In the buffet of their party’s presidential aspirants, Republicans aren’t finding much that they like.
According to a New York Times/ CBS poll released on Thursday, 56% of Republicans said they do not “feel enthusiastic” about any of their party’s likely presidential candidates. Further, no candidate cracked double-digit support in the survey, which left the question open-ended by not providing respondents with a list of candidates to choose from.
Nine percent of Republicans said they were excited about Mitt Romney, while 8% said the same about Mike Huckabee. Donald Trump came in third with 7%, followed by Newt Gingrich (6%) and Sarah Palin (5%).
Likely factoring into that finding is this year’s delayed primary season. Only a handful of candidates have even announced exploratory committees thus far, leaving the field very nebulous at this stage. And with nine months to go before the first primary contest, it’s also possible that Republicans haven’t been paying much attention to their party’s candidates just yet.
Consider that over three-fourths of all Republicans had no opinion of six likely GOP contenders when they were presented later in the New York Times/ CBS poll. Jon Huntsman, envoy to China turned potential GOP candidate, was virtually unknown to 94% of all Republicans surveyed.
On the other hand though, the well-known candidates aren’t necessarily well liked, according to the poll. Only two of the big-name GOPers posted favorability ratings about 50% — and even then, just barely.
Fifty-four percent of Republicans viewed Huckabee favorably, while 51% said the same about Palin. Forty-two percent said they liked Romney and Gingrich each, while 35% had a favorable impression of Donald Trump.
Of course Republicans’ attitudes toward their candidates will change as the field comes into focus later this year. But for now, they largely don’t know who’s running, or don’t care for those who are.
The New York Times/ CBS poll was conducted April 15-20 among 543 Republican adults. It has a margin of error of 4.0%.
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