Sanders Wins Millennial Women Two-to-One; Clinton Would Have Millennial Problem in General Election

Just some of the information from a new USA Today poll (source)

by Gaius Publius

Buried in a USA Today polling story with the headline "Poll shows that Millennials would flock to Clinton against Trump" is some rather unusual data. It's that data I'd like you to notice.

They lead with this:

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has expanded his double-digit lead among Millennials in the Democratic presidential race, but a new USA TODAY/Rock the Vote poll finds a way for Hillary Clinton to solve her generation gap: Donald Trump.

Opposition to Trump nearly unites the rising generation.

Yet please notice this (my emphasis):

Sanders now leads Clinton among younger voters by 54%-37%, an even bigger advantage than the 11-point edge he held in January's survey. Millennial women now back Sanders by a jaw-dropping 61%-30% while the divide among Millennial men is much closer, 48%-44%.

Indeed, among Millennials Clinton loses the strong advantage among African-American voters generally that has helped her sweep Southern contests. Whites support Sanders by 54%-37%. Blacks support him by a bit more, 56%-37%, and Hispanics by nearly as wide a margin, 53%-40%. Only among Asian Americans does Clinton pull even, 46%-46%.

There's even a frightening (for Clinton) look at the general election here.

Nearly one in four Republicans would defect to the Democrats if the GOP nominated Trump against Clinton. Just 7% of Democrats would defect to the GOP.

...yet...

Clinton hasn't generated enthusiasm among young voters — Sanders has — but Trump's support significantly lags even McCain.

In the new poll, one in five Millennials say they would just stay home on Election Day. That's a signal that, if she wins the nomination, Clinton may well need Sanders' help to energize younger voters. ...

Among Sanders' supporters, 65% say they would turn out for Clinton in the general election, 9% would back Trump, and 20% would sit it out.

Two takeaways — Sanders is winning two-to-one among Millennial women. And, about 30% of Sanders supporters wouldn't pull the lever for Clinton in the general election (in fact, almost 10% would vote for Trump).

I'm not justifying this, just reporting it. (Democratic establishment, are you watching? Come July, the ball will be in your court.)

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GP