough is enough.
— Vickie Rosentreter, Arlington
Trump’s money makes him believe he is above the general public. As president he would be an embarrassment.
— June Coleman, Fort Worth
Got to give props to The Donald. He has tapped into the middle-finger feelings of the PO’ed Republicans. Not a fan, but I get it.
— Blake Kevin Wallace, Arlington
The media and other politicians don’t like him. He speaks his mind and doesn’t back down. Successful businessman who knows how to hire qualified people.
— John Hogg, Bedford
It was a relief for the nation to hear and see someone who might get things done, instead of our do-nothing Congress. Americans want someone who can get this country going and accomplish things, instead of bickering.
— Jane Garrett, Hurst
Though I disagree with just about everything Trump has said, at least he has his own money and won’t be beholden to any special-interest group.
— Stan Beal, Fort Worth
All Points each Monday features reader responses to a question posed by the Editorial Board. With each week’s responses comes the next week’s question. All Points responses are not counted toward the monthly limit of one letter to the editor from each writer. Readers are welcome to send their own ideas for All Points topics to Editorial Director Mike Norman, mnorman@star-telegram.com.
This story was originally published July 31, 2015 at 5:52 PM with the headline "Trump’s popularity perplexes some; others see him as just what’s needed."