A new Donald Trump-centric poll from Capitol Fax's Rich Miller and We Ask America reveals much of what we already knew: Illinoisans don't really like the mouthy real estate mogul from New York. But in a bit of a surprise, a large majority of survey-takers sided with the Donald on the right to stamp his name in 20-foot letters on the side of Chicago's otherwise architecturally stunning Trump Tower.
Miller reports that 61 percent of the 1,033 likely voters polled think Trump was justified in the decision to brand his namesake skyscraper while 29 percent opposed the conspicuous display of self-promotion. Meanwhile, only 38 percent had a favorable opinion of Trump compared with 42 percent espousing an unfavorable view.
"Despite the relatively low opinion many have of Mr. Trump, most believe he has the right to put his name in ego-sized proportion on his own building,” Gregg Durham, CEO of the polling company We Ask America, told Miller. "They’re able to separate their personal feelings about the man from the larger question concerning his rights."
Though 57 percent of Chicagoans supported Trump's controversial signage -- dubbed "tasteless" by Mayor Rahm Emanuel -- the developer polled the worst in the Windy City in terms of popularity. Just 23 percent rated Trump favorably, suggesting his low standing among Democrats in a Democrat-controlled Midwestern metropolis. He drew higher numbers among Republicans, downstate dwellers and independents, Miller said.
A media frenzy erupted earlier this month when it was reported that Emanuel had bashed the sign as a pox on the Chicago skyline. Local press outlets (including this blog) largely agreed with Emanuel, who vowed to ensure this never happens again.
