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Students react to Trump's campaign to the presidency

September 2, 2015
<p>Donald Trump speaks with the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board on June 29, 2015, in Chicago.</p>

Donald Trump speaks with the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board on June 29, 2015, in Chicago.

Photo by Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune/T | The State News

His stance on immigration has been met with much concern, especially his comment from a June 2015 address claiming that immigrants from Mexico are bringing crimes, drugs, and rapists. His comments regarding women such as Rosie O’Donnell and Megyn Kelly have brought him equally negative attention.

MSU students have taken notice and weighed in on the rise of the blunt, non-career politician in American presidential politics.

Some students on campus view Trump as a refreshing breath of practicality in a political climate plagued by gridlock, while some see him as a non-career politician gaining attention from his off-hand remarks.

Education sophomore Mary Bush feels Trump’s bluntness is exactly what the country needs to quicken the legislative process.

“He’ll do what needs to be done,” she said.

But not all students feel the same as her.

Trump’s lack of political correctness garners him much media attention said social relations junior Wyatt Ludman.

Trump is seductive to some voters because he “breaks down” issues to a level that is universally relatable and “people crave an uncomplicated solution,” Ludman said.

While some of Trump’s comments have been seen as controversial, his household name may be granting him attention that other candidates would not otherwise receive on campus.

Trump is particularly enticing, James Madison junior Ben Schroff claims, because “he’s a mainstream name and people will be more inclined to vote for him because they feel he’s successful.”

While a movement toward faster, efficient politics is admirable says Schroff, “it’s still no excuse to be blatantly rude.”

“People read headlines, and Trump makes headlines,” said Blake Glinn, a political science sophomore.

Dr. Benjamin Kleinerman, is an MSU professor specializing in constitutional democracy, especially in regards to political executives and democratic elections.

“Trump’s popularity is indicative of the frustration the electorate has with American politics as usual,” Professor Kleinerman said.

That point is recognized by some students on campus.

James Madison junior Emma Milek feels Trump’s polls are high because there is a stigma against politicians and their recent tendency to stagnate legislative progress.

“Trump doesn’t play the game,” she said.

Milek feels that Trump’s brand of of crude politics could force officials in Washington to “step it up” and compromise, bringing about more moderate and collaborative representatives.

According to the most recent Iowa republican polls, 23 percent of likely republican Iowa caucus attendees say Trump is their number one choice. It is important to point out though, that according to a recent ABC News poll, Trump supporters are doubled by people who view him as “unfavorable”.

Trump’s impact on the presidential race, whether it be perceived as positive or negative, has students from both parties thinking about who they want to lead the country come 2016.

“There are better candidates,” said Glinn, agreeing that Trump’s antics will invigorate voters, namely the Millennial generation, and cause them to choose wiser options on both sides of the political aisle.

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