The chart that shows Trump's rise has nothing to do with policy
A new poll suggests that Trump's support isn't about his views on immigration, tax or trade.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.After a string of victories in the primaries so far, Donald Trump has been a 3-in-4 favourite for the Republican nomination for the past month.
Tonight he could become an even more overwhelming favourite as five major states go the polls, including two – Florida and Ohio – where the winner will win every delegate.
Trump will knock out the last two candidates favoured by the Republican establishment – Marco Rubio, the Florida senator, and John Kasich, the former Ohio governor – if he wins both states.
Polls suggest he could, though the race in Ohio looks particularly close.
But why are people voting for him? A new poll published this week by YouGov offers a surprising thought: it has nothing to do with his policies.
The findings are the latest evidence that Trump is tapping into a fierce current of dissatisfaction in the Republican party, a current that's been attributed to the party's actions over the past eight years and its vehement opposition towards President Obama.
Trump's recent rallies have been marred by violence – first in New Orleans a fortnight ago and more dramatically in Chicago on Friday – as he's repeatedly denounced the 'politically correct' actions of mainstream politicians.
Some commentators, including his opponents, suggest his rhetoric is fuelling these tensions, but, as this survey shows, it also seems to be powering his candidacy.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments