Fresh post-debate polls show real estate magnate Donald Trump holding his lead on Tuesday over rival Republican presidential contenders, even as he insisted he will “keep the door open” to a potential independent run.
Advertisement
Former Florida governor and Republican establishment favourite Jeb Bush was also hit hard, according to a new Suffolk University poll. So was the confrontation between New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Kentucky Sen.
But less than 1% of those surveyed recall a moment involving Bush, and just 2% say he impressed them most during the debate.
But after days of controversial statements in the wake of the debate, including a series of comments and tweets seen by many as sexist and offensive, Trump returned to the idea of running for president outside the Republican Party. “The long-shot candidates staying in the race help keep Trump on top – at least for now”. Marco Rubio (R-Florida) at 10%, and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson at 9%.
Trump and Walker tied for first at 14 percent, Rubio came in at 11 percent, Fiorina and Carson were tied at 10 percent and Cruz was at 9 percent.
“In the absence of a debate, Trump’s lead widens because he swallows up the political oxygen, but when that oxygen is spread out more evenly in a debate, it breathes life into the other candidates, and the race gets closer”, said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center in Boston.
But the Suffolk University poll found that Trump’s lead was narrower among voters who had watched the first Republican debate on August 6. A 54% majority also reject Trump’s complaints that he was treated unfairly by the Fox News anchors who served as moderators; 41% agree with him.
Trump is not the only candidate to have benefited from the debate.
Advertisement
Among those who watched the evening debate or highlights from it, almost one in four say Rubio impressed them the most. Ted Cruz and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina – who saw her numbers increase dramatically after her performance in Thursday’s second-string early debate was roundly praised as a success. For Walker, that’s a five-point drop from July, but it’s an eight-point swing for Fiorina, who was at just one percent in July. We take care of all facets of web design – visual design, layout design and content development. AFP Video/Audio Web videos, TV and radio commercials, DVDs – Augusta Free Press LLC has you covered when it comes to video and audio production.
