Thousands are flocking to Donald Trump's rallies because he gives them "a reason" behind the problems in their lives, Democratic pundit and former Clinton confidante James Carville said Thursday.
"You know what the greatest turnout generator in the history of politics is? It's a reason," Carville told
MSNBC's "Morning Joe" program, during a panel discussion that included retired NBC newsman Tom Brokaw.
"If people feel they have a reason to vote, that's going to get you out more than a phone call a knock on the door, more than anything else."
And even with "a certain Democrat, it took people our age" who "didn't go to college and their lives have not turned out well, Trump is offering them an explanation," Carville continued.
"He's saying their life didn't turn out well because of stupid politics and immigrants; they have a reason and maybe he doesn't make as many phone calls as [other] organizations," but "if people are motivated, if they think he's going to change their lives, that's a turnout."
Brokaw noted that Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders, who is also attracting thousands to his rallies, is a "platform" performer who speaks to voters for the concerns they have."
Show host Joe Scarborough said that this year, it's hard to find presidential candidates better versed on the issues than Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton are, but Sanders and Trump are gaining momentum, and Carville and Brokaw said they are not surprised by how well they have done.
"They're looking for someone who has another point of view of some kind," said Brokaw. "The Saturday before Howard Dean lost in Iowa, we were all told he was going to win. I've been out there when George Bush beat Ronald Reagan and Pat Robinson was a big winner in Iowa."
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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