South Carolina - In a wide-ranging campaign speech in South Carolina, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Friday explained to his audience what he said was the unfairness of America’s defense treaty with South Korea. In doing so, Trump also appeared to express admiration for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The young dictator has ‘talent’, the former reality TV star offered, even as he was careful to make sure his words were not misinterpreted.

“But you have this man, who’s a maniac, perhaps. And you gotta give him credit on one thing. The guy’s a young guy, he’s dealing with these generals, his father dies, and he maintains control. Something going there… you know, don’t underestimate a guy like that, do not underestimate. Does everyone know what I mean? Cause plenty of guys, I assume, want to take control. The father dies, the kid is young. The kid takes over. Do not underestimate that kind of talent. Now they’ll say ‘oh I like him’. I don’t’ like him at all,” he said.

In a new nationwide poll by Reuters/IPSOS, the real estate tycoon now leads the Republican field with 40 percent of the vote, with Texas Senator Cruz at 16 percent and Marco Rubio at 13 percent.‎