Jeff, funnily enough, your summation does not tally with recent opinions here amongst the rank & file, although predictably, the left continue to despise him. He has swung some opinion here due mainly to his performance against the unspeakable Piers Morgan, and others so it remains to be seen whether his Primary face continues to be presented during the actual Presidential election..assuming he wins the Primary. (He may have already and if so I apologise for being behind the times).
There is an old truism in any business, military or political scenario and that is that people will gravitate towards a strong man. (or woman).
If Trump is perceived to be 'strong' by the proletariat, and that strength is perceived to be the desired asset, he will win. No question. Even those who fundamentally disagree with everything he stands for will vote for him if they perceive he can give them security and can tackle global terrorism head on.
You only have to look at the reaction to Putin's actions in Syria over the past few months. He has won many admirers in the West due to his apparent decisiveness, never mind the morality or the legality. We are facing a world crisis of extremist violence - people say "hang the niceties - we want action, or, we want protection"
I do not attempt to legitimise or justify Putin or Trump, merely report some groundswell of public opinion at a low level and comparisons between Trump & Putin are extremely valid for that reason..
Remember, partly in response to the migrant crisis, Europe is turning Right and Trump may be perfectly placed to captalise on that..