Clinton’s support among Hispanics equal to Obama’s in 2012, 2008

Hillary Clinton leads Donald Trump nationally by double digits among Hispanics, according to a new poll that shows support for the Democratic nominee comparable to that seen for President Obama in 2012 and 2008. 

{mosads}The Florida Atlantic University (FAU) poll shows Clinton leading Trump, the Republican nominee, among Hispanics, 66 to 18 percent. Another 15 percent were undecided.

That’s a 16-point jump in support for Clinton from the same poll conducted in May, where she had the support of 50 percent of Hispanic voters, compared to Trump’s 24 percent. 

Obama won the White House in 2012 by carrying similar margins with Hispanic voters: 71 percent voted for him against GOP nominee Mitt Romney. Similarly, 67 percent of Hispanics picked Obama in 2008, compared to 31 percent who voted for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). 

Monica Escaleras, director of the FAU Business and Economics Polling Initiative, noted the similarities between the Clinton and Obama campaigns and credited Clinton’s work with Hispanic voters as the reason for her gains.

“Clinton has taken some major strides to increase her support among Hispanics,” Escaleras said.

“Her efforts to win over many who said they were undecided a couple of months ago are paying off.”

The poll also shows Hispanics view Clinton as better to handle the economy and terrorism.

Sixty-three percent see Clinton as better than Trump for the economy, compared to the 23 percent who favor Trump. And 56 percent think the former secretary of State would be best to keep them safe from terrorism, compared to the 22.9 percent who favor Trump. 

The poll was conducted nationally from July 1 to 31 among 500 Hispanics and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.