Politicians
In their book that examines American public opinion, Robert Erikson and Kent Tedin explain how Americans choose candidates. Erikson and Tedin illustrate the voting process, writing “a voter reacts to campaign stimuli… as a consumer…” In other words, voters view campaign rhetoric like they do commercials. Because of this, Americans shop around for candidates based on political rhetoric, and determine which political ideology they agree more closely with. Once a "consumer" or voter finds the candidate that uses political rhetoric they want to hear, they "buy" the product, and vote for the candidate.
The Trump Affect
Politicians and Their Impact
"Radical Islamic Terrorism"
The use of the language “radical Islamist” is offensive to the millions of Muslims who do not practice violence as a charge of their religion. But more than offensive, it is harmful. Rather than analyzing the facts concerning terrorism following the San Bernadino shooting, Donald Trump blamed Muslims, tweeting “Our country is facing a major threat from radical Islamic terrorism.”
Power of Influence
Because of his power to influence Americans’ beliefs by way of his office, Trump and other politicians’ comments can breed islamophobia by projecting untrue and harmful representations of Muslims onto the American public. Trump’s response to terrorist attacks, then reporting of Trump’s comments by television hosts in the media, impact Americans’ perception of Muslims and causes discrimination by connecting Islam with violence.
Media: http://newscult.com/trump-now-selling-pumpkin-maga-hats-internet-basically-imploding/