Trump won't condemn KKK support

(Reuters)
(Reuters)

Donald Trump's been laid into by his political opponents today for his response to a vocal display of support from a former Ku Klux Klan (KKK) member.

It comes just one day out from Super Tuesday, when voters in 13 states get to vote for their favourite candidates in the primary elections.

In Houston, Texas, James Capp says he'll be voting for Mr Trump, and if his daughter Jameson, 11, was old enough, she'd be voting for him too.

"She loves him to death," Mr Capp says.

Mr Trump is getting huge support in Texas for the Republican nomination.

Texas is the biggest prize on Super Tuesday, when 13 states vote for who they want as their party's nomination.

And why do they back him? Almost every Trump support will say it's because he's "not a politician".

"He is a little out there, but you know, maybe that's what the country needs," Mr Capp says.

And in the latest Trump controversy David Duke, a former leader of the KKK, has controversially declared his support.

Today, Mr Trump refused to condemn the support of white supremacy groups.

"I have to look at the group," he said. "I mean I don't know what group you're talking about. You wouldn't want me to condemn a group that I know nothing about.

"Honestly, I don't know David Duke."

Trump's opponents were quick to cut him down.

Ted Cruz said on Twitter:   

Marco Rubio called Mr Trump's position "unbelievable".

"We cannot be a party that nominates someone who refuses to condemn white supremacists and the Ku Klux Klan. We cannot be a party who does that," he said.

Hours later, Mr Trump responded on Twitter, suddenly remembering what he said on Friday:

"I didn't even know he endorsed me," he said. "David Duke endorsed me? Alright, I disavow it, okay?"

Some Republicans really don't like Mr Trump but admit they may have no option if he wins.

So while the Trump phenomenon may seem like a circus to many outsiders, for those voting for Mr Trump it is born out of something very real -- a deep distrust of politics and of politicians.

Super Tuesday is coming, with only two days to go.

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