So, here it is — in the first national poll taken entirely after the most recent Republican debate — Ted Cruz leads Donald Trump 28% to 26%, and Marco Rubio comes in third at 17%.
I would like to believe it. It is a consummation devoutly to be wished. But is it plausible? Trump has been ahead now in 31 consecutive national polls.
This poll, conducted by NBC News and The Wall Street Journal could be an outlier. They do exist. It could also be an indication that Trump was badly wounded in the most recent debate when he blamed 9/11 on George W. Bush, claimed that the Bush administration had advance warning of the attacks, and Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio went after him with a meat cleaver.
I do not know. But hope springs eternal. If The Donald were to depart the scene in a huff, we could have a serious debate between Cruz and Rubio — the two most attractive figures who remain in the race.
Even if it is an outlier, this poll might have an impact on the South Carolina race. As I said, hope springs eternal.
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I think it’s real and reflects the immediate reaction to the debate, which hurt Trump.  That doesn’t mean it will last, the previous debate hurt Rubio and he seems to have recovered with a strong performance in the last debate.  Trump could certainly recover in the next debate, or with a strong showing in South Carolina.
On the other hand it’s another chink in the “I’m a winner” armor.
First poll to be taken completely after the Saturday debate. We’ll see. I would expect, if Trump wins South Carolina, that polling will return to Trump being ahead.
Wishful thinking, including on my part. Trump isn’t going anyplace.
Trump would have to place second (or third) consistently to drop out. If it continues to be a three man race I think Trump holds out and has a good shot at the nomination.
I think this poll is an outlier.
If the South Carolina primary is dominated by regular Republican voters, Trump will suffer for his Bush-Iraq conspiracy.
If the open primary is spoiled by “independent” first-timers and Democrat saboteurs, Trump will gain because of that same conspiracy.
Not only is this after the debate, but also after four (4), I think had dropped out and Trump declined.
That is interesting that he didn’t hold his support and lost when other supporters were available.