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Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Doctor Who viewers switch off over 'woke, boring rubbish' after storylines featuring trans, non-binary and drag-queen characters exterminate fans
Doctor Who viewers are turning off in droves due to storylines condemned as ' woke ' and 'boring', new figures reveal. The primetime BBC1 show has taken a turn, with previous star Billie Piper making a comeback while Ncuti Gatwa departs after just two series in the lead Time Lord role. But while 2.3million viewers tuned in to last Saturday's episode including the Doctor's latest regeneration, it appears many more have been tuning out. Researchers have found that 42 per cent of Doctor Who fans say the show has got worse since 2005, when the BBC brought it back after 16 years away. And almost half of current continuing viewers, 46 per cent, say they believe the series now puts social justice and so-called 'woke' issues above quality, according to a poll. The survey of 2,135 people was carried out by London firm JL Partners, set up by people who previously ran research programmes for Theresa May as Prime Minister. The apparent slump in popularity for Doctor Who comes after a series of appearances by trans, non-binary and drag queen characters in recent years. In last Saturday's season finale, Gatwa's Time Lord regenerated and fans got a glimpse of Billie Piper, who played Rose Tyler for 35 episodes from 2005 to 2013. The new findings suggest that 42 per cent of viewers believe Doctor Who has got worse since being brought back to screens in 2005, with only 18 per cent approving. Overall, 38 per cent of people responded by saying it put social justice and 'woke' issues over quality - rising to 46 per cent among those still tuning into the show. James Johnson, from pollsters JL Partners, said: 'This is the first ever major poll done on attitudes to Doctor Who and the results are bleak. 'The public believe a once-great show has lost its way - and their biggest complaint is it puts pursuit of wokeness above entertainment value. The main words associated with it are rubbish, boring, and woke. 'If the BBC want to grow the show's audience once more, they will need a total revamp - and to get back to telling entertaining stories rather than preaching lessons that simply do not have an audience among the British public.' Other terms featuring most prominently in a 'wordcloud' produced by the polling firm after questioning people were 'weird', 'irrelevant' and 'awful' - but also 'entertaining', 'popular' and 'timeless'. Billie Piper's character Rose Tyler was a companion to versions of the doctor played by Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant. Producers are keeping Piper's new role secret, for now, with the BBC saying in a statement after the finale aired: 'Just how and why she is back remains to be seen.' Doctor Who's 'woke' characters at a glance Rose Noble: The transgender daughter of Doctor companion, Donna Noble. She is imbued with Time Lord energy which supports her non-binary personality. She famously grilled David Tennant's Doctor for 'assuming' an alien's gender. Maestro: A non-binary villain played by American drag queen, Jinkx Monsoon. She uses music and singing as a power. Yoss: A pregnant man from the alien species known as the Gifftans. He reveals that unlike humans, both male and female Gifftans can give birth. The Doctor: David Tennant's Doctor, in the 60th anniversary episode, hints at being homosexual after encountering an Isaac Newton of Indian heritage who he goes on to call 'hot'. Showrunner Russell T Davies said in a statement: 'It's an honour and a hoot to welcome her back to the TARDIS, but quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told.' Piper herself described how Doctor Who had provided some of her best memories - and felt she could not pass up the opportunity to come back. The former chart-topping popstar said: 'It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return. 'But who, how, why and when, you'll just have to wait and see.' If Piper does indeed become the Doctor, she would be the third woman to fill the role. The Rwanda-born, Scotland-raised Gatwa, 29, was the first Black actor to helm the show, but he was not the first Black Doctor - with Jo Martin having played the so- called 'Fugitive Doctor' in several episodes. Gatwa took over the role from Jodie Whittaker in 2023. Whittaker was the 13th Doctor - and the first woman to play the central galaxy-hopping, extraterrestrial Time Lord who regenerates into new bodies, taking over from Peter Capaldi in 2017. Martin was the second woman to play the title role in a franchise that first aired from 1963 to 1989 before returning in 2005. Campaigners have accused bosses behind the BBC series of 'promoting the cult of gender ideology' in the latest episodes of the time-hopping romp, which is streamed globally thanks to a lucrative deal with Disney thought to be worth £100million. After last Saturday's episode was shown, a statement released by the BBC quoted Gatwa as saying: 'You know when you get cast, at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it. 'This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe. 'The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show and I can't thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in, and making this such a touching experience. 'I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. 'I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.' Meanwhile, Piper said: 'It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn't refuse.' The development came as it was revealed Gatwa would exit after just two series - with ratings for the stalwart show having fallen in recent years. The BBC programme was reported to have been paused for an extended break amid criticism about recent plots involving non-binary aliens, incels and even a pregnant male extra-terrestrial. A small number of social media critics have pointed to the diversity of the cast, a drag queen villain and the introduction of transgender and non-binary characters. Ncuti's first series as the Doctor attracted between 2.25million and 3.18million viewers - a tiny fraction of what it used to pull in. The slump came after Russell T Davies returned as showrunner and introduced a string of controversial plots - which included David Tennant's Doctor realising he was gay after developing a crush on the 'hot' Sir Isaac Newton. Tennant, who stepped back into the Tardis to be the 14th doctor for three Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials, made the hint about his sexuality in a comment to Catherine Tate, who returned as his assistant Donna Noble. In the exchange about Newton - who appears to be of Indian heritage in the show and is played by Nathaniel Curtis - Donna said: 'Is it just me or was Isaac Newton hot?' And the Doctor replied: 'He was, wasn't he? He was so hot. Oh! Is that who I am now?' Donna added: 'Well, it was never too far from the surface, mate. I always thought you...' In the anniversary special, fans were also introduced to Donna Noble's transgender daughter, Rose, played by trans actress Yasmin Finney. The 21-year-old, most recognised for her role as Elle Argent in Heartstopper, scolded Tennant's Doctor for 'assuming the gender' of an alien. Tennant was called out by Finney's character for describing a fluffy rat-like creature called Beep The Meep as 'him '. Rose lambasted the Doctor's assumption that the alien was a 'he', asking him: 'You're assuming he as a pronoun?' In an exchange dubbed 'cringe-worthy' by some viewers, the Doctor then apologised and asked Meep if it was a 'he or she or they', to which the creature replied: 'My chosen pronoun is the definite article. I am always The Meep.' But the scene was slammed by viewers, with the Family Education Trust saying it promoted a 'cult of gender ideology' for young people watching the TV show. Taking to X, the trust raged: 'The whole episode is dedicated to promoting the cult of gender ideology. Many vulnerable children watch Dr Who - this is dreadful propaganda from the BBC yet again.' Fans also lamented at the introduction of the screeching, wide-mouthed, ginger-haired non-binary villain, Maestro - played by American drag queen Jinkx Monsoon. The camp icon, who is seen slithering out of a piano while gurning and laughing maniacally, went viral for correcting another character for using 'him' pronouns incorrectly. Ncuti Gatwa and Russell T Davies are pictured here attending the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards 2022 at London's Royal Festival Hall on May 8 2022 In the show, Maestro encounters a man who warns other characters to 'get away from him' - to which the villain replies: 'Them.' 'What?' the bemused man then asks. 'I'm "them", but my notation is "Maestro",' Monsoon's character then replies, before going on to use musical chords as a weapon. Back in 2018, when Jodie Whittaker was the titular Time Lord, fans were introduced to a heavily pregnant man as one of the side characters. The 'man' called Yoss is an alien from a species known as the Gifftans. He reveals that unlike humans, both male and female Gifftans can give birth - when men giving birth to boys and women giving birth to girls. However, both Davies and Gatwa have hit back at flak, with Davies telling BBC Radio 2's 20 Secrets From 20 Years: 'Someone always brings up matters of diversity. 'And there are online warriors accusing us of diversity and wokeness and involving messages and issues. 'And I have no time for this. I don't have a second to bear (it). Because what you might call diversity, I just call an open door.' Gatwa told Attitude magazine last year that hateful racist comments were 'fascinating, because there's so much energy they're putting into it', adding: 'I think they need to go find a hobby is one thing.' During his time in the lead role, his companions have included Andor actress Varada Sethu, and ex-Coronation Street star Millie Gibson. When contacted by MailOnline, a BBC spokesperson said: 'Doctor Who remains one of the biggest dramas on the BBC and is the most watched drama for the under 35s, as well as being one of the most popular brands on BBC iPlayer.' The corporation confirmed the figure of 2.3million viewers tuning in at home, while saying the episode was also watched in 450 cinemas across the UK and Ireland. The spokesperson also responded to reports of a new longer-term tie-up with Disney+ by saying: 'As we have previously stated, a decision on any future deal between the BBC and Disney+ regarding Doctor Who is yet to be made and any other claims are pure speculation.' The changing face of Doctor Who: Every actor who has played the Time Lord 1. William Hartnell - 1963 to 1966 William Hartnell played the iconic Time Lord in his first incarnation, as he crashed to Earth with his granddaughter Susan after being 'exiled' from their planet Gallifrey. He was initially portrayed as a stubborn old man but a softer side was later shown to him in his compassion as a grandfather and towards his companions. The initial appearance of the doctor was very different to the modern episodes, with black-and-white filming and shaky effects. Hartnell's time as the Doctor also saw the first appearances of the Daleks and the Cybermen but years of travel took their toll on the aging Doctor and he collapsed in the TARDIS, leading to the second incarnation. The First Doctor sadly suffered through ill health while filming, ultimately forcing him to retire from acting. He passed away in 1975, aged 67. 2. Patrick Troughton - 1966 to 1969 Patrick Troughton's Doctor was in stark contrast to his predecessor, and was outwardly scruffy and light-hearted. In the second incarnation, fans met with new enemies such as the Great Intelligence and the Ice Warriors. This time also saw the debut of classic series mainstay Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart (or the Brigadier), when he met the Doctor in the tunnels of the London Underground. The Second Doctor's time came to an end when the TARDIS landed in the middle of a war-zone, created by a race of alien warlords. He was able to defeat the plot but was forced to regenerate due to breaking laws of non-interference. Troughton passed away in 1987 after suffering a fatal heart attack. 3. Jon Pertwee - 1970 to 1974 Many modern-day fans will also know Pertwee for his role in Worzel Gummidge and his Doctor was more prone to action that his predecessors. After his exile to Earth was lifted, he and his companions travelled to all corners of the universe, along with meeting journalist Sarah Jane Smith. This era also the first ever multi-Doctor crossover, as the Third Doctor met his two previous selves. It saw the introduction of prehistoric villains The Silurians and The Autons, who appeared in the first episode of the 2005 reboot series. Eventually Pertwee's Doctor regenerated following a nasty encounter with The Green Death. Pertwee is sadly also no longer with us and passed away in 1996. 4. Tom Baker - 1974 to 1981 With his mass of curled hair and legendary striped scarf, Tom Baker was both the longest-serving Classic era Doctor and its most iconic, partly due to his partnership with Sarah Jane, played by the late Elizabeth Sladen. Tom - now 84 - is also known to younger fans as the narrator for comedy sketch series Little Britain. 5. Peter Davison - 1981 to 1984 Peter's Doctor was dressed as a cricketer and his personality tended towards being indecisive - although he had a vulnerable side. Even though popularity for the show dwindled through this era, the Doctor and his companion Adric (Matthew Waterhouse) are fondly remembered. A heart-wrenching scene also saw the first major death of the series, when Adric died trying to stop a space freighter from crashing into prehistoric Earth. 6. Colin Baker - 1984 to 1986 Colin Baker's time as the sharp-tongued Doctor was a turbulent period, with the actor's early dismissal as ratings plummeted leading to a slightly awkward regeneration scene. After the TARDIS was attacked by villainous Time Lady scientist The Rani, the Sixth Doctor was left injured and regenerated, though his death was never played out on-screen. In addition, the Doctor was never reunited with his companion Peri (Nicola Bryant). 7. Sylvester McCoy - 1987 to 1989 The Doctor headed into his seventh incarnation with his signature cane and punctuation-printed vest while, as now-EastEnders star Bonnie Langford took on the role of dizzy companion Mel Bush. However McCoy's tenure in the TARDIS came to an abrupt end when BBC axed the show in 1989. 8. Paul McGann - 1996 and 2013 After a near-decade off-screen Doctor Who was brought back as a TV movie in an American co-production, with Paul McGann taking on the leading role. This film saw The Master (played here by Eric Roberts) trying to steal the Doctor's remaining lives by opening the Eye of Harmony the TARDIS, which nearly destroyed the Earth. Luckily, the Doctor and his companion Dr Grace Holloway (Daphne Ashbrook) prevent the Earth's destruction, leading the Master is sucked into the Eye. It was in this film that fans saw their first glimpse at what a romance between the Doctor and his companion could look like, as they shared a firework-lit kiss in the closing scenes which infuriated fans at the time. 9. Christopher Eccleston - 2005 The series was an instant hit as Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) teamed up with Eccleston's version of The Doctor, this time a leather jacket-clad man with a Northern accent because 'lots of planets have a North!' A drastic change for the series at this point was the absence of Gallifrey, which had been destroyed - off-screen - in a Time War with the Daleks. The Daleks took centre stage in this new series with a scary gold exterior, and an explosive finale saw thousands of the alien robots try to conquer a futuristic version of Earth under the leadership of their Emperor. Sadly Eccleston's tenure in the TARDIS was brief - largely due to reports of disagreements behind the scenes - but his regeneration proved epic, kissing Rose to absorb the TARDIS vortex and save her life. 10. David Tennant - 2005 to 2010 Ask most Doctor Who fans, and they would predominantly name David Tennant as their favourite Doctor and fans became invested in his feelings for Rose Tyler. It was also the birth of his famous partnership with Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) which saw hilarious banter between 10 and companion. Ten's exit also saw Russell T Davies step down as showrunner and his closing scenes saw the fan-favourite alone in the TARDIS saying 'I don't want to go' before bursting into regeneration, with viewers of more than 11 million struggling to hold back their tears. 11. Matt Smith - 2010 to 2013 Matt, 27, made for the youngest-ever Doctor as he had big shoes to fill, while Stephen Moffatt took on the reins of show-running. Known as the 'raggedy Doctor', fears were soon gone as Eleven's sprightly nature and signature bow tie won over fans in a heartbeat alongside companion Amelia Pond. He stepped down after four years after saying it was long enough in the role. 12. Peter Capaldi - 2013 to 2017 Fans felt the show headed back to its classic roots during Twelve's era as Scottish actor Peter took on the role. The character was capricious and spiky but became more compassionate over time. Fans grew to love the friendship between the older Doctor and his companion Clara (Jenna Coleman) while the show's first ever gay companion was introduced in the form of Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie) 13. Jodie Whittaker - 2017 to 2022 Jodie Whittaker took on the then-controversial role of the first-ever female Doctor. The actress, 41, has portrayed the eponymous Time Lord on-screen for four years, and bowed out of the sci-fi series in her last episode in October 2022. However, the role and the show's script were criticised throughout her tenure. Her departure featured in the episode The Power Of The Doctor, which even saw a brief return of David Tennant. 14. Ncuti Gatwa - 2023 to present Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa is making history as the first-ever black actor to take on the role of the Doctor. He will be taking on the iconic role from Christmas Day onwards after his first appearance in the 60th anniversary episode, in which the Doctor 'bi-generated', meaning there were two versions at the same time. He is set to cross paths with new companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) for the first time.
New York Post
29-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
More voters say US economy improving, but most still pessimistic: poll
WASHINGTON — Americans' optimism about the economy is on the rise — but a plurality still say conditions are getting worse, not better, according to a new poll exclusively shared with The Post. The JL Partners survey found that 29% of registered voters said the economy is improving — up four percentage points from a late April poll by the same firm and seven percentage points higher than in January, before President Trump was inaugurated. 6 A JL Partners survey in May found that 29% of registered voters said the economy is improving — up four percentage points from a late April poll by the same firm. Getty Images However, 46% say the economy is getting worse, with another 16% saying conditions are already bad and aren't getting worse or better. Discontent was at its highest after Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariff announcement in early April — after which 69% said conditions were bad or worsening. Republicans and Democrats also differed sharply when asked about economic projections, the May poll shows, with 56% of self-identified GOP voters upbeat about the direction of the economy, compared with 15% who aren't. Among Democrats, 65% said things aren't getting better and 15% said they were. 6 On Wednesday, President Trump tore into a CNBC reporter who asked whether the stock market rallying in recent weeks was because he 'chickens out' on tariff threats against most countries. Getty Images Among unaffiliated voters, 17% were positive about the economic outlook, while 55% were not. More female voters (51%) than male voters (40%) also saw signs of economic diminishment in the near future. Voters in almost every region held net-negative views about the economy — with two notable exceptions. 6 The Bureau of Labor Statistics as of last month reported consumer prices easing down to 2.3% over the past year — the lowest level since February 2021. Getty Images Southeast-dwelling voters had a net-positive view, with 37% seeing signs of improvement and 35% expecting something worse. Voters in the Midwest were also net-positive (40% to 38%) about the economic future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an easing of inflation to 2.3% over the past 12 months ending in April — the lowest level since February 2021. 6 Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariff announcement in early April led to the highest dissatisfaction with the economy so far this year — with 72% of voters expecting a downturn. AFP via Getty Images A series of polls that followed Trump's first 100 days showed the president losing the majority of the American public's support for his economic, immigration and foreign policy priorities. On Wednesday, Trump tore into a CNBC reporter who asked whether the stock market rallying in recent weeks was because he 'chickens out' on tariff threats against most countries. 'You mean because I reduced China from 145%, that I set down to 100, and then down to another number, [and] I said you have to open your whole country?' the president returned fire. 6 Trump's global 10% tariffs and threats of higher 'reciprocal' duties announced April 2 led to a new trade agreement with the UK. Shutterstock 'And because I gave the European Union a 50% … tariff and they called up and they said, 'Please let's meet right now,' he went on. 'And I said, 'I'll give you until July' … you call that chickening out? 'Six months ago, this country was stone-cold dead,' he added. 'People didn't think it would survive, and you ask a nasty question like that. It's called negotiation … Don't ever say what you said. That's a nasty question.' Trump's global 10% tariffs and threats of higher 'reciprocal' duties announced April 2 led to new trade agreements with the UK and China. 6 'Six months ago, this country was stone-cold dead,' Trump said Wednesday. AP But the Court of International Trade in Manhattan blocked those baseline tariffs on Wednesday, ruling that Trump had exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and wrongly bypassed Congress. That caused stock futures to surge early Thursday morning. Other import levies on foreign cars, aluminum, and steel were untouched by the court ruling — and have already been partially relaxed for Mexico and Canada under a pre-existing trade deal Trump reached with those countries during his first term. Nearly all of the 19 officials at the Federal Reserve meeting in early May expressed that the risk of inflation was expected to be 'persistent' — and they would hold off on any interest-rate moves for the time being. That came before Trump's new threat of 50% tariffs on the European Union beginning June 1, which was pushed back to July 9 while the two enter negotiations. The JL Partners poll surveyed 1,003 registered voters online May 13-14. It has a margin of error of of plus-or-minus 3.1%.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Half of white men are self-censoring at work
Almost half of white men are self-censoring at work for fear of causing offence, a poll has found. Research by JL Partners also found almost a quarter of them (23 per cent) believe they experience discrimination because of their race and gender. Some 41 per cent said they worried they would be sacked if they said the wrong thing, while a third (34 per cent) believed white men were the least valued employees in their workplace. The survey of 823 white males, conducted for a five-part podcast and YouTube series White Men Can't Work!, also found one in three white men (31 per cent) believed their sons would lose out on opportunities because of their race or gender. More than a third (36 per cent) of those under 34 said they had lost out on a promotion or opportunity because they were white and male. Tim Samuels, former host of the BBC show Men's Hour and the host of White Men Can't Work!, said the trend was pushing white men towards populist political parties and misogynist influencers such as Andrew Tate. He told The Sunday Times: 'Millions of men are walking around on eggshells at work, too scared to speak freely, while knowing that being male can now be a disaster for your career. 'The scale of discrimination, self-censorship and anxiety is staggering. 'Younger men are very despondent about their futures. 'All this is pushing men towards populism and the likes of Andrew Tate.' He added: 'Jobs are so central to men's identity, status, daily purpose and mental health.' Mr Samuels also addressed diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) programmes, which are still run by most UK companies, while public sector bodies such as the police and NHS are providing diversity training. He said: 'Of course racism and sexism have to be stamped out, but our biggest companies and institutions have implemented a very divisive and ideological form of DEI that demonises white men, disregards free speech and, when you look at the data, doesn't even help those it was meant to. 'We need smarter ways to tackle discrimination that actually work.' Tate, a self-proclaimed misogynist who first appeared on Big Brother in 2016, regularly tells his followers that women belong in the kitchen and owe their male partners service. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
More than a third of white men fear they're being held back at work because of their race and gender - with 'millions walking on eggshells' in the office 'too scared to speak freely'
More than a third of young white men in Britain fear they are losing out on promotions because of their race and gender, a new poll has revealed. The survey by JL Partners found 36 per cent of white men held concerns about being held back at work. It also found two-fifths (41 per cent) of white men feel anxious that they can be sacked for doing or saying the wrong thing. And almost half of white men (46 per cent) now censor jokes or give honest, but respectful, feedback to colleagues because of a fear it could affect their careers. It was claimed the findings showed how 'millions of men are walking around on eggshells at work too scared to speak freely'. There were also warnings that male despondency about their futures was 'pushing men towards populism' and social media 'influencers' such as Andrew Tate. JL Partners polled a nationally representative sample of 823 white adult men across the UK. The survey was commissioned as part of a new YouTube and podcast series called 'White Men Can't Work'. It also showed that nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of white men think they are discriminated against because of their race or gender. More than one in three (34 per cent) of white men now think that white men are the least valued workers in their workplace. And nearly one in three white men (31 per cent) said they think their sons will have fewer opportunities because of their race or gender, the survey found. Award-winning documentary-maker Tim Samuels, the former host of the BBC show Men's Hour, has created the 'White Men Can't Work' series. He said: 'Millions of men are walking around on eggshells at work too scared to speak freely - whilst knowing that being male can now be a disaster for your career. 'The scale of discrimination, self-censorship and anxiety is staggering. 'White Men Can't Work has spoken to guys who've been sacked literally just for being men, or pushed out over crazy micro-aggression such as talking about the male and female ends of cables. 'Younger men are very despondent about their futures. All this is pushing men towards populism and the likes of Andrew Tate. 'Of course racism and sexism have to be stamped out but our biggest companies and institutions have implemented a very divisive and ideological form of DEI that demonises white men, disregards free speech and, when you look at the data, doesn't even help those it was meant to. 'We need smarter ways to tackle discrimination that actually work.' Tate, a self-described misogynist, has amassed millions of social media followers in recent years, often with expletive-laden rants about women. Police chiefs have cautioned about the impact of male 'influencers' such as him. The first episode of White Men Can't Work will be released tomorrow on YouTube, Apple podcasts and Spotify.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
JD Vance is runaway Republican candidate, polling reveals
Donald Trump may appear to be running an Apprentice-style contest to select his successor but a new poll reveals that there is only one name in the frame for voters. JD Vance, the vice-president, is favoured by 46 per cent of Republicans to become the party's 2028 nominee, according to a survey by JL Partners. Marco Rubio, Mr Trump's secretary of state, is the preferred pick of just six per cent, behind Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida on eight per cent, and Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur, on seven. It comes despite Mr Rubio's star being on the rise as he balances a raft of additional responsibilities in addition to his role as secretary of state, overseeing a string of crucial diplomatic initiatives as the interim national security adviser. The president has subsequently begun talking up Mr Rubio's prospects of taking on the Maga base. 'You look at Marco, you look at JD Vance, who's fantastic,' Mr Trump said when asked in an NBC News interview about what gave him confidence that his populist movement would live on after he left office. 'You look at — I could name 10, 15, 20 people right now just sitting here.' Mr Trump held very public tryouts last year when he was mulling his choice of vice-president. He was joined on stage at rallies, and even in the courtroom during his New York criminal trial, by governors and senators vying for the position. It led to comparisons with The Apprentice as Mr Trump was able to gauge their performances before Mr Vance won, beating Mr Rubio and Doug Burgum, the then governor of North Dakota. With more than three years until the next presidential election, much can change. 'No one is even thinking about it at the moment,' said a source familiar with the president's thinking. 'The only agenda is getting the job done.' But as vice-president, the nomination appears to be Mr Vance's to lose. He is popular within Mr Trump's base. His midwest heritage and bestselling memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, have helped him connect with the blue collar workers who proved crucial in their 2024 election win. He has found a role as the president's attack dog and travelling envoy. This weekend he will be in Rome for Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass. Mr Rubio, who ran for the top job in 2016, comes from a different part of the party. He was seen as a more establishment type of Republican, with hawkish tendencies on foreign policy, but has impressed insiders with the way he has slotted into the administration. Both have a record of criticising Mr Trump. But both are now among his most trusted Cabinet members. Mr Vance has shot down any suggestions that he and Mr Rubio are rivals. 'He is probably my best friend in the administration,' Mr Vance told Fox News. 'We hang out and talk all the time.' And Mr Trump himself has gone out of his way to avoid endorsing anyone and turning himself into a caretaker president. In February, during a Fox News interview, he shrugged off an invitation to name Mr Vance as his successor. 'No but he is very capable,' said Mr Trump. The poll also showed that 57 per cent of Republicans would support Mr Rubio if he were to be the 2028 party nominee. Yet 35 per cent said they were unsure or undecided about him. Caroline Mulvaney, research manager at JL Partners, said Vance was the clear frontrunner but that with so many people undecided, and votes split between so many names, there was plenty to play for. She said that Mr Rubio had time to strengthen his position. 'Something really working against him is the portion of voters who simply have no opinion about his place on the ballot, or haven't decided how they feel yet,' she said. 'While that is concerning for him, it's too early to say for sure how he should proceed. 'As the race narrows, it could be that his strong performance and public presence of late starts to work in his favour, where currently the number of possible nominees is diluting the effect.' JL Partners polled 975 registered voters this week on a range of political questions. If Mr Trump's eldest son, Don Jr, is added to the mix, he comes second. However, he has denied any plans to run in 2028. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
