Americans see both positive, negative in Republican front-runner Trump: Gallup

Bombastic U.S. billionaire and Republican front-runner Donald Trump is viewed as having both positive and negative traits by Americans, a Gallup poll released Wednesday found.

The controversial candidate only six months ago was seen by many as a temporary fad that certainly had no chance of clinching the Republican Party's nomination to run for president in 2016. But Trump has gained a sizable lead against other candidates in recent months, and he could well gain the nomination.

Asked to name the best or most positive thing about a possible Donald Trump presidency if he were to be elected in 2016, 10 percent of Americans mention his business background, 8 percent list his honesty, while 6 percent say he is confident, according to Gallup.

Among the issues, Trump's positions on immigration -- exemplified by his proposals to build a wall along the Mexican border and to restrict Muslims from entering the country for a time -- are most likely to come through as positive aspects of a Trump presidency, mentioned by 9 percent of respondents.

Some also mention Trump's ability to affect the economy as a positive thing, including improving the economy (5 percent), including controlling spending (3 percent) and producing more balanced trade (2 percent). Others mention his ability to fight terrorism (3 percent), Gallup found.

But in sharp contrast to those who have positive things to say about a potential Trump presidency, Americans are much more likely to mention potentially negative aspects of a Trump presidency than to mention positive aspects.

The list of possible negatives that would be associated with a Trump presidency are most focused on his personality and style.

Twelve percent of Americans say Trump as president would be too outspoken and impulsive, equally 9 percent say he would lack experience and would be arrogant, 7 percent fear he would be racist, equally 5 percent think he would be offensive and rude, and would embarrass the U.S. and lose respect of other nations, while 4 percent believe he would be ill-tempered and hot-headed.

Issue-wise, Americans focus most on the assertion that a Trump presidency would have poor foreign relations (6 percent), and that his immigration policies would be a negative (5 percent). Others say he would lead the U.S. into war (3 percent), adopt discriminatory policies (2 percent), and make the economy suffer (2 percent), Gallup said.

All in all, some Americans see a Trump presidency as a refreshing and important change from the status quo, while many others are alarmed by the implications if Trump were to win the 2016 presidential race. Endit