For those who still do not see Bernie Sanders, the junior Senator from Vermont and self-described democratic socialist, as a viable presidential candidate, it may be time to think again.
In the latest Marist poll, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton may still lead Sanders by 11 points, 48% to 37%, among the potential Democratic electorate in Iowa, but her lead has narrowed significantly since July, when she sat at 55%.
However, where the tables really have turned for Clinton is in New Hampshire. Sanders has surpassed her there, 49% to 38%. In July, Clinton had a 13-point lead over Sanders. Her support among independents and moderates in particular has tumbled since then.
Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, said:
It’s been a summer of surprises with Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders sitting in the front car of the rollercoaster. … It’s less the case that Clinton, Bush, and Walker’s negative ratings have skyrocketed than Sanders and Trump have struck a chord with voters.
While the Democratic contenders are viewed positively by the potential Democratic electorates in Iowa and New Hampshire, Sanders’ positive ratings have improved. He has the highest favorable rating among the potential Democratic electorate in New Hampshire. Clinton is still well-received in Iowa, but she has seen a decline in her favorable rating.
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But the roller coaster has a long way to go, as the national election is more than a year away. Perhaps the newest Democratic contender, political activist and Harvard professor of law Lawrence Lessig, will lead the pack by then. Who knows?
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