Key Takeaways:
– Huge support for Trump among prison inmates, especially white inmates.
– Two surveys show Trump’s popularity, despite his felony convictions in the hush money trial.
– Over 54,000 prison and jail inmates respond to the survey.
– Significant number of incarcerated Republicans support Trump’s pledge to act as a dictator.
Introduction
Former President Donald Trump has gained a unique following, a new report reveals. Surprisingly, a large part of his support base lies among the people who can’t vote – the prison inmates.
Trump’s Unexpected Fans
Both the November Poll and a more recent survey conducted by The Marshall Project highlight this point. The studies reveal that 60 percent of white inmates are Trump supporters. However, only 30 percent of Black respondents felt the same way. The support comes despite Trump’s recent convictions. Earlier this year, Trump was convicted of felonies during a hush money trial.
One inmate, Enrique Banda-Garcia, incarcerated in Washington State Penitentiary, shared his perspective. According to Enrique, a majority of the inmate population, especially whites, openly support Trump. Interestingly, this support is unwavering despite his party’s reputation. Republicans are known for being tough on criminals, perhaps even more so during their incarceration. Yet, Trump’s popularity among inmates remains unfluctuating.
The Grand Survey
The survey spanned over 785 prisons and jails in 45 states and the District of Columbia. More than 54,000 individuals participate. The report unveils that 35 percent of respondents identified as independents, while 22 percent leaned Republican, and 18 percent were Democrats.
Trump’s Convictions – A Debated topic among Compatriots
Inmates show leniency towards Trump’s convictions for falsifying business records to hide a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Only about a third thought he should go to prison. Some even suggested that a prison experience might be beneficial for the former President. It would allow him to witness firsthand the suffering of inmates and the inherent flaws of the prison system.
Inmates Back Dictatorial Pledge
Among incarcerated Republicans, nearly 73 percent back Trump’s pledge to act dictatorially from his first day in office, echoing the sentiments of the 74 percent of Republicans outside prison.
Conclusion
This report throws light on an unexpected facet of Trump’s popularity. His ability to strike a chord with individuals facing incarceration, irrespective of their inability to vote, speaks volumes. It paints a picture of a politician who, despite his legal troubles and controversial pledges, continues to exact loyalty and admiration. Despite the iron bars separating these individuals from society, their political beliefs remain robust and unwavering. The internal politics within prison walls seem to mirror the chaos of the outside world. With the looming months bringing political shifts and clear skies, one wonders how this fervor will transform. For now, Trump’s popularity among inmates remains a hard fact.