TRUMP ACES NEW CNN POLL – AT 9:31 A.M. ET:  It's baffling.  The Republican Party is reputed to be the party that puts a higher premium on good behavior.  But Trump overcomes every flap and keeps gaining ground.  From The Hill:

Donald Trump added 3 points in a new CNN/ORC International poll released early Wednesday to expand his commanding lead over the GOP field.

Trump now has the support of 39 percent of Republicans independents who lean Republicans.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) strengthened his second-place standing, adding 2 points since a similar poll in early December. He currently has 18 percent.

Ben Carson and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who both saw their support fall in the new national poll, are tied for third with 10 percent apiece.

No other GOP contender had more than 5 percent support.

And...

The poll also found that Trump's support is largely comprised of non-college-educated voters. Among those without a degree, 46 percent back Trump, while only 27 percent of graduates said they support his candidacy.

COMMENT:  That last point tends to confirm that Trump has become the protest candidate of largely white working-class people who feel they've been bypassed and demeaned by the current rulers in Washington.  It's fascinating that the Democratic Party, once the home of the working class, is now seen as the party of the elites.

December 23,  2015