Poll Shocker: Bernie Sanders Leads Trump and Bush by Double Digits

When Bernie Sanders announced his campaign for the presidency, many wondered whether a democratic socialist could really gain traction in a political system hostile to the left. After nearly six months on the campaign trail, it appears that his campaign has gained enough steam to make the candidate a viable presidential contender.

In the latest McClatchy-Marist poll, Sanders outpolls GOP frontrunner Donald Trump and establishment candidate Jeb Bush. Against Trump, Sanders leads 53 to 41. Against Bush, Sanders leads by 10 points, 51 to 41.

The Vermont senator's lead is particularly large among voters 18 to 29; there, he leads Bush 57 to 38. Even among some of the most conservative voters in the country, in the South, he leads Bush 46 to 45.

Many of Sanders' supporters have long theorized that his most difficult challenge is toppling Hillary Clinton, not winning the general election. This latest set of polling lends credibility to this theory.