WHAT’S BEHIND TRUMP’S SUCCESS

Trump’s message resonates with voters who have felt ignored and are tired of politics as usual. His fans know America isn’t as respected as it was and should be. They fear their kids and grandkids won’t live as well as they have. They know that failure to cut deficits and the National Debt, and control the border means economic and social chaos. Voters are openly hostile. They see in Trump a successful, straight-talking, pro-U.S. executive who gets things done -- things they want done. Millions of Americans believe that both major parties work against them and their interests. Trump’s wealth insulates him from the noxious forces poisoning Washington, D.C.  Americans are worried, fed up and irate -- and they simply want results. It may not exactly be Trump’s platform that is attracting voters. He’s been purposefully vague on the campaign trail about how he’ll fix the many problems he sees in America. His campaign website appears to talk more about his success as a businessman than his specific plans for the White House. That’s likely all by design, and he projects the image of a no-nonsense boss who does whatever he wants. It’s an image he’s been cultivating for decades and which now seems to be resonating with a large number of American voters.

1. He’s an ‘Outlaw’: Trump doesn’t operate according to the traditional rules of politics and is openly hostile to his adversaries
2. He’s a “Creator” of wealth: With no political record to speak of, Trump uses his wealth as proof of his credentials. That also makes him a “Creator” and makes him seem like a more accomplished figure in some voters’ eyes compared to lifetime politicians. Being a creator–building things out of nothing–and doing it on your own terms, are inherently American. They represent independence and a desire to get ahead. People really gravitate to that aspect about him.
3. He’s a symbol of success: Trump’s name and face have become a kind of shorthand for wealth and success. He’s created a sense, real or not, that there’s no sector he can’t conquer, including the political arena. People  think that that can translate into any endeavour that he takes on.
4. He speaks his mind: Trump hasn’t backed down from any of his statements, which may make him even more appealing to a certain sect of voters. Middle America abhors the idea of political correctness. People feel victimized by all the victims out there.
5. He feels authentic: In an age of ongoing Washington gridlock and high partisanship, there’s a sense among many that every high-level politician has compromised their ideals at some point or another. Trump has no political record so opponents can’t say he’s flip-flopped on issues. And since he’s funding his campaign himself, voters perceive him to be separate from the typical moneyed interests that control Washington.