Poll: Trump’s absence from GOP primary debates divides supporters.
A Majority of Trump Supporters Disapprove of His Absence from Primary Debates
A recent poll conducted by The Messenger/Harris reveals that a slight majority of former President Donald Trump’s supporters are not in favor of his decision to skip both primary debates thus far. The survey, conducted between September 28 and 29, took place after the second Republican primary debate hosted by the Republican National Committee and Fox News. Trump’s absence was disapproved by 51% of his supporters, while 49% believed it was the right call. Interestingly, 43% of respondents stated that they were more inclined to vote for Trump after the debate.
DeSantis Faces Criticism as Trump’s Support Remains Steady
When compared to a poll conducted a week prior to the second GOP debate, Trump’s support remained unchanged at 56%. However, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) experienced a decline in support, dropping from 14% to 11%. Despite this, DeSantis was declared the debate’s winner by 20% of Republican respondents. When considering the opinions of all Republican, Democratic, and independent respondents, Nikki Haley emerged as the winner with a plurality of 12%. On the other hand, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie received the most criticism, with 15% of all respondents deeming his performance as the worst. Among Republican candidates, nearly a quarter believed Christie had the poorest showing, especially after he referred to Trump as “Donald Duck” for his absence.
Only 14% of respondents claimed to have watched the entire debate, while 36% admitted to not being aware of or hearing about it. Nielsen ratings indicated that Wednesday’s viewership reached nine million, a significant drop from the 13 million viewers of the first debate.
Joining DeSantis, Haley, and Christie on the debate stage were former Vice President Mike Pence, Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), and Governor Doug Burgum (R-ND). Currently, there are 13 candidates competing for the Republican presidential nomination, with former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson failing to qualify for the second debate despite participating in the first one.
The margin of error for this poll was plus or minus 2.4 percentage points.
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How do Trump supporters feel about his absence from the primary debates?
News Network, where Trump was noticeably absent.
According to the poll, 51% of Trump supporters expressed disapproval of his absence from the primary debates. This finding is significant because it counters the prevailing assumption that Trump’s supporters are unquestioningly loyal and supportive of his every decision.
The primary debates hold immense importance in the election process, as they provide a platform for candidates to showcase their policy stances, debate their opponents, and present their qualifications to lead the party. Trump’s absence from these debates raises concerns about his commitment to participating in the democratic process and connecting with his base.
One of the possible reasons for this disapproval could be the belief among Trump supporters that the primary debates are essential for ensuring a fair and transparent selection process within the Republican Party. They may see Trump’s decision to skip the debates as undermining this process and potentially favoring specific candidates.
Furthermore, some Trump supporters may have wanted to witness their preferred candidate engaging in lively debates, defending his policies, and directly challenging his opponents. Trump’s absence deprived his supporters of the opportunity to see him in action and potentially sway undecided voters through his powerful rhetoric.
Another factor contributing to this disapproval could be the perceived negative impact on the party’s overall image and unity. Trump’s absence from the primary debates creates an impression of disarray within the Republican Party and may lead some supporters to question the party’s ability to present a strong and united front.
It is important to note that despite this disapproval, a significant portion of Trump supporters still stand by his decision. The same poll indicated that 43% of Trump supporters approved of his absence from the debates. These supporters may believe that debates are merely political theatrics that do not accurately reflect a candidate’s ability to govern effectively. They may perceive Trump’s decision as a strategic move to maintain control over his image and message, instead of engaging in what they deem as pointless theatrics.
Furthermore, Trump’s absence from the debates may align with his unconventional and outsider image, which resonates with many of his supporters. They may see his decision as a deliberate snub to the traditional political establishment and a demonstration of his independence and strength.
In conclusion, the recent poll conducted by The Messenger/Harris provides valuable insights into the sentiments of Trump supporters regarding his absence from the primary debates. While a slight majority disapprove of this decision, it is equally important to note that a significant number still stand by him. This division highlights the complexity and diversity within Trump’s support base, challenging the assumption of complete loyalty and unwavering support. With more primary debates on the horizon, it remains to be seen how Trump’s decision will impact his standing among his supporters and his overall campaign strategy.
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