A Quinnipiac University poll released Tuesday shows that a majority of Republican and Democratic voters seek a powerful political leader to bring radical change.
“Many American voters, especially Republicans, are dissatisfied with their own status and the status of the country, but by far the most dissatisfied are Donald Trump’s supporters, who strongly feel that they themselves and the country are under attack,” Douglas Schwartz, Quinnipiac’s poll director, said.
Voters were asked to agree or disagree with the following statement: “America needs a powerful political leader that will save us from the problems we face.” Eighty percent of voters overall agreed, including 89 percent of Republicans and 79 percent of Democrats. The sentiment is strongest with Trump supporters — 96 percent.
Trump supporters more so than others seek a leader “who is willing to say or do anything to solve America’s problems.” Eighty-four percent of them agreed with this statement, while 68 percent of Republicans, and 39 percent of Democrats did.
“Trump supporters are true stand-outs. They want a leader who is very different from the leader sought by other voters, explaining the mystery many see behind Trump’s support,” Schwartz said.
The poll found a sharp divide among party lines when it came to how people viewed themselves and this country. Among Republicans 79 percent agree that “America has lost its identity.” This compared to the just 36 percent of Democrats who believe so. Trump supporters agreed with this statement the most — 85 percent.
While radical change is typically associated with the Democratic Party and liberal movements, 71 percent of Republicans seek radical change as opposed to 58 percent of Democrats. Trump had the most support when it came to this category — 83 percent.
Voters were also asked to respond to this statement: “The government has gone too far in assisting minority groups.” Only 18 percent of Democrats agreed with this statement, while 72 percent of Republicans agreed.
While Trump’s and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ candidacy’s have been seen as movements, many voters feel their candidate is also leading one. 73 percent of Texas. Sen. [crscore]Ted Cruz[/crscore]’s supporters believe he is leading a movement and not a campaign, this sentiment is shared with 63 percent of Hillary Clinton backers.
The Quinnipiac poll surveyed more than 1,400 voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percent.