Donald Trump's anti-Muslim sentiments may be angering some, but a new poll showed that the Republican presidential candidate is more favorable than ever. Intense fear of another terrorist attack seems to be pushing Republican primary voters to express higher confidence over the candidate's ability as the president.
Compared to the weeks after the 9/11 attacks, Americans are now more fearful of another terrorist attack. Constant news of ISIS atrocities, the Paris attacks, and the very recent San Bernardino shooting, all feed the fears of ordinary Americans. Constant news of Syrian refugees being used as the primary tool of terrorists to enter nations and wreck havoc make matters worse. This is why Trump's anti-Muslim rhetoric, which some criticized as fueling Islamophobic sentiments, are becoming widely popular among voters. Trump was lifted to a new high among Republican primary voters, a poll by the New York Times/CBS News shows.
Following all the attacks, there is an increase of 15% Americans who believe terrorism is the most important problem facing the nation these days. With the Presidential election around the corner, how the candidates plan to solve the problem of terrorism could, therefore, make or break them.
For Trump, the best way to ensure no terrorist attacks can take place in the nation is to monitor mosques and bar Muslims from entering the United States. His suggestions were so politically incorrect that many expressed their shock and dismay. Some believe him unfit to be a President if he could even suggest a thing - discriminate against a specific population just because a few belonging to the group is committing atrocities. Some people simply called Trump evil for even saying such a thing publicly. Famous "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling even touted Trump as being worse than the fictitious evil character, Voldemort.
However, a new poll from the New York Times shows that more than four out of 10 Republican primary voters claimed Trump just proved himself fit for the position. For them, being a president should be strong, fearless and honest. Although the survey was largely conducted before Trump made his proposal to temporarily block Muslims from entering the nation, deep fears of terrorist attacks already benefitted the businessman turned politician. Trump is now number one on the poll, with Ted Cruz in second, CBC reports.
"He'll keep a sharp eye on those Muslims," Bettina Norden, 60, a farmer in Springfield, Ore., said in a follow-up interview. "He'll keep the Patriot Act together. He'll watch immigration. Stop the Muslims from immigrating." The poll also showed that 70% of the Republican primary voters believe he is "well-equipped to respond" to terrorism.
While the voters seem to be happy with Trump, according to BBC, with virtually all of Mr. Trump's fellow candidates are now condemning his controversial public pronouncements. Republican officials, past and present - from former Vice-President Dick Cheney to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan have also shunned the candidate.
