Despite All The Debate Backlash, Donald Trump Still Holds A Strong Lead

Jeb Bush and Ted Cruz lag behind Trump with percentages in the teens, meanwhile no other Republican candidate can muster support of over 8 percent of Republicans in online polls.

Trump’s veiled threat to bolt the party if necessary could risk his support among Republican primary voters and stall his momentum, although the billionaire reality television star has repeatedly defied predictions of political doom. Fiorina did not appear on the primetime debate stage with the top ten highest polling candidates on Thursday, but her performance at the “kids table” debate, sandwiched between former New York Gov. George Pataki and former Pennsylvania Sen.

The poll, conducted this past Friday and Saturday of more than 3,500 voting age adults, reveals that the first nationwide debate has shaken up some aspects of the crowded GOP field-but not dislodged Trump from the lead, despite his criticism of Fox News’ Megyn Kelly for her aggressive line of questioning on previous misogynist statements.

Other candidates fared better.

The poll also found that Trump, while maintaining his lead, elicits the strongest positive and negative reactions among Republican and likely Republican voters. “About 1 in 5 Trump supporters said they would support the eventual Republican candidate, while about the same number said it would depend”.

Morning Consult produces actionable polling and market research data on the most relevant policy and business questions, according to the organization’s web site.

No candidate emerged the clear victor from the two-hour debate, leaving the Republican race potentially more unsettled than ever. He is a great guy & assures me that “Trump” will be treated fairly on @FoxNews.

The debate’s feisty tone suited the flamboyant Trump, who has been the center of campaign attention for weeks for his personal attacks on rivals and his scathing comments about U.S. Senator John McCain’s war record and about Mexican immigrants. However, another 29% said Trump did the worst in the debate, clearly showing how polarizing he is.

Even so, something about Donald Trump is still resonating with conservative voters. “That’s what Donald Trump has tapped into”, said Fiorina, who was the runaway choice at more than 80 percent when Fox News asked viewers to tweet who they thought won the first debate.