When the new CNN/WMUR poll was released Tuesday afternoon, political commentators on Twitter could only say one thing: “Whoa.”
Senator Bernie Sanders who had already shown a promising lead in New Hampshire primary polls last week leaped ahead of the competition with a 27 point lead. Among New Hampshire Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents, Bernie garnered 60 percent of the vote, leaving 33 percent to Hillary.
Some have pointed to past versions of this poll, saying that it skews towards Bernie significantly, but because this is not the only poll to reflect that the key states are feeling the “Bern,” it is safe to say that Bernie’s lead is legitimate and significant.
Even more shocking is the favorability rating in New Hampshire which says that 91 percent of participants have a favorable opinion of Sanders, while only two percent have an unfavorable view of the Senator.
Meanwhile, only 65 percent of New Hampshire Democrats have a favorable view of Clinton. 55 percent polled also feel that Hillary is the least honest.
Heading into the Iowa caucus, these polling numbers become increasingly more important as the days go by. This sort of bulk public opinion has a significant influence on what voters believe about candidates and if this momentum continues, we may head into February with a very legitimate, strong chance of a Sanders presidential race.
