A recent CBS News/YouGov survey reveals that all top GOP candidates are showing a substantial lead over President Biden. With former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley at the forefront, holding the largest lead against the current president.
The poll, conducted from January 10 to 12 among 2,870 U.S. adults, shows Haley, aged 51, outpacing Biden, 81, by eight percentage points in a hypothetical matchup. Haley garners 53% support to Biden’s 45%, a notable lead that may signal changing political tides.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, 45, also demonstrates a robust challenge to Biden, leading by three percentage points (51% to 48%). Not far behind, former President Donald Trump, 77, closely competes in a head-to-head with Biden, standing at 50% to Biden’s 48%.
Particularly striking in the poll is the sway of American independent voters. Haley commands a remarkable 59% of this crucial demographic, while DeSantis and Trump attract 55% and 54% support, respectively. This shift among independents could be pivotal in the upcoming election. [Source]
The Iowa caucuses have already reflected this trend, with Trump celebrating a decisive victory. Winning nearly all state precincts, he secured 51% of Iowan support for his third bid for the Republican presidential nomination. DeSantis and Haley followed with 21.2% and 19.1% of the vote, respectively.
Trump, in a post-caucus statement, jokingly congratulated his competitors, advocating for unity. “I want to congratulate Ron and Nikki for having a good time together. We’re all having a good time together,” he said. “It would be so nice if we could come together and straighten out the world and straighten out the problems and straighten out all of the death and destruction that we’re witnessing.”
The survey also highlights what Americans seek in their next president. A commanding 84% of respondents desire a leader who shows both toughness and empathy, and 83% prefer a president open to compromise. In these categories, Haley shows an edge over Biden among voters who prioritize toughness and compromise. [Source]
Haley’s post-caucus speech echoed her poll advantage, where she urged her supporters to rally for an upset against Trump in the New Hampshire primary. “Both lack a vision for our country’s future because both are consumed by the past, by investigations, by vendettas, by grievances,” Haley said. “America deserves better.”
Her strong performance in Iowa and growing support could position Haley as a formidable contender against Trump in New Hampshire. Meanwhile, DeSantis is strategizing his campaign moves, planning to bolster his support in South Carolina before heading to New Hampshire.
Biiotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who garnered 7.7% of the Iowa vote, dropped out of the race, endorsing Trump. “This has to be an America First candidate in that White House. As I’ve said since the beginning, there are two America First candidates,” he stated.