But, oddly enough, he was hugely popular with viewers. Bunker said the things the vast majority of Americans believed.
Trump could also be seen as the Right's version of Bernie Sanders. Sanders makes Hitlery appear less of a lunatic Leftist. One of the other candidates can use Trump to make himself or herself appear more reasonable while still avowing the same sentiments.
At least as far as his effect on FR goes, I'm thinking of Howard Beale.
The type of person who would open a window at the least suggestion to scream, "I'M MAD AS HELL, AND I WON'T TAKE IT ANY MORE!!!" is the perfect Trump supporter.