Donald Trump takes commanding lead in new poll

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 4 December 2015

No doubt Donald Trump will be tweeting about the latest CNN/ORC poll. The Republican presidential candidate essentially laps the field in the poll out Friday, snagging 36 percent support and opening a 20-point lead over his rivals.

Second-place Ted Cruz doesn't even come close with only 16 percent. Ben Carson, once Trump's biggest competitor, continued his downward slide in the polls, falling to third with 14 percent. Marco Rubio is next with 12 percent, Chris Christie comes in at 4 percent, and Jeb Bush and Carly Fiorina each take 3 percent.

Trump dominated more than just the overall vote-getting portion of the survey — he also dominated on the issues. The real estate mogul was Republicans' top choice for handling the economy, illegal immigration, ISIS, foreign policy, and the federal budget, with 42 percent saying he would be most effective at solving the country's issues. Overall, 52 percent see Trump as the Republican Party's best shot at winning the general election.