New poll suggests Libertarian Party should focus on “undecideds”
A recent poll contrasted Gary Johnson’s support when identified as an “independent” with his support when identified as a “Libertarian”. Total support was the same in both cases (10%), but the makeup of that support differed dramatically between the two identifiers.
https://morningconsult.com/2016/06/07...
Among Republicans and Democrats, support for Johnson increased several percentage points when identified as “Libertarian”, and in both camps Johnson’s increase was largely at Hillary’s expense. Among all voters, identifying Johnson as a “Libertarian” turned a two-point lead by Hillary (37-35) into a one-point lead for Trump (37-36). So much for the notion that the LP will throw the election to the Democrats in November. If both R’s and D’s are more likely to vote for a Libertarian than for an Independent, this means the LP’s positive reputation is growing among voters in both parties.
Among independents, however, Johnson’s numbers dropped dramatically when identified as “Libertarian”, from 18% to 10%. But independents are still 29% “undecided”, and overall 17% of voters are still “undecided”.
I think that targeting these “undecided” voters – especially independents – may be the best way to generate more support for the LP and help get Johnson into the presidential debates. Especially since the number of “undecideds” is likely to rise as Trump and Clinton go after each other for real.
https://morningconsult.com/2016/06/07...
Among Republicans and Democrats, support for Johnson increased several percentage points when identified as “Libertarian”, and in both camps Johnson’s increase was largely at Hillary’s expense. Among all voters, identifying Johnson as a “Libertarian” turned a two-point lead by Hillary (37-35) into a one-point lead for Trump (37-36). So much for the notion that the LP will throw the election to the Democrats in November. If both R’s and D’s are more likely to vote for a Libertarian than for an Independent, this means the LP’s positive reputation is growing among voters in both parties.
Among independents, however, Johnson’s numbers dropped dramatically when identified as “Libertarian”, from 18% to 10%. But independents are still 29% “undecided”, and overall 17% of voters are still “undecided”.
I think that targeting these “undecided” voters – especially independents – may be the best way to generate more support for the LP and help get Johnson into the presidential debates. Especially since the number of “undecideds” is likely to rise as Trump and Clinton go after each other for real.
