62 Percent Of Americans Want Gary Johnson In The Presidential Debates

The majority of Americans think Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson should be allowed to participate in the debates with presidential nominees Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, a new poll finds.

In the Aug. 25 released Quinnipiac University poll, 62 percent of likely American voters said Johnson should be included in the presidential debates. Of them, 56 percent are Republicans, 60 percent Democrats and 69 percent Independents.

The largest demographic that wants to see Johnson on the debate stage is aged 18-34, with 82 percent supporting his inclusion. At 43 percent, voters aged 65 and older supported the idea the least.

Thirty-seven percent of respondents said they are open to voting for a third party candidate in the November election. Sixty-five percent said it was because they dislike both the Republican and Democratic nominees. Of the 63 percent who said they would not vote for a third party candidate, 52 percent said it was because their vote would be wasted.

Johnson thinks he will make it to the debates, which requires he have at least 15 percent of voters support in the polls.

“I’m really optimistic that we will be in the debates,” Johnson told Don Lemon on “CNN Tonight.” “As crazy as this campaign season is, I might be the next president of the United States.”

At this time, Johnson has an average of 8.1 percent in national polls, according to Real Clear Politics.

Participants in the Quinnipiac poll also chimed in on who they would vote for in the election if it were held today. Clinton received 51 percent of support, with Trump trailing by 10 at 41 percent.

When Johnson and Green Party candidate Jill Stein were included, Clinton remains on top with 45 percent, Trump has 38 percent of voter support, Johnson 10 percent and Stein four percent.

Ninety percent of likely voters said their mind is already made up as to whom they will choose as president, with only nine percent stating they might change their mind.

Sources: Quinnipiac University, CNN, Real Clear Politics / Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr