Alfonse D'Amato

It's no surprise voters are drawn to nontraditional candidates

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Donald Trump? Ben Carson — Dr. Ben Carson? Candidate for president?

The 2016 presidential campaign has featured a dramatic rise in non-traditional candidates — from Trump to Carson to Carly Fiorina to Bernie Sanders, on the Democratic side — and there’s no sign that any of them are slowing down. In fact, many polls now show Carson tied with Trump among the GOP candidates for the lead in Iowa.

As my loyal readers know, I have already come out in support of Ohio Gov. John Kasich. As I mentioned last week, I want a Republican in the White House, and besides the fact that Kasich is extraordinarily well qualified, if you do the math, he’s the only candidate who will win Ohio. Plain and simple.

But allow me, if you please, to analyze the remainder of the field.

Trump is the most outspoken of all, and given the nature of his career, the most well-known. He has taunted his opponents as he continues an onslaught of criticism of the GOP establishment. Last week, however, he signed a pledge committing to run as a Republican and to not mount a third-party run should he lose the primary.

Sanders continues to run strongly in the Democratic primary. He has run as a socialist, and touts his anti-establishment, anti-government record.

Carson, a retired neurosurgeon, is riding the wave of anger directed at professional politicians. Why a renowned neurosurgeon would ever want to be president, however, is beyond me. He is a consummate gentleman, and has surprised many with his authoritative grasp of the issues. He has proved that you can be a viable candidate without attacking your fellow Republicans.

All of these non-traditional candidates have one thing in common: They’re fed up with Washington’s constant fumbling on everything from the economy to immigration to our foreign policy. There have been disasters at every turn, regardless of the administration.

Right now the economy and the stock market are in turmoil. Stocks are down about 7 percent over the past few weeks due largely to the slowdown of China’s economy. Americans have lost confidence in the economy and our markets, and many point their fingers at Congress.

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