Poll: One-third of Americans say the best thing about a Trump presidency is 'nothing'
Poll: One-third of Americans say the best thing about a Trump presidency is 'nothing'
On Politics
David Jackson, USA TODAY 8:58 a.m. EST January 20, 2016
When it comes to the prospect of a Donald Trump presidency, more Americans are pessimistic than optimistic, according to a new Gallup Poll.
"Americans are significantly more likely to mention negatives than positives when asked about a possible Trump presidency, consistent with Trump's having a significantly more negative than positive image among Americans as a whole," Gallup reported.
Among the optimistic — mostly Republicans — Americans said the best things about a possible Trump presidency would be "his business background, policies on immigration and honesty — that he says what he feels," Gallup said. Supporters also cited his positions on blocking illegal immigration, improving the economy and fighting terrorism.
On the other hand, the poll said, "more than four in 10 cannot name anything positive about a potential Trump presidency." It added that "a third of Americans, mostly Democrats, specifically say there is 'nothing' they see as the best thing about a Trump presidency, while another 10% have no opinion."
The list of negatives toward Trump focus mostly on personality, Gallup said, including the general feeling that he would "too outspoken and impulsive, as well as arrogant, offensive and rude, ill-tempered and hot-headed, and 'stupid and idiotic' " to be president.
"Others mention that he lacks experience, is racist and discriminates against minorities," Gallup reported, "and that he would embarrass the U.S. and lose the respect of other nations."
The critics also say the New York businessman's impact on immigration, the economy and counter-terrorism would be negatives.
Concludes Gallup:
"All in all, in addition to his positions on issues and policies, Trump clearly will rise or fall in his quest for the White House to a significant degree based on how the public ultimately perceives the impact of his unconventional style and personality. Some obviously see all of this as a refreshing and important change from the status quo, while many others are alarmed by what it would mean if Trump were to become the nation's 45th president."
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...rats/79049700/