Beating Trump most important trait when deciding 2020 Democratic primary support

Washington, DC, May 6, 2019 – With already 21 Democratic candidates who have announced their plans to run in the 2020 election, Ipsos takes a look at which candidates stand out the most among Americans. For more than a third of Americans (36%), beating Trump in the general election is ranked as either the first or second most important factor when considering who to vote for in the Democratic primaries. Among Democrats, half (49%) say this is the most important candidate trait when considering who to vote for in the primaries. Though Independents are largely unsure (24%), a fifth share the sentiment that beating Trump in the general election is an important factor (22%). For Republicans, the most important trait is someone who is strong on both immigration (25%) and the economy/job creation (22%).

When looking at specific candidates, Joe Biden (78%), Bernie Sanders (76%), and Elizabeth Warren (53%) are the candidates who Americans are the most familiar with. The most favorable candidates are Joe Biden (60%), Bernie Sanders (54%), and Pete Buttigieg (54%). As the candidate who Americans are both the most familiar with and most favorable towards, Joe Biden is also rated the highest on most candidate attributes. Democrats believe he would be the best on many issues, including beating Trump (46%), unifying the Democratic party (32%), handling the economy and jobs (29%), and handling healthcare (26%). Bernie Sanders, in turn, is highly rated on handling healthcare (24%) and being a strong progressive (21%). The candidates who Democrats believe would be a new and different voice are Pete Buttigieg (20%), Kamala Harris (15%), and Beto O’Rourke (12%).

About the Study

These are findings from an Ipsos poll conducted April 29-30, 2019. For the survey, a sample of roughly 960 adults 18+ from the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii were interviewed online in English. The sample includes 336 Republicans, 335 Democrats, and 203 Independents.

The sample for this study was randomly drawn from Ipsos’ online panel (see link below for more info on “Access Panels and Recruitment”), partner online panel sources, and “river” sampling (see link below for more info on the Ipsos “Ampario Overview” sample method) and does not rely on a population frame in the traditional sense. Ipsos uses fixed sample targets, unique to each study, in drawing a sample. After a sample has been obtained from the Ipsos panel, Ipsos calibrates respondent characteristics to be representative of the U.S. Population using standard procedures such as raking-ratio adjustments. The source of these population targets is U.S. Census 2016 American Community Survey data. The sample drawn for this study reflects fixed sample targets on demographics. Post-hoc weights were made to the population characteristics on gender, age, race/ethnicity, region, and education.

Statistical margins of error are not applicable to online polls. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error and measurement error. Where figures do not sum to 100, this is due to the effects of rounding. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll has a credibility interval of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points for all respondents. Ipsos calculates a design effect (DEFF) for each study based on the variation of the weights, following the formula of Kish (1965). This study had a credibility interval adjusted for design effect of the following (n=960, DEFF=1.5, adjusted Confidence Interval=+/-5.1 percentage points).

The poll also has a credibility interval plus or minus 6.1 percentage points for Republicans, 6.1 percentage points for Democrats, and 7.8 percentage points for Independents.

For more information about conducting research intended for public release or Ipsos’ online polling methodology, please visit our Public Opinion Polling and Communication page where you can download our brochure, see our public release protocol, or contact us.

About Ipsos Public Affairs

Ipsos Public Affairs is a non-partisan, objective, survey-based research practice made up of seasoned professionals. We conduct strategic research initiatives for a diverse number of American and international organizations, based not only on public opinion research, but elite stakeholder, corporate, and media opinion research.

Ipsos has media partnerships with the most prestigious news organizations around the world. Through our media partnerships, Ipsos Public Affairs is a leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and internationally. Ipsos Public Affairs is a member of the Ipsos Group, a leading global survey-based market research company. We provide boutique-style customer service and work closely with our clients, while also undertaking global research

About Ipsos

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. Ipsos ranks fourth in the global research industry.

With offices in 89 countries, Ipsos delivers insightful expertise across five research specializations: brand, advertising and media; customer loyalty; marketing; public affairs research; and survey management.

Ipsos researchers assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media and they measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999 and generated global revenues of €1,749.5 million in 2018.