Trump's support slips, hits back at Pope's 'not Christian' label

Support for Donald Trump among Republicans has declined in the past month, leaving him slightly behind Ted Cruz in the GOP presidential race, a new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll shows.

This is the first time since October that the poll has found anyone other than Mr Trump in the lead among Republicans nationally.

This poll differs from other recent national surveys that continue to show Mr Trump steadily ahead.

The latest poll was taken after Mr Trump’s performance in a televised debate last weekend during which he blamed George W Bush for failing to prevent the 9/11 attacks in New York and Washington DC.

However, Mr. Trump still holds a commanding lead in South Carolina, where the Republicans hold a primary on Saturday.

Pope called 'disgraceful'
Mr Trump is also dominating news coverage, with Pope Francis saying Mr Trump’s views on Mexican immigration are “not Christian.”

Mr Trump has responded, saying it is "disgraceful" for his faith to be questioned by the Pope.

"I am proud to be a Christian and, as president, I will not allow Christianity to be consistently attacked and weakened, unlike what is happening now, with our current President. No leader, especially a religious leader, should have the right to question another man's religion or faith."

Meanwhile, the two head-to-head Democratic candidates, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, are vying for the support of Nevada’s minorities ahead of the caucus contest there this weekend.

The WSJ/NBC poll also revealed that Americans are just as divided as politicians over whether the Senate should consider President Barack Obama’s forthcoming nominee for the Supreme Court vacancy created by the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia.

Mr Trump’s support has dropped seven percentage points since mid-January. Among registered voters who said they would participate in a GOP primary, he drew 26% support in the new poll, trailing Mr Cruz on 28%.

Six still in Republican race
Six candidates remain in the race. Marco Rubio has solidified his third-place position, rising four points in the past month to 17% support.

John Kasich has jumped from the bottom tier to fourth place, with 11%, edging out Ben Carson, who has 10% support.

Jeb Bush, the target of Mr Trump’s attack last weekend, has fallen back to a new low mark of 4%.

The reduced field has benefited Mr. Trump’s rivals. The new poll shows that if the primary came down to a head-to-head choice, both Messrs Cruz and Rubio could beat Mr Trump by double-digit margins.

Pollster Bill McInturff says the result may signal a permanent change as the field narrows.

“When you see a number this different, it means you might be right on top of a shift in the campaign,” he says. “What you don’t know yet is if the change is going to take place or if it is a momentary pause before the numbers snap back into place.”

The fewer candidates has so far benefited Mr Trump’s rivals. The poll shows that if the primary came down to a head-to-head choice, both Messrs Cruz and Rubio could beat Mr Trump by double-digit margins.

The poll was conducted from February 14-16.

Want to listen to the day's hottest stories, plus interviews and panel discussions? Stream NBR Radio's latest free 40-minute podcast from iHeartRadio, Tunein, or iTunes.