A new poll shows a virtual dead heat between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton nine weeks before Election Day. Trump leads 45 percent to Clinton’s 43 percent — just a slim two points — among likely voters in a new CNN/ORC Poll.
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The numbers may come as a surprise for Clinton supporters, whose candidate enjoyed an 8-point lead after the Democratic National Convention. Trump has managed to climb the polls, despite a month of headline-grabbing campaign staff changes.
Most voters support their party’s choice, but independents are swinging toward Trump, with 49 percent saying they’d vote for him. Twenty-nine percent back Clinton, 16 percent support Libertarian Gary Johnson, and 6 percent say they’ll vote for Green Party nominee Jill Stein.
Clinton still holds quite an edge over Trump when it comes to female voters. Women support Clinton 53 percent to Trump’s 38 percent.
One hurdle the candidates have yet to overcome: likeability. Respondents hold unfavorable views of both candidates.
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Despite the shifts, most voters said they expect Clinton to win it all in November. Fifty-nine percent believe she will win. Thirty-four percent think Trump will bring home a victory.
(H/T: CNN)