Support for president still strong

Donna Hunter wants to keep the peace when visiting family in southern Ohio this Christmas.

“I am not going to mention any politics whatsoever,” said the 67-year-old retired state employee from Hebron and usually outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump.

“I don’t want to insult anyone; it’s my family and we’ve got Republicans and Democrats.”

More than a year after Trump was elected president, he remains a lightning rod for political debate that divides family and friends, The Dispatch found in the finale of its yearlong “Turning to Trump” series.

Over that time, Dispatch reporters have visited four key central Ohio communities that voted for Barack Obama in 2012 but swung to Trump in 2016: Hebron, Chillicothe, Marion and Obetz.

Regular conversations with people in these communities show that Trump continues to hold strong support from a base of voters, though as in national polls, it seems to be shrinking somewhat.

The ongoing investigation into Trump’s possible ties with Russia; concerns about escalation of problems with North Korea; his continued unorthodox statements on social media; and the effort by him and the Republicancontrolled Congress to deliver a Christmas tax-cut package that polls say is unpopular have contributed to the erosion.

Asked about the tax plan, Charlie Settles, of Canal Winchester, just shrugged.

He has other, more immediate priorities.

“My biggest thing is trying to find decent work and supporting my family,” said the 23-year-old, who works a variety of construction, warehouse and security jobs as they become available.

Asked what the federal government could do to improve his situation, Settles said, “Quit bringing people here who shouldn’t be here. They’re basically taking money and food away from my family.” As for Trump’s immigration policies, he said, “The only thing I’ve seen is more and more people showing up here.”

Settles said he isn’t very political and decided not to vote last year, calling it two bad choices between Trump and Democrat Hillary