Apparently Donald Trump has filed the paperwork for his candidacy, suggesting that he is serious about running, at least for now. Some observers seem surprised that polls show a surge in support for him. He is now in second place among the Republican candidates with support at 11%, just behind Jeb Bush at 12%.
But given the estimated 27% crazification factor in America that says that about that number of people are willing to support a candidate however nutty he is, we could say that Trump is actually underperforming in that he has not totally won that vote but is still sharing it with others. Given his huge name recognition, I am not surprised that 11% support him, given the potential number of people who are easily impressed by braggadocio, simplistic solutions to complex problems, xenophobia, and outright racism.
Jon Stewart of The Daily Show was so worried that Trump might back out that he was thinking of quitting his show immediately and was relieved to learn that he had actually filed.
(This clip aired on June 23, 2015. To get suggestions on how to view clips of The Daily Show and The Nightly Show outside the US, please see this earlier post. If the videos autoplay, please see here for a diagnosis and possible solutions.)
Don’t underestimate the king of clowns. He could well end up as their nominee. He got off to a great start with his comments about Mexicans. A few more like that and he will at the top of the charts.
There may be other candidates splitting the crazy vote. I hate when that happens. True crazy should win out.
It is seemingly impossible to overestimate the American’s love of stupid. A majority thought Jerry Lewis was a hilariously funny comedy genius. I could see a majority voting for Trump. Half of them would vote for him as a sort of ‘pox on both your houses’, screw the system, candidate and the other half might think his ‘shoot from the hip’, legislation by bumper sticker, logic makes sense. Never underestimate the power of stupid.