A new Quinnipiac University poll finds the presidential race is too close to call as Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump prepare to debate for the first time.
In a four-way race, pollsters found Clinton receiving 44 percent support of likely voters, Trump at 43 percent, Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson at 8 percent, and Green Party nominee Jill Stein at 2 percent.
A similar poll taken two weeks found Clinton leading Trump 41 to 39 percent, with Johnson at 13 percent and Stein at 4 percent.
In a head-to-head matchup, Clinton's lead remains just one percent, 47 to 46 percent.
“The race for President is a virtual tie and millions of likely voters consider the first debate must-see TV," said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll. "For those inclined to place a wager on the likely winner, Hillary Clinton is the best bet."
Eight-four percent of likely voters say they plan to watch the first presidential debate.
“In this Super Bowl of American politics, the ratings will be huge and the contenders start dead even,” said Malloy.
Pollsters asked likely voters about their thoughts on terrorism, a topic that could come up during the first presidential debate.
Fifty percent of voters say they are “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” they or a family member will be a victim of a terrorist attack. Fifty percent responded they are “not so concerned” or “not concerned at all.”
A slight majority of voters (51 percent) say government anti-terror policies have not gone far enough to adequately protect the country while 27 percent say they have gone too far restricting civil liberties.
Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,115 likely voters via landlines and cell phones from September 22 to 25 to determine this poll. The margin of error is +/- 2.9 percentage points.
For full results, visit: www.qu.edu/news-and-events/quinnipiac-university-poll/national/release-detail?ReleaseID=2383.
