Despite worldwide condemnation for his anti-Muslim comments, controversial Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump continues to surge in popularity with voters.
His latest comments that Muslims should be banned from entering the U.S. has resonated with large portions of the electorate. A new new poll taken in South Carolina shows Trump has opened up an almost unsurmountable lead.
The poll taken by Fox News shows Trump is the top choice for voters who think national security and the economy are the two most important issues facing the U.S. He also polls first among voters who think being a strong leader is the most important presidential trait.
Although he doesn’t poll as high in honesty and trustworthy stakes, he is still the number one choice overall and is considered the most electable candidate.
The poll phone surveyed 437 likely Republican primary voters between December 5 and December 8. It shows Trump is favored by 35 percent of those polled, with Ben Carson a distant second with 15 percent and one percent ahead of both Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio. Jeb Bush polls in with only 5 percent.
The other Republican party presidential candidates poll so low that they have virtually no real support amongst voters.
The poll shows that after his Muslim immigration ban statements, support for Trump has increased by eight points. Trumps appeal has no gender gap, with 37 percent of men and 32 percent of women polling him as their first choice for president.
Of those surveyed in South Carolina, 65 percent regard Hillary Clinton as Trump’s biggest Democratic party threat. She polls in at 65 percent. Bernie Sanders trails far behind with 25 percent. All other Democratic candidates poll in at single figures.
Of those polled 42 percent say Trump is the Republican most likely to beat Clinton in the general election next year.
Trump’s anti-Muslim stance has not hurt him in other polls either. In the latest New York Times/CBS poll, Trump is still the Republican frontrunner polling at 35 percent, his highest level yet.
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