But if voters are looking for change and to shake up the system, that’s where Trump excels. When it comes to who could bring the “needed change to Washington,” Trump leads by 11 points, 50-39. Again, if it’s a change election, Trump probably wins, but if voters are more concerned about 3 a.m. phone calls and presidentiality (presidentialness?), it’s probably Clinton.
What’s clear from the numbers above, though, is that Clinton can’t count on a popularity edge. Her email problems — and other problems — have clearly taken a major toll on her image. More than 7 in 10 Americans say Clinton is too willing to bend the rules.
And to the extent elections are popularity contests — which they often have been — that’s significant. Then again, we haven’t seen an election with two politicians who are so unpopular. So consider this the kind of uncharted territory that should give the Clinton campaign heartburn.
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