CBS News poll of uncommitted voters who watched the debate. Who won the debate? Obama 40%, McCain 26%
Forty percent of the 516 uncommitted voters surveyed identified Barack Obama as tonight’s winner; 26 percent said John McCain won, while 35 percent saw the debate as a draw.
After the debate, 68 percent of uncommitted voters said that they think Obama will make the right decisions on the economy, compared to 55 percent who said that before the debate. Fewer thought McCain would do so – 48 percent after the debate, and 41 percent before.
Before the debate, 59 percent thought Obama understands voters’ needs and problems; that rose to 80 percent after the debate. For McCain, 33 percent felt he understands voters’ needs before the debate, and 44 percent thought so afterwards.
CNN poll of debate watchers. Who won the debate? Obama 54%, McCain 30%
Who expressed his views more clearly in the debate? Obama 60%, McCain 30%
Who spent more time attacking his opponent? McCain 63%, Obama 17%
Who seemed to be the stronger leader? Obama 54%, McCain 43%
Who was most likeable? Obama 65%, McCain 28%
