Trump remain on top in New Hampshire

Despite having lost several points over the past few days, most Iowa polls show Cruz remaining firmly in second place behind Trump.

And all the while, some high-profile conservatives are rallying behind Trump, who has thrilled many in the Republican base with aggressive plans to crack down on illegal immigration and ban Muslims from entering the country, at least temporarily, to safeguard against terrorist threats. That explains why the Cruz camp is targeting Trump so rigorously, but Trump appears to have finally rattled some Republican groups, too.

The results are also similar to an NBC News online poll conducted last week that found 39 percent of respondents supporting Trump, followed by Cruz with 17 percent. This distinction matters more for caucus states, as caucuses take place at specific times and require a more or less public declaration of support.

The US presidential election is scheduled for November 8, with first primaries starting in the state of Iowa on February 1. “Nobody likes Ted”, Trump said.

Even as the candidates mounted their final push in Iowa, they were also a close watch on New Hampshire, where the more mainstream Republicans are hoping an impressive showing can elevate one of them as the alternative to Cruz or Trump. No other candidate is a factor in the race.

It showed no gain for Trump from last week’s endorsement of him by Sarah Palin, a onetime Tea Party favorite.

Indeed, CNN said that Mr Trump is well ahead of his rivals in a range of subgroups, including both men and women, younger and older voters, white evangelicals, conservatives and both self-identified Republicans and independents who lean toward the party.

Both Cruz and Trump are seeking to capitalize on a strain in the GOP hungry for an insurgent conservative that can shake up the status quo.

There are two subgroups where Trump’s lead is less dominant: college graduates and tea party supporters.

The Democratic presidential candidate says he believes he has “an excellent chance to win” next week’s Iowa caucuses “if we have a large voter turnout”.

And about one-third of Republicans say they think Trump is the candidate who “best represents the values of Republicans like yourself”, 34 percent choose Trump, 9 points ahead of Cruz at 25 percent.

But during his ABC chat on Tuesday morning, Trump insisted he’s anti-abortion. He warns that if elected president, Trump would be locked in with the political establishment in Washington.

Though he didn’t say Trump’s name during a stop in Osceola, Iowa, Cruz highlighted his Republican rival’s past support for the federal government stimulus package and bank bailout. Each polled at 24%.