Opinion: Anything but politicians!

How is it possible, you may ask, for someone lacking basic political knowledge to want to become president of the United States? Perhaps precisely for this very reason, writes DW’s Miodrag Soric.

Finally, there's one who knows where he's going, or at least that's what he makes people think - strident, confident, at times out of line. For Donald Trump, facts and arguments don't seem to matter. In his campaign speeches, the 69-year-old Republican has let out a lot of hot air, which matches his blow-dried hairstyle. He will win, he says, because he's a winner, a billionaire. That is his mantra. This has been able to impress the masses. Trump is leading in all the opinion polls.

In second place, there's Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon. Compared to Trump, he is tranquil. He speaks with a soft smile during his lectures on America's ontological sickness: the state apparatus has grown too fat. More than anything else, the United States needs a tax diet. The consequences of those cuts, however, he doesn't seem to take into consideration. It also doesn't appear to bother him that he doesn't understand much about foreign policy and security affairs.

And the latter is what really matters when it comes to actually serving as president.

Disappointed in politicians

Carly Fiorina, too, lacks political experience. And an astounding number of Americans see this as a good thing. There's no other way to interpret the current polls, with the wiry 60-year-old leaving political heavyweights in her proverbial dust. She refers time and again to her "experience" as a top business executive. Does anyone care that her record as CEO at Hewlett-Packard was anything to brag about?

But from where does the popularity of Fiorina and other inexperienced candidates derive?

The main source is discontent among broader society with regard to the political class. For years, the people have watched Washington become more involved with itself than with the passing of laws. Republicans and Democrats block themselves reciprocally. The image of both parties is deep in the dungeon.

Never underestimate entertainment

It should come as no surprise, then, that many Americans are happy to see new faces in politics. Trump and the others, for them, are a source of hope for a government closer to the people.

And even if that never comes, then at least it's been entertaining. Trump isn't scared to play with taboos. He ignores political correctness, and openly insults his opponents. If American voters are looking for cheap thrills, this is what they will get. But he won't solve any problems - certainly not when it comes to immigration policy.

Anti-politicians in politics - this is no new phenomenon in the United States. Just think back to the billionaire Ross Perot, who brashly announced in the early 90s amid the race between Clinton and Bush that "no lobbyist could ever buy him!" Donald Trump is saying the very same thing today.

Are we seeing a recurrence of back then? In 1992, Bill Clinton became president thanks in large part to Ross Perot, who ran as an independent and was able to divide the conservative camp.

Will Donald Trump do the same in 2016?