Over the past seven years, the US has seen many struggles between the Democrats and Republicans—the US government shut down in October 2013 and the US approval of Congress remains low(at a rate of less than 20 percent). Therefore, for many, Trump is a welcome change. Unlike traditional candidates, Trump, a billionaire with a bigmouth and little respect for political taboos, has solicited the support of many ordinary people.

Another serious problem with the US society is that some voters have lost faith in the"Washington brand" of politics. What Trump has offered—for example, the slogan"make America great again"—is even hollower than"hope and change" proposed by US President Barack Obama more than eight years ago.

That so many people support Trump's slogan reflects people's distrust of and dissatisfaction with the existing political system, the government and politicians. For instance, on foreign policy, US citizens seem to think the Obama administration responds slowly and softly to potential threats. That's why after the California shooting in December, when Trump called for a total ban on Muslims' entry into the US, he got his highest public rating in a national poll.

On the economic front, Obama could get a relatively high score, but economic growth has yielded little tangible fruits for ordinary people. On social issues, as racial conflicts and shootings increase and become more serious, US citizens feel more insecure and yearn for a "tough guy" who can take determined measures.

Although it is too early to say whether Trump will win the Republican nomination race, one thing is certain: his domination by exploiting public sentiments will have a huge impact on the Republican Party by possibly attracting new voters to the party and reflecting new developments in US domestic politics. In this regard, whether he wins or loses will be less important than the effect of his candidature on US political life.

The author is an assistant research fellow, Institute of American Studies at China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.