Independents break for Clinton ahead of crucial second debate
A Quinnipiac University survey released Friday found Clinton taking 45 percent support, compared with 40 percent for Trump. Libertarian Gary Johnson scores 6 percent in the poll, while Green Party nominee Jill Stein takes 3 percent support.
In the same poll from mid-September — conducted before the first presidential debate — Clinton held only a 1-point lead.
The candidates entered that debate, which was viewed by 80 million people, essentially locked in a tie. Since then, self-described independents have abandoned Trump in favor of Clinton.
In the Quinnipiac survey from September, Trump led 42 to 35 among unaffiliated voters, while Johnson took 15 percent support.
Clinton now leads 46 to 32 among independents — a 21-point swing — while Johnson’s support among the voting bloc has fallen to 10 percent.
