"Since 1984 there has never been more negativity about folks running for president than there is today. According to a new Washington Post/ABC news poll both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have a 57% rating in the unfavorable category.

"In a CBS News poll, Trump is at 55% unfavorable. Secretary Clinton has 52%

"In a Wall Street Journal - NBC poll 58% don't like Trump & 54% are negative about Hillary.

"The question then becomes can these candidates overcome those negatives? 

"Talking Points believes that many American voters will stay home this time around even though the campaign will be very intense. 

"Right now Donald Trump has improved his polling because more than 80% of Republicans many of whom did not support him before are now on board with Mr. Trump. That support is driven in part by a loathing for Hillary Clinton.

"On the other side, the number is also more than 80% of Democrats supporting the secretary.  That's fairly predictable Mrs. Clinton is a liberal woman who will carry on many of President Obama's policies.

"But independent voters will decide who becomes the next president, and this is where both candidates have a problem.

"In Donald Trump's case, he would be wise to continue his self-described straight talk but shift the adjectives. His base is firm. Trump supporters love him. He doesn't need to be demeaning in his speech unless it's an egregious situation. Mr. Trump's use of verbal shock and awe will only help him further if voters believe the insults are in context and not designed simply to shock.

"Also, the more specific Donald Trump is on policy, the more votes he will get. In just a few moments I will ask Mr. Trump very pointed questions about terrorism and the transgendered situation.

"As for Hillary Clinton, she needs to stop her calculated posture. There is no reason that Mrs. Clinton should not debate Bernie Sanders on the Fox News Channel. As we said last week - although she has the nomination locked up, she will reach millions of independent voters in that debate and she'll need them in the general election. Also, Mrs. Clinton should answer questions from people like me - not just from sympathetic journalists.

"Summing up - independent Americans have the power this time around. 

"And both candidates should realize that."

Guests: Donald Trump
Donald Trump joined The Factor from his New York headquarters. When discussing speculation of terrorism with the EgyptAir crash, Trump stated, "Something bad happened and we'll see. I guess they'll eventually find out, but I certainly do...I know that plane very well...you have thousand and thousand flying millions of miles, there's never been anything like it." Trump then said it "wouldn't bother me at all" when asked if he would support asking Congress for a declaration of war to fight ISIS. The Factor then pressed Trump about the transgender bathroom issue. Trump said that everyone should be protected, but that he "would really leave it up to the states in this case."

Guest: Brit Hume
In response to the interview with Trump, Hume said, "I was very struck by the political advice you give him. I think it's a generous act on your part to advise the frontrunner as to what he ought to do next." When speaking of Trump's changes, Hume said, "I think he has trimmed his sails. I think his tone is calmer and his demeanor more dignified...presidential, if you will." The Factor then asked if Bernie Sanders is causing Hillary Clinton undue angst. Hume responded by saying that "the Bern is under the impression now that he's not merely a presidential candidate, he's the leader of a movement." According to Hume, "Trump is in a good spot," but we'll see what happens when Bernie Sanders drops out and the Democrats turn their "full fury" on Trump.

Guest: Kirsten Powers
In response to an editorial in the Charlotte Observer, The Factor stated that the solution to the problem is private installations for people who are transgender. Kirsten Powers then weighed in on the Charlotte Observer editorial, saying that "nothing about it seemed crazy to me." Powers said "it's not a boy who wants to be a girl, it's a person who was born with male genitalia who experiences life as a woman." The Factor asked about the rights of the "90+% kids from traditional homes." Powers responded by saying that the transgendered students are not "in your shower next to you. If you want to have a separate area for them in this sort of transitional period, I would understand that because it bothers some people....this person is not preying on your daughter, it's not a pervert..."

Guest: Clarence Mitchell
Edward Nero, a police officer, was acquitted on all charges in his involvement in the death of 25-year old Freddie Gray. Clarence Mitchell, a radio talk show host from Baltimore, joined The Factor to discuss the reaction from his listeners after the acquittal. Mitchell said the reaction was "pretty much as expected." Mitchell explained that "officer Edward Nero's case was the weakest. He was charged with second degree assault, two counts of police misconduct, and reckless endangerment, all resulting in the arrest of Freddie Gray. It had nothing to do with him in the van." Mitchell then said that there were no signs of any unrest in Baltimore after the acquittal, and challenged the "narrative that somehow Baltimore is out of control." Mitchell explained that there has not been any violence in the community in reaction to the trial of Freddie Gray, contrary to Mitchell's belief that Baltimore is portrayed as "out of control." Mitchell said that "justice was rendered in this case."

Guest: Karl Rove
RealClearPolitics polling shows a dead heat between Trump and Hillary Clinton. Karl Rove explained Trump's surge by saying that "for whatever reason...he's doing well among independents...he's gotten an improvement after Indiana, Republicans began to consolidate behind him...that'll happen with the Democrats as well when Hillary Clinton succeeds." The Factor pressed Rove on why Trump's polling has improved against Hillary Clinton. Rove explained that "there is a good Trump and there's a bad Trump. The good Trump says the things that draw people to him...and there's a bad Trump that causes people to say 'Oh really?'" In regards to Hillary Clinton, The Factor said that "what Sanders has done has turned a lot of Democrats against her by portraying her as being corrupt. It's all about corruption."

Guest: Jesse Watters
Right now in the USA, 65% of Americans believe the country is on the wrong track according to a consensus of polling. Watters took to the streets of Philadelphia to see what the folks are angry about.

Some of the responses included:

"I'm angry because I can't find work."

"Every time I get my check; I get half my check taken away by the government. I should keep my money."

"Nobody is talking about the vets in this campaign"

"Trump makes me angry."

Ken Ashby, Dallas, Texas: "Bill, you say you cannot be a feminist and cover Donald Trump fairly. Does that mean a pro-life person can't cover planned parenthood?"

Jennifer Casey, Spring, Texas: "Bill, you have been a staunch advocate from the beginning for some kind of amnesty for illegal immigrants.  We turn you off when you start showing your Catholic bias on the issue."

Protect your private life on social media and the internet, don't be a Pinhead. There are folks who will hurt you.