Trump, the combative real estate mogul, leads the 16 other Republican candidates with 28 per cent support among registered voters nationwide, up from 20 per cent in a similar July 30 survey by Quinnipiac University.
Today’s lead marks the widest margin for any Republican so far in the election cycle, the survey said. Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson placed a distant second with 12 percent, followed by former Florida governor Jeb Bush, Senator Ted Cruz and Senator Marco Rubio, each with seven percent.
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker was next with six per cent, and Ohio Governor John Kasich and businesswoman Carly Fiorina each registered five per cent.
“Other GOP hopefuls seem to disappear. Trump proves you don’t have to be loved to be the leader,” said Quinnipiac poll assistant director Tim Malloy.
Trump’s abrasive style, including his caustic criticism of rivals, has led some observers to say he does not have the temperament to be president, but he has dominated the race essentially since he declared his candidacy in June.
On the Democratic side, Clinton’s support has shrunk, to 45 <g data-gr-id="26">per cent</g> now compared with 55 <g data-gr-id="27">per cent</g> on July 30, while her main rival Senator Bernie Sanders is <g data-gr-id="25">polling</g> at his highest level, 22 <g data-gr-id="28">per cent</g>.
Biden, who is not a declared candidate but is mulling jumping into the race, earned 18 percent in the poll.
Significantly, Biden “has the best appeal in general election matchups against top Republicans,” Malloy said. Biden beats Trump by eight points, Bush by six points, and Rubio by three points.
Clinton beats them too but by smaller numbers: four points, two points and one point respectively.