School Assignment - Survey of Donald Trump Supporters

Why is Donald Trump the best candidate for president?

I respect Donald Trump for his bold and commanding personality, his extensive experience as one of the world's best known businessmen, and his astute political observations and willingness to remark on important issues that political insiders won't. He clearly has a good understanding of economics, more so than the other candidates in the race. I trust him more than any other politician to deliver a strong and original economic plan and to seek the guidance of those who understand what's required if he lacks knowledge in any particular area. He's a strategist and doesn't go into a deal blindly. Although he hasn't been a politician before, he has clearly followed politics as evidenced by his remarks over the years. People have been calling his comments 'presidential' since the 80s. He calls out issues which matter but are generally ignored by politicians. Illegal immigration for example. People should not be in the country illegally. They've essentially been ignored by the politicians for years. Trump was the only one willing to say it's time to deport them all, to enforce the law fully and start over from scratch and only allow immigrants in legally. It's just common sense. A firm hand is needed on issues like that. He's not insensitive though. In many ways he seems very caring of the American people and I feel that his run is motivated by a desire to help the country rather than to seek personal gain. He panders like anyone in the race, but underneath it all I don't see a power hungry ogre. He already has money and power and celebrity. This job would be a step down. His main message has been that he's sick of seeing the United States ripped off by Asia. He's said it for decades. He's clearly passionate about setting that right.

Have any recent events influenced your decision to vote for Donald Trump? If so, how?

No

Is Donald Trump a strong leader? If so, why?

Absolutely. It can be seen in the debates of course how effectively he dominates among other powerful figures. From what I know of his business dealings he acts much like a military general, very tough but fair with his subordinates. He doesn't tolerate mediocrity or disloyalty. He expects others to strive for excellence and respects hard work and ambition. When he commits to something he sees it through where others falter.

Do you think you think American society is being threatened? If so, what is threatening it?

Terrorism is always a threat, although it threatens the whole world. I agree with him that we have to accept the link between terrorism and Islam. In order to defeat something you have to understand it and the motivations behind it and be willing to call it what it is.

Is anything wrong with "mainstream" politics? (Your definition of mainstream.) If so, what?

Politics is very corrupt, controlled by money and influence. The people who run for office and are elected are representatives of special interests. They have forgotten that politicians are public servants. Politicians aren't there to rule over us, or to serve corporations, or to serve political committees. They are there to serve us. It's the people who hold the power in the United States political system.

Are you a Republican? If not, what do you consider yourself?

I'm not a Republican or a Democrat. I'm unaffiliated. Politically I'm right in the middle between liberal and conservative, directly on that dividing line, and also slightly libertarian.

Do you like any other politicians? Can you name three of your favorites?

Bernie Sanders for his position on healthcare and money in politics. I don't like (or don't know enough about) any of the others.

What do you think of recent middle eastern immigrants in Europe? Follow up: Why do you think so many of them left their countries?

I'm originally from Europe so I know first hand the awful situation happening there. It's a disaster. Millions of people enter Europe because of socialism (yes) to get freebies, free money, free housing, free money for having kids. That's a big factor in what's happening. They see the political correctness there and exploit it like crazy because they know the authorities won't stop them for extreme religious views, will even assist them in imposing Sharia law so they feel more comfortable. This stuff really happens there. That's why they head to Europe.

Are you tired of political correctness?

Yes. I don't want to see this country become like Europe. I came here to escape that crap, just like Cubans come here to escape their problems and Africans come here to escape tyrants. America would have to fall a long way to get quite that bad but I see some of the early signs already. It's something the people have to resist. I appreciate that Donald Trump is ignoring political correctness and saying what needs to be said. Some people don't like that and I understand it can seem shocking if you're so used to censorship, but being able to speak freely is really a form of liberation. It shouldn't devolve into hate speech of course, but people should be allowed to express themselves honestly and without being oppressed for doing so, and I do mean oppressed.

le_petit_dejeuner 2-15-2015

/r/The_Donald Thread