Donald Trump Opens Commanding Lead in New CNN Poll

Real estate mogul stands atop the GOP field with 36 percent support; closest competitor is Ted Cruz at 16 percent

Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Getty Images

Donald Trump is riding higher than his eponymous skyscrapers as a new poll shows him with a commanding lead in the Republican primary field.

A CNN/ORC poll indicates the real estate mogul enjoys 36 percent support, leading the closest competitor, Sen. Ted Cruz, by 20 points.

Dr. Ben Carson fell 8 points to 14 percent; Florida Sen. Marco Rubio drew 12 percent and the rest of the field lies below 5 percent, including Jeb Bush at 3 percent.

The poll marks Trump’s widest lead since he launched his campaign in June. Going inside the poll, Trump holds double-digit leads on crucial issues like the economy, illegal immigration, the budget, ISIS and foreign policy.

Political media continues to look on dumfounded at the rise and staying power of the Donald, since most of the controversies he’s sparked would have been the death knell of candidates in previous elections.

Across TV news and digital, most politics and media analysts predict a Republican wipeout in the general election if Trump wins the nomination.

Comments