Donald Trump Builds Lead 45 to 43 Among Likely Voters
Donald Trump builds a lead over Hillary Clinton for the first time since the Democrat National Convention. In a new CNN/ORC poll conducted Sept. 1-4, 2016, he now leads by two points with 45 percent to Clinton’s 43 percent, among likely voters. Clinton’s convention bounce previously hovered around eight points over Trump.
The GOP nominee is also gaining ground in battleground states. On Sept. 6, 2016, the Fox News “Hannity” show, reported that the Donald Trump is gaining in many crucial swing states that are needed to win the November General Election. Hannity said polling data released on Sept. 1, 2016, by Reuters/IPSOS tracking poll, that in Iowa, he leads Clinton 44 to 41, and in Michigan Trump leads 42 to 41. In New Hampshire, Trump is up 45 to 44 and in Ohio, a must-win state, Trump leads 46 to 43. Clinton and Trump are in a tie in both Maine with 42 percent and Wisconsin with 38 percent. These numbers are close but considering August polls where Clinton held an eight-point lead, it is quite a turnaround.
Former Speaker, Newt Gingrich, weighed in on Hannity’s show stating, “I think, first of all, if your Trump, you have to feel pretty good at the tremendous comeback…”
Indeed, the polls are offering some positive news for Trump who is gaining on his rival for the presidency. Other significant results seem to favor Trump who enjoys a 20-point lead among independents, a key voting bloc, with 49 percent to Clinton’s 29 percent. Trump is also supported by voters on the economy 56 to 41 and terrorism 51 to 45. Additionally, respondents view Trump as more honest and trustworthy 50 to 35.
According to a July 2016, Pew Research survey, Trump held 24 percent of Hispanic Voters which is up slightly as compared to Romney’s 21 percent in 2012 and McCain’s 23 percent in 2008.
Trump continues to claim he will win the Hispanic vote and is actively reaching out to African American voters. Recently Invited by Church Bishop, Wayne Jackson, Trump visited Great Faith Ministries International in Detroit, telling the congregation, “I am here to listen to you, I am here to learn” and “I want to help you build and rebuild Detroit,” he said. “I fully understand that the African-American community has suffered from discrimination, and there are many wrongs that should be made right.” He went on to tell the church attendees that “Our political system has failed the people and works only to enrich itself. I want to reform that system so that it works for you, everybody in this room.”
African Americans have traditionally voted for Democrats in large numbers, but Trump is seeking their support. In his rallies he asks them “What do you have to lose?” and claims the Democrats take minority support for granted. The presidential hopeful has reportedly been meeting with minority leaders to build a relationship by listening to their specific concerns and issues.
According to an Aljazeera report, Detroit has the highest percentage of black residents – more than 80 percent – of any large American city.
Breitbart reports that according to Hogan Gidley, former communications director for Gov. Mike Huckabee, that under President Obama, African Americans have seen their incomes decrease by 10 percent and only the top 10 percent of wage earners saw massive pay raises. “It’s important that Republicans show all voters that Hillary Clinton – by her own admission – wants to continue the very same Obama policies that have cut your pay, taken food off your table, clothes off your back and hurt your families,” Gidley added.
Trump continues to build his lead among likely voters. He is the first GOP nominee actively seeking support from African Americans in decades. July 11, 2016, Pew Research survey showed seven percent of African American voters reported they support Trump. That’s two percent more than Romney received in 2012 and six percent more than voted for McCain in 2008. His plea seems to be appreciated and welcomed but only time will tell if the Trump movement will win over those who traditionally vote Democrat and return to the party of Abraham Lincoln.
By Laurel Fee
Sources:
CNN: Poll: Nine weeks out, a near even race
The Wall Street Journal: Donald Trump Edges Ahead of Hillary Clinton in CNN Poll
Brietbart: Donald Trump Leads Romney, McCain with Minority Voters
Sean Hannity Show: 9/6/2016
Aljazeera: US election 2016: Trump on charm offensive in Detroit
Image Courtesy Gage Skidmore Flicker Page – Creative Commons License
