John Kasich Enters the Fray and Trump Moves to the Top of the Heap

Ohio Governor John Kasich has announced his run for the Presidential nomination in 2016. His optimistic theme is reminiscent of Ronald Reagan,[read_more]

“I am here to ask you for your prayers, for your support, for your efforts because I have decided to run for president of the United States,” he said.

“The sun is rising, and the sun is going to rise to the zenith in America again,” he said. “I promise you.”

“I am just a flawed man trying to honor God’s blessing,” he said.

With so many Republican Governors, we have a deep bench of Governors who want to become President. Governor Kasich is the fourth Governor to declare following declarations by Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.

But the Republican’s most popular candidate for President is Donald Trump.  In a recent Washington Post poll, Trump was way out in front with 24% of the vote. His closest rival was Governor Scott Walker at 13%.  Jeb Bush followed at 12%. In the Real Clear Politics’ average of Presidential polls Trump leads all candidates by 4.2%. Trump has been the leader in every poll since July 9th.

Why is Trump leading?  The Washington Post makes a good case that the reason is anger, anger at Washington.  Many voters see Trump as someone who thinks outside the box, someone who can  change things in Washington.  The voters are angry at Obama, at Congress, and the entire political establishment. They see Trump as someone who ‘feels their pain’ and talks their talk.

According to the New York Times the Trump rise is well beyond what is normal following an announcement for President.  They see his surge and largely driven by the media, but that will soon change as the media and other candidates take him seriously as a candidate. That’s their opinion.  We’ll see if the NY Times is right, they are often not. 

More on Governor Kasich’s announcement here and here.