Trump Builds His Lead, Clinton Gains in Matchups With GOP: Quinnipiac Poll

http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/trackers/2015-12-02/trump-builds-his-lead-clinton-gains-in-matchups-with-gop-poll

Republican Donald Trump solidifies his advantage nationally in the party’s presidential race as Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton improves her showing in potential general election matchups, Quinnipiac University poll finds.

-In contest for GOP nomination, Trump leads with 27%, followed by Sen. Marco Rubio with 17%
- Ben Carson, Sen. Ted Cruz tied with 16%, Jeb Bush next with 5%, no other contender tops 3%

- In comparable poll released Nov. 4, Trump and Carson were in virtual tie for first

- Poll Asst. Director Tim Malloy sums up: “Dr. Ben Carson, moving to center stage just one month ago, now needs some CPR. The doctor sinks. The Donald soars.”

- NOTE: Much of poll taken as reports emerged that Trump had disparaged reporter by making fun of his disability


- In Democratic race, Clinton leads Sen. Bernie Sanders 60-30%; month ago, her margin was 18 ppts

- In general election matchups, she beats Trump 47% to 41% vs. 46%–43% last month
- Clinton in virtual tie with Rubio, 45% to 44%; last month Rubio led 46%-41%.
- She beats Cruz 47% to 42%; last month Cruz led 46%-43%
- She beats Carson 46% to 43%, last month Carson led 50%-40%

- NOTE: Nov. 23-30 poll of 1,453 registered voters nationwide has error margin of +/-2.6 ppts; figure is +/-3.8 ppts for GOP subset, +/-4.1 ppts for Democratic subset