We’ve seen a lot polls trying to gauge who will get their party’s nod for the presidency, but a new Public Policy Polling survey looks beyond the primaries toward the general election. The results are surprising. According to the survey, the Republican candidate who best matches up with Hillary Clinton in 2016 is none other than famed neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson, who ties with her in national polling and trounces her with independent voters:
Mr. Carson and Mrs. Clinton were tied at 44 percent apiece, according to the survey from the Democratic-leaning firm Public Policy Polling, and Mr. Carson had an 8-point, 43 percent to 35 percent advantage over Mrs. Clinton among independents.
Clinton fared better against other candidates, but still struggled to stake out a significant lead against the rest of the Republican field. Her largest lead was over Scott Walker, at 7 points:
Mrs. Clinton had 2-point leads over Mr. Trump and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina, at 46 percent to 44 percent and 45 percent to 43 percent, respectively.
…Mrs. Clinton led former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush by 4 points, 46 percent to 42 percent, and Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida by 4 points, 47 percent to 43 percent. She led Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas by 5 points, 47 percent to 42 percent and she led Ohio Gov. John Kasich by 5 points, 44 percent to 39 percent.
She led former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee by 6 points, 48 percent to 42 percent, and she led Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker by 7 points, 47 percent to 40 percent.
This poll is good news for Carson, showing his appeal among independent voters, but it’s also a positive sign for other Republican hopefuls that no matter who wins the nomination, the White House is very much up for grabs.
Nick Arnold is a researcher for American Principles In Action.
