Donald Trump’s attack on John McCain fails to halt poll momentum

The Republican establishment may hope this is the beginning of the end for Donald Trump’s circus-like run for the presidency.

But as the fallout intensifies after the billionaire businessman mocked Senator John McCain’s war hero status, Trump’s supporters are more excited than ever about his chances.

And why wouldn’t they?

White House hopeful Trump jumped far into the lead in the race for the 2016 Republican nomination, a poll showed, despite a backlash over his comments.

The hotel magnate was the favourite for 24% of Republican and Republican-leaning independent voters, the highest percentage and widest lead so far in the campaign, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll.

He far outpaced his rivals Scott Walker (13%) and Jeb Bush (12%). The next seven had support ranging from eight to three percent.

But the survey was conducted from Thursday to Sunday, and the Post said most of the participants were interviewed before Trump lambasted McCain last Saturday.

“I love to see them jump all over him ‘cause they’re just giving him a clear road. I love it,” said Trump supporter Frank Candelieri, 89, of the backlash his candidate faced in recent days.

Candelieri, a World War II vet who said he won a Purple Heart fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, said he wasn’t offended by Trump’s comments.

On Saturday, the reality television star dismissed McCain’s reputation as a war hero because he was captured in Vietnam, saying he liked “people who weren’t captured”.

McCain, the 2008 GOP presidential nominee, spent more than five years as a prisoner of war, enduring torture and refusing release ahead of fellow captives.

The remark sparked criticism that followed Trump as veterans groups and many Republican officials defended McCain.

Republican leaders and other 2016 candidates have been frustrated by Trump’s brash campaign, which has often overshadowed their own in recent weeks. But many Trump backers in early-voting states argue the exchange is being overblown by the media and his opponents, who fear his sudden rise in early polls.

Even many non-Trump supporters doubted the latest controversy would hurt his appeal among a slice of the electorate that finds his unvarnished persona refreshing.