Debate Reactions

CNN/Opinion Research poll of the debate:

Regardless of which candidate you happen to support, who do you think did the best job in the debate — Barack Obama or John McCain?
Obama 51%
McCain 38%

Did _______ do a better or worse job than you expected?
Obama: Better 57%, Worse 20%, Same 23%
McCain: Better 60%, Worse 20%, Same 18%

Next, regardless of which presidential candidate you support, please tell me if you think Barack Obama or John McCain would better handle each of the following issues:

• The war in Iraq: Obama 52%, McCain 47%

• Terrorism: McCain 49%, Obama 45%

• The economy: Obama 58%, McCain 37%

• The current financial crisis: Obama 54%, McCain 36%

Thinking about the following characteristics and qualities, please say whether you think each one better described Barack Obama or John McCain during tonight’s debate:

• Was more intelligent: Obama 55%, McCain 30%

• Expressed his views more clearly: Obama 53%, McCain 36%

• Spent more time attacking his opponent: McCain 60%, Obama 23%

• Was more sincere and authentic: Obama 46%, McCain 38%

• Seemed to be the stronger leader: Obama 49%, McCain 43%

• Was more likeable: Obama 61%, McCain 26%

• Was more in touch with the needs and problems of people like you: Obama 62%, McCain 32%

Based on what _______ said and did in tonight’s debate, do you think he would be able to handle the job of president if he is elected?
Obama 69%-29%
McCain 68%-30%

CBS News and Knowlege Networks poll of undecided voters after the debate:

Who won the debate?

Obama 39%, McCain 24%, Draw 37%

Did your opinion improve of candidate?

Obama 46%, McCain 32%

Who would make the right decision on economy?

Obama 66%, McCain 42%

Who would make the right decisions on Iraq?

Obama 48%, 56% McCain

Mark Halperin grades the debate: Obama A-, McCain B-

MSNBC on John McCain’s lack of eye contact during the debate:

Republican pollster Frank Luntz and his focus group on Fox News: