Good Question: Why Are Political Novices Attractive Candidates?
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - According to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, Donald Trump leads Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush by more than 10 points.
It's the well-known businessman's biggest lead yet in the GOP race. So, why are political novices attractive candidates? Good Question.
"Donald Trump is unique in a lot of ways, but you can think back to Jesse Ventura, who was very successful in using his stardom in the wrestling arena," said University of Minnesota political science professor Larry Jacobs.
Before becoming Minnesota's governor, Ventura's only previous political experience was being the mayor of Brooklyn Park.
"Then a good number of Minnesota heard him in the debates and said, 'That makes some sense,'" Jacobs said. "Donald Trump has not made that jump yet. There's more scrutiny and controversy around his comments."
In a very crowded political field of 16 candidates, most all Americans know the name Donald Trump.
"Right off the bat, being a celebrity counts," said Jacobs.
Jacobs said Trump's recent comments against immigration have resonated with some conservative Republicans, but his name recognition also contributes to his surge in the polls.
According to the New York Times, other Republican candidates have averaged a six-point bump following their campaign announcement before dropping back down. Trump's support jumped by 10 points and has continued to climb.
The two other novice politicians in this primary are Ben Carson, a pediatric neurosurgeon, and Carly Fiorina, the former CEO of Hewlett Packard. In the Washington Post-ABC News poll, Carson's support is at 6 percent and hers is less than 1 percent.
Four years ago, businessman Herman Cain was leading the Republican race for president. A few months later, he suspended his campaign.
"Being a non-politician matters, like Ross Perot, if you can convert it into a political platform," Jacobs said. "But then the scrutiny comes, and the media attention brings heavy questions, and you've got to be able to stand up to that and be seen as credible."