“There isn’t enthusiasm for Trump.”
You’re either low info, or a NeverTrump.
Trump received more primary votes than any Republican candidate in history, and now holds the record for most money raised through small donations from individuals. His rallies are barn burners, wherever he goes, and his stats on social media are through the roof.
Don’t tell me there’s no enthusiasm for Trump. That’s a flat out lie.
____________________________________________________
I just don’t see it. I’ve never seen such apathy in the western suburbs of Chicago. Maybe there’s enthusiasm elsewhere. When Obama was running against McCain it was daily discussion at the office. There were yard signs of both candidates everywhere. The sentiment from nearly everyone I interact with is that they aren’t going to vote or if they are that they are embarrassed by both candidates.
He holds the Republican record for most money raised through small donations. He’s raised 100 million. Obama raised 480 million in 2012.
Your argument is fine and I can’t ignore the turnout at some of his events but the common refrain that I hear from nearly everyone I encounter is that both of these candidates are a joke.
Michigan has no enthusiasm for Hillary. Driving by UofM and MSU, I saw every other care with Obama stickers in 2008 and 2012. So far, I have seen two Hillary stickers. Literally.
“in the western suburbs of Chicago”
This explains it. The moderate Chicago suburbs are hardly representative of the rest of the country, much less of mostly rural and small town Iowa. Where I am in FL around the Gulf Coast there is a lot more excitement (and yard signs, etc.) for Trump than there was for Romney (and his rallies draw much, much larger crowds). I would imagine there must be more excitement in Iowa too since Trump’s doing about 10% better in the polls there than Romney got, which is a remarkably large shift. Of course, there are some Republicans who will not vote for Trump or only do so reluctantly, and I think that would be especially true of McCain enthusiasts, but don’t forget about Trump’s base, which is more enthused than I can remember for any candidate in ages.
I’ve also noticed that a lot of people tend to be reluctant to talk favorably about Trump, unless they already know the person they are talking to isn’t a Trump hater, because the backlash against Trump supporters from the intolerant left can be vicious. I wouldn’t trust office or that sort of discussions to be accurate. There are several people I know I would frankly never tell I’m supporting Trump (or even in some cases, people who know people who would be intolerant of those views, just in case they tell them—I don’t need to make my life more complicated after all).
“I just don’t see it. I’ve never seen such apathy in the western suburbs of Chicago. Maybe there’s enthusiasm elsewhere.”
I think it’s an effect of the environment in which you’re currently situated. Chicago is Obamatown. I can’t help but think that Republicans living in such close proximity, would have their enthusiasm somewhat dampened.
I’ll bet it’s much the same for Republican voters who live in places like Los Angeles or New York city.
I can tell you for a fact, that enthusiasm is quite high in the red states. Where I live, even millennial are anti-Obama, and can’t stand Pickles the PIAPS.