Trump supporters: Banning Muslims not a dealbreaker

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - "Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States."

By now, you've probably heard that comment from Donald Trump several times. It's upset millions of people around the United States, but how do people who support Trump feel about the statement?

The entire Republican establishment is having a collective conniption fit over the prospect of Trump seizing the Republican nomination.

After Trump's comments about banning Muslims, do Trump backers worry from here on out his support will evaporate?

"Absolutely not. Jimmy carter banned Iranians and in World War II we interned Japanese," said Greg Burleson, a Trump supporter.

People drawn to Trump take all the criticism in stride.

"He is stirring it up and some of the stuff he says is valid and some of it isn't, but that is a politician for you," said Sue Zwagerman of Phoenix.

So what is it exactly people seem to like about Trump? It seems it's the fact he is not afraid to court controversy to make statements other people find outrageous.

"He just says what he feels and he don't care.. that is kind of good.. some things are erratic," said Larry Clifford of Phoenix.

Could Clifford support Trump?

"I think I could. Yeah, I think I would. He is kind of gutsy and stuff," he replied.

Still, some aren't quite sold on Trump yet.

"You know, he has done well. He seems to care about people. Those are good qualities for a president," said Joy Flohrschultz of Phoenix. "I will certainly vote for him if he gets the nomination, but I am uneasy about him."

We asked the Arizona State Republican party for a comment on Trump's Muslim comments and got a polite "no comment."

After hitting the streets, we learned there are people who are drawn to Trump for different reasons. But one common thread that ties them together: he seems like a genuine guy who speaks his mind, wherever that takes him.

We'll find out next month in Iowa how that translates to actual votes.