People revolted by his remarks are no longer self-identifying as Republican.

So he is maintaining a constant share of a smaller and smaller group of dumber and dumber voters.

Any data to back that up?

I'm saying because of Trump people are abandoning the Republican party.

Data to back that up? NO. Just a sense of what's happening.

And the right wing media's penchant for spin.

The fact is that he's alienating large segments of the voting public. And the polls are not looking for that or measuring it at all.

If the Republican base was reduced to 100 hillbillies barely able to walk and hold a food stamp in their hand at the same time, FOX News would still be trumpeting (cough, cough!) The Donald was holding on to his lead.

I don't think people are abandoning the repug party because of Trump--at least not a significant number.

The voters who like him don't like him any less because of his debate performance. And the voters who like other candidates still like those other candidates.

If there was a significant drop in the number of voters identifying as repubs, leaving a disproportionate number of Trump supporters,Trump's number would have increased by more than 1 percent (within the margin of error).

until the other more scientifically sound polls come out. They may confirm this one, and they may not.

It was a self-select online poll. Almost useless.

Crazy as it sounds Trump is their smartest candidate. He deserves to be in the lead. Pathetic I know but consider the party.

by today's politicians. it is even evident in the democratic party. I
t is why Hilary has no momentum. Trump attracts the same mindset that Sanders does. Total disgust.

that we must change course.

Sanders is the same.

People are fed up. They think politicians are totally out of touch with life on Main Street. They don't want Wall Street politicians any more.

That has to be the explanation.

When Zach Galifianakis' character intentionally shoots Will Ferrel's character in a "hunting accident" and his poll numbers go up.

Donald Trump is one of the most well-known political candidates of all time. People "know" him and know what he's about. If you are a Donald Trump supporter, nothing he said in the debate would be a shock or a turn off. Assuming he sways even a few undecided neanderthals who may have been leaning towards Paul, Cruz or Walker, his numbers should hold steady or go up, especially in a large field.