With Trump and Hillary finally set to battle it out on Monday, a new poll reveals some surprising American perceptions leading up to what CNN is calling "the greatest political show on Earth."
According to a new flash poll conducted by Pollfish [https://www.pollfish.com]--a real-time mobile survey platform--pre-debate opinions are more intense than ever in the lead-up to this historical election, with passions running particularly high among staunch Republicans and Democrats.
The survey, which polled a nationally representative sample of 400 Americans on September 25, revealed the following insights:
To some Americans, normal TV and Monday night football 'trump' the debate
According to Pollfish's mobile survey, over 30% of Americans are opting to avoid the political drama to enjoy their watching their favorite TV shows or Monday night football. Only 45% of Americans have plans to watch the debate. The percentage of Americans who plan to watch the debate is highest among self-identified 'strong Republicans' (78%).
Most Americans think Trump will come out swinging
With both candidates playing dirty over the past few weeks, the jury is out on who will show more aggression at the debate. Over 50% of Americans believe Trump will be more likely to attack his opponent. Forty-six percent of respondents who identify as 'strong Republicans' think Hillary will be the aggressor, while among 'strong Democrats,' 62% believe Trump will come out swinging.
Issue by issue, Americans think Hillary will triumph at the debate
Pre-debate, Hillary has a razor-thin margin of winning the conversation on terrorism--51% of Americans feel that her policy stance will be seen positively. Meanwhile, 57% think Trump will outshine his opponent on immigration policy. Significantly, 70% of Americans think Hillary will win the education debate.
Regardless of pre-debate perceptions, many Americans have already made their voting decision and have no intention of allowing the debate to persuade them otherwise. According to Pollfish, 49% of voters are convinced the presidential debates will have no influence on their choice of political candidate. Another 30% allow for the possibility, while 22% are unsure whether the debate will impact their decision.