Donald Trump surges ahead of Hillary Clinton in latest poll
Abrasive billionaire's promise to make US 'great again' continues to resonate

A new poll suggests that surprise Republican frontrunner Donald Trump would beat Hillary Clinton to become the nation's president if a vote was taken today.
Trump's announcement of his intention to join the presidential race was widely ridiculed back in June, but his poll numbers have been climbing steadily ever since. Political news website The Hill revealed that the latest SurveyUSA poll gave Trump 45 per cent of the vote to Clinton's 40 per cent.
Trump's popularity surge has coincided with a media storm over likely Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server to conduct government business as Secretary of State. Although Clinton attempted to assure the public that no classified information was compromised, her popularity has taken a hit as voters question her trustworthiness, says The Times.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Clinton's candidacy may have become mired in controversy, but it has hardly been a smooth campaign for Trump either. Figures on all sides of the political spectrum have berated him for his "bullying" debating style, offensive comments about women and minorities, and underhand tactics such as broadcasting a rival's personal phone number. Standout howlers on the campaign so far include tweeting a pro-America image showing Nazi troops instead of US ones and branding Mexican undocumented immigrants rapists and criminals.
However, the new poll numbers suggest that even his high profile gaffes have not stopped a significant number of American voters from standing by the man once described by fellow Republican Lindsey Graham as a "jackass".
Trump's straight-talking persona and bold promise to "make our country great again" have been especially popular with grassroots Republican voters, among whom his political inexperience is often seen as an advantage. The billionaire real estate magnate has pledged to use his business acumen to create jobs, bolster the economy and restore the nation's manufacturing base.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why is Trump suddenly interested in his enemies' mortgages?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the president continues targeting adversaries, he's turned to a surprising ally to provide ammunition for an emerging line of attack
-
'A symbol of the faceless corporate desire'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Truck drivers are questioning the Trump administration's English mandate
Talking Points Some have praised the rules, others are concerned they could lead to profiling
-
DC prosecutors lose bid to indict sandwich thrower
Speed Read Prosecutors sought to charge Sean Dunn with assaulting a federal officer
-
Trump soaks up adoration in his made-for-TV Cabinet meetings
IN THE SPOTLIGHT The president's televised sessions have become a platform for his top lieutenants to demonstrate executive flattery
-
Court rejects Trump suit against Maryland US judges
Speed Read Judge Thomas Cullen, a Trump appointee, said the executive branch had no authority to sue the judges
-
Can anyone save Jimmy Lai?
Today's Big Question 'Britain's shameful inaction' will mean it's partly 'responsible' if Hong Kong businessman dies in prison
-
Trump expands National Guard role in policing
Speed Read The president wants the Guard to take on a larger role in domestic law enforcement