The Donald Trump summer tsunami has been an unending tidal wave, unstoppable by controversial comments about Mexicans, prisoner of war John McCain and Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly.
The biggest force behind the real estate mogul’s rise to the top of the GOP heap is his rabid supporter base, filled with disenchanted Americans tired of politics as usual and inept leaders in Washington, D.C.
Other than Democrat Bernie Sanders, Trump has been drawing the biggest crowds of any presidential candidate with fans chanting as he boasts about beating other countries–and tossing in a few “he’s a loser” for some icing on the cake.
So who exactly is the typical Trump supporter? TheWrap spoke to 6 die-hard Trump supporters to find out what draws them to the GOP frontrunner and what their favorite movies, TV shows and music artists are.
Sean
Westlake Village, CA
24, Independent
Works part time at real estate office
“I support Trump because he’s pro-jobs and is highly against illegal immigration,” he told TheWrap. “I think Washington doesn’t need another cliche politician. He’s a businessman who speaks the truth.”
While not watching Trump on TV, Sean loves “Entourage” and “Modern Family.” On the big screen, “Inglourious Basterds” and “The Wolf of Wall Street” are his top movies; Billy Joel and U2 are his favorite artists; 93.1 Jack FM, Los Angeles is his radio station of choice; Entertainment Weekly IMDB.com are his top digital destinations; Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis strike his female actress fancy; Christian Bale and Jonah Hill for his male leads and CNN is his cable news station.
Anthony
New York, NY, Palm Springs, CA
44, Independent
Writer
“I don’t know yet whether I’ll vote for him or not but I think he’s an anti-policially correct Jedi,” he told TheWrap. “He cuts through a lot of the white noise. I don’t condone some of his offensive remarks but when you cut through that pile of sludge there’s going to be some mess involved.”
Anthony might not be 100 percent for Trump yet, but he is for one Fox News anchor. “Anything with Megyn Kelly,” he said for his top TV preferences, along with “The Facts of Life.” Moving to the big screen, the original “Superman” with Christopher Reeve and “The Year of Living Dangerously” are his popcorn favorites. Madonna and Björk top his musical charts and as far as top radio stations, Anthony is clueless.
“What’s that?” he said.
Ynet (Israeli news site) and Foxnews.com are his top digital choices; Greta Garbo and Nicole Kidman get his vote for best female stars while Brad Pitt and Humphrey Bogart are his leading men. Fox News is his preferred TV news network.
Deb
Central Massachusetts
55, Independent
Antique collection dealer
“I like the fact that he’s able to go out there and not be politically correct,” she told TheWrap. “He’s so different from everything we’ve seen in the last 20 years and that charge is welcomed.”
Deb sticks with her political passion on TV (or online) with “House of Cards” being one of her top shows along with “Lost.”
“50 First Dates” and “Twilight” are her favorite movies while Muse, Taylor Swift and Eminem make up her playlist. NPR is what she listens to on radio; TMZ and Drudge are her top websites.
Meryl Street is her leading lady while Clint Eastwood is her favorite actor. And Deb hears both sides out, liking both Fox News and MSNBC.
Pam
Palm Springs, CA
72, Party affiliation: Independent
Journalist, author
“First of all, he doesn’t ask me for any money, which is a good thing and he doesn’t mince words,” she told TheWrap.
Pam doesn’t mince words either, decisively choosing Cold War thriller “The Americans” as her favorite TV show with classics like “Gone with the Wind” and “Mommie Dearest” her favorite movies.
Elvis Presley is her top musician; she’s not big on listening to radio and Drudge Report and The Wall Street Journal are what she’s clicking on online.
Greta Garbo is her favorite female movie star while Clark Gable is her male lead. For TV, Deb goes global, watching Sky News more than any other network.
Firras
Des Moines, Iowa
24, Independent
3rd year medical student at Des Moines University
“I support him because I find him the most entertaining,” he told TheWrap. “Also, I’ve met Donald Trump over the years and he hasn’t changed at all. I find that refreshing.”
The med student finds still finds a TV mainstay refreshing, choosing “Grey’s Anatomy” as his favorite show. “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” is his favorite movie while Juicy J tops his playlist and Des Moines’ Hits 99.9FM is his favorite radio station.
BBC and his Facebook feed are his digital platforms of choice; Jennifer Aniston is his leading lady while Samuel Jackson is his male lead.
CNN is his favorite TV news network.
Neal
New York, NY
54, Republican
Real-estate salesperson
“I think it’s been a long time since we’ve had someone in the White House with business sense,” he told TheWrap. “I think he gets things done.”
Neal’s top TV shows are “Royal Pains” and “Grey’s Anatomy”; favorite movies include “Seven Pounds” and “Limitless.” Ed Sheeran does the trick musically while 106.7 Lite FM.
The New York Times and Facebook are his top digital destinations while Meryl Street and Dustin Hoffman are his favorite actors. Neal doesn’t watch cable news.