2016: Trump backs off his most controversial statements and/or policy proposals

[TML]

What if Trump publicly backed off one or more of his most controversial statements and/or policy proposals (e.g. deporting 100% of illegal immigrants, badmouthing countries like Mexico & China, banning Muslims, torturing suspects, personally attacking fellow candidates, etc.) while on the campaign trail? Would that have increased or decreased the likelihood of him winning the election?

[DPKdebator]

Depends on which factor it is. Deporting illegals and badmouthing Mexico/China are fundamentally different things (though there is some correlation between illegals and Mexico), and getting rid of either one would have different effects. I'm not sure if Trump would have done as good in the primaries if he didn't personally attack the other candidates, since that was kind of a signature aspect of him and changing that would mean pretty much changing his entire campaign.