Poll: More voters oppose Kavanaugh’s nomination than support it

More American voters now oppose Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court than support it, according to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released Thursday.

The poll, which was conducted after Christine Blasey Ford accused the nominee of sexually assaulting her in the 1980s, found that 38 percent of registered voters oppose his nomination, compared with 34 percent who support it, just beyond the margin of error of +/- 3.3 percent.

Kavanaugh has strongly denied the allegation.

{mosads} It is the first time in the history of the poll, which dates back to John Roberts’ nomination in 2005, that a Supreme Court nominee has been underwater regarding the support for confirmation, according to the NBC report. 

The results reflect a downward trend in Kavanaugh’s support. The poll found that voters supported his nomination by 32-26 in July and by 33-29 in August.

Kavanaugh has lost notable backing from women over 50, suburban women, independents and seniors, according to the poll.

Yet support for his nomination still falls sharply along party lines. About 73 percent of Republicans back Kavanaugh, while only four percent oppose his confirmation. Democrats oppose his confirmation 66-8.

Independents mostly oppose Kavanaugh’s ascension to the high court. About 37 percent oppose his confirmation, while 21 percent support it. 

The allegations against Kavanaugh have roiled the nomination process. Ford on Thursday offered to to testify in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee next week under “terms that are fair and which ensure her safety.” 

The NBC/WSJ poll surveyed 900 registered voters from Sept. 16-19.