There’s no denying it — Donald Trump is now the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination. A new CNN poll finds Trump leading in Iowa with 22 percent. Dr. Ben Carson is second with 14 percent. No other candidate received double-digit support.
Despite his flashy style, Trump could be more than just a flash in the pan. A closer look at the poll finds voters really are attracted to his candidacy. For example:
- When asked which candidate was best on the economy, Iowa voters picked Trump nearly 4-to-1 over any other candidate.
- On immigration, Iowa voters picked Trump by more than 3-to-1.
- On terrorism, voters again picked Trump by a sizeable margin.
- Asked which candidate was most likely to change Washington, by an overwhelming 5-to-1 margin, Iowa voters picked Trump.
Even on the question of who could defeat Hillary Clinton, Iowa voters picked Trump first and Jeb Bush second.
No, I’m not touting Trump. I like a number of the candidates for a variety of reasons. I am merely pointing out, as this poll clearly indicates, that Trump has hit a nerve.
The degree of voter frustration and anger at the Washington political establishment is off the charts. That is what Trump is tapping into. He is showing voters what it looks like when a candidate isn’t afraid to speak his mind, throw a punch and hit back at opponents.
After years of being beaten by the left and abused by some of our own so-called leaders, it’s no surprise to me that a lot of conservatives are embracing Donald Trump.
Gary L. Bauer served in President Ronald Reagan’s administration for eight years, as Under Secretary of Education and as President Reagan’s Chief Domestic Policy Advisor.
