Hillary Clinton would win against Donald Trump in 10 important swing states, political insiders in those states reported in a
Politico caucus.
In the poll of 10 states where both parties have similar levels of support (sometimes called "swing states") — including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, New Hampshire, Virginia, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Colorado, Nevada, and Iowa — top operatives, strategists and activists were asked who would win between Trump and Clinton in their state.
Eighty-nine percent said they believe Clinton will defeat Trump, while 11 percent said real estate mogul will win.
"Trump is grinding the GOP to a stub," said one Florida Republican, who was granted anonymity by Politico in exchange for speaking freely.
Those polled still went with Clinton, no matter their party affiliation:
- 76 percent of the poll's Republicans believe Clinton will win;
- 24 percent of the poll's Republicans believe Trump will win.
Democrats in the poll were far more convinced of Clinton's success:
- 99 percent of the poll's Democrats believe Clinton will win;
- 1 percent of the poll's Democrats believe Trump will win.
In three of the biggest battleground states — Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida — Republicans were nonplused about Trump's chances.
"Trump cannot and will not carry Ohio," said an Ohio Republican.
"There is positively no way for Trump to win in Pennsylvania," said a Pennsylvania Republican surveyed by Politico.
These comments were despite weeks of wins for Trump, including a sweep of mid-Atlantic states. Republicans fear that Trump will negatively affect the Republicans running for Congress and other offices down the ballot.
Democrats in the poll said billionaire developer would motivate Democratic voters to go to the polls to such an extent that several congressional seats will be picked up. One New Hampshire Democrat predicted a "near-historic blowout."
Clinton faces some challenges, including the notion that might resonate with some voters that Trump is "less of a politician" than Clinton, according to a Florida Republican.
Trump's style remains an issue for some of those in the poll.
"Could be close if Trump starts to act normal," said one Pennsylvania Democrat who took the Politico poll.
A
Washington Post report suggested that Ted Cruz would have a better chance against Clinton. However, overall most Democrats remained positive about Clinton's chances.
"Unless we throw up on ourselves, this is a no-brainer," said a Wisconsin Democrat.