Trump CNN

A new poll released Thursday from Quinnipiac Univ has Donald Trump as the clear winner of the Republican primaries in FL, OH and PA, having many wondering if The Donald could really be the next president. It’s certainly interesting to watch given Trump’s strong ties to the entertainment industry. Case in point, what publication did the first cover interview and photo shoot with “the reality TV presidential candidate”? The Hollywood Reporter’s Aug 28 cover. Though it just barely beat out Time magazine, which has Trump on its Aug 31 cover.

While NBCU and Trump cut ties earlier this summer following remarks about immigrants, his link to the entertainment industry is still strong. Talk of Trump dominated the TCA press tour a few weeks ago, including questions over who would replace him in NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice.” Trump told THR that Stephen Colbert wanted him for his first show. The piece also included mentions of relationships with Roger Ailes, Rupert Murdoch and Vince McMahon. Then there was Trump’s headline-grabbing swings at Fox News and Megyn Kelly, following the GOP debate.

While some may have thought Trump’s campaign was purely entertainment, pundits say he needs to be taken seriously. The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza, for instance, did an about face and said he was wrong for not doing so. And One America News Network released its own presidential poll results Thurs for Arizona (conducted by Gravis Marketing). It shows Trump with a sizeable lead (33.1%) with Ben Carson (16.2%) as runner up. A new CNN/ORC poll has Trump only 6 points behind Hillary Clinton in a theoretical general election.

A few things to keep in mind about The Donald:

–          He doesn’t sound like a fan of Title II regulation, telling THR he always like government staying out of business.
–          He seems to be having a lot of fun and has never been one to shy from cameras. Remember his WWE Battle of the Billionaires with McMahon?
–          He makes up new rules. See Time interview in which he suggests going to CNN, which will host the next debate on Sept 16, and saying he won’t appear unless they give $10 million to charity.  “If I’m in it, they’ll get this crazy audience, and they’re going to make a fortune since they’re selling commercials every time we take a break. Would you ever say to them, would you ever say, I want $10 million for AIDS research, for cancer, for this type or not, or is it too cute?”

Whether you think he’s cute or not, Trump’s sticking around for 2016…

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