This afternoon, you may have seen a story that seems to say that Donald Trump has dropped 9 points in New Hampshire since Iowa. It’s based on a Public Policy Polling infographic that seems to demonstrate a drastic drop in Donald-related interest, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.
The first poll was taken among people who self-identified as Republican. The second, lower poll, was taken among people who are routine caucus-goers. The number is lower, yes, but not for the reasons stated, though it does still demonstrate a systemic problem with Trump’s campaign – the problem he and others probably feared: that fervor over his candidacy doesn’t necessarily translate into votes.
Trump seems to have gotten the message in New Hampshire, but does he have enough time to successfully change course?
Donald Trump isn’t taking any chances in New Hampshire despite his lead in polls, focusing Thursday on what has long been key to success in the first-in-the-nation primary: retail politics.
The New York billionaire, seeking to regain political momentum after a second-place finish in Iowa, had an unusually crowded schedule as he seeks a recovery win in next week’s New Hampshire primary.
“You’re going to play such a big role,” Trump told Granite State residents packed into the well of Exeter’s old-style town hall, also noting that he still leads many polls.
He’s still ahead in the polls, but his ground game in New Hampshire is, reportedly, as useless as his ground game in Iowa.