The Republican establishment may hope this is the beginning of the end for Donald Trump's circus-like run for the presidency. But as the fallout intensifies after the billionaire businessman mocked Sen. John McCain's war hero status, Trump's supporters are more excited than ever about his chances. 'I love to see them jump all over him 'cause they're just giving him a clear road. I love it!' said Trump supporter Frank Candelieri, 89, from Merrimack, N.H., of the backlash his candidate faced in recent days. Candelieri, a World War II vet who said he won a Purple Heart fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, said he wasn't offended by Trump's comments.'I think it's going to improve his viability to be honest with you,' argued one of Trump's county-level chairmen in New Hampshire'The more Mr. Trump is being beaten on by people, obviously the better his polling numbers are''I love to see them jump all over him 'cause they're just giving him a clear road. I love it!' said one Trump-supporting Granite State voterMuch of Trump's appeal is based on his brand as a political outsider and say-anything style, and backers acknowledge that what drives his appeal is sometimes going to get him into troubleHe's been hammered for days over Saturday's claim that Sen. John McCain is only considered a 'war hero' because he was captured in wartime
But many _ backers in early-voting states argue the exchange is being overblown by the media and his opponents, who fear his sudden rise in early polls.