In Arizona, more Dems view Sens. McCain and Flake favorably than members of their own party - John Wagner

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In Arizona, more Dems view Sens. McCain and Flake favorably than members of their own party

John Wagner

By John Wagner The Washington Post

Published June 27,2018

The Closing of the American Mouth

Arizona's two Republican senators, John McCain and Jeff Flake, both of whom have tangled repeatedly with President Donald Trump, are now viewed more favorably by Democrats in their home state than members of their own party, according to a new poll.


McCain, the state's senior senator, who is battling brain cancer, is viewed favorably by 62 percent of Democrats and only 20 percent of Republicans, according to a CBS News Battleground Tracker poll released this week.


McCain has questioned many of Trump's policies, particularly related to foreign affairs, as well as the president's commitment to American values. Trump continues to criticize McCain at campaign rallies for his vote last year against a Republican health-care bill.


Flake, meanwhile, is viewed favorably by 35 percent of Arizona Democrats and only 16 percent of the state's Republicans, according to the CBS poll.

Flake, who decided to retire rather than face a GOP primary challenge this year, has not ruled out taking on Trump in the 2020 presidential primaries.


In March during a trip to New Hampshire, the nation's first presidential primary state, Flake decried the "degradation of the United States and her values" by the current occupant of the White House.


Earlier this month, Flake accused Trump of providing "not grown-up leadership" on trade, which prompted Trump to return fire on Twitter, writing: "Let's face it, he's a Flake!"


The CBS poll shows that more voters overall disapprove of McCain and Flake than approve.


Among voters of all parties, McCain is viewed favorably by 39 percent and unfavorably by 44 percent. Flake is viewed favorably by 24 percent and unfavorably by 54 percent.


The CBS poll was conducted by YouGov using an opt-in Internet panel on June 21 and 22.


Previously:
/02/20/18: Romney had previously called President Trump 'a phony' and a 'fraud.' But that was before he announced his senate bid
/01/31/18: Trump appeals for bipartisanship in repairing nation's infrastructure
/12/07/17: Once a populist, Trump governs like a conservative Republican
/11/20/17: Bannon's influence gets an early test
/05/29/17: Amid escalating Russia crisis, Trump considers major staff changes
/02/27/17: Trump faces a pivotal week ahead as he addresses jittery GOP lawmakers
/10/20/16: Debates have revealed real weaknesses for Hillary that could nag at her in the campaign's final days and, if she wins, hamper her ability to pull the country together and govern effectively
/10/05/16: Kaine's debate performance threatens to undercut his pick for Clinton veep: Image of authenticity
/09/12/16: GOTCHA! Clinton memo revealed: Pressed about the 'deplorables' comment? Accuse the media of a double standard
/07/04/16: Does Hillary Clinton really need Elizabeth Warren on the ticket?

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