Donald Trump's running mate Mike Pence got a mixed reception in a new
CBS News battleground states poll, despite a warm response from Republican voters.
The Indiana governor was introduced last week as Trump's choice for vice president, but the poll released Sunday indicates voters are still contemplating the conservative and born-again Christian.
According to the poll:
- 34 percent approve
- 28 percent disapprove
- 61 percent of GOP voters voiced approval
- 38 percent are unsure if they approve or disapprove
When asked if they think Pence helps Trump's chances of winning:
- 37 percent agree
- 14 percent think he hurts Trump
- 26 percent think he doesn't help or hurt
- 23 percent are unsure.
When asked what Pence will do for the GOP:
- 37 percent believe he represents politics as usual
- 21 percent think he represents change
- 19 percent say he represents neither
- 23 percent aren't sure.
In swing states, Pence isn't helping Trump — a 62 percent majority say they're no more or less likely to vote for the presumptive Republican candidate.
Clinton's campaign chief John Podesta painted Pence as a right-wing extremist,
according to The Washington Post. The White House praised Pence's support for expanding Medicaid and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, two of President Barack Obama's most controversial initiatives.
Trump continues to gain on Clinton in key states, among likely voters:
- In Ohio, Clinton leads 44 percent to 40 percent; in May, 39 percent backed Trump.
- Michigan is slightly closer with Clinton at 42 percent, Trump 39 percent.
- Iowa is very close, with Trump ahead 40 percent to Clinton's 39 percent.
Opinions about the candidates are sharply divided:
- Eight out of 10 supporters on either side say they would never consider voting for their candidate's opponent.
- 73 percent of voters want Trump to talk specifics at this week's Republican National Convention
- 41 percent want Trump to soften his rhetoric, especially those not currently supporting him.
Registered voters in 19 states were polled online by YouGov and 1,821 were contacted by phone. The margin of error is +/- 5 percent.
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