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USA Today/Gallup Poll: Debate Boosted Obama, Not McCain

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October 09, 2008 12:38 PM

USAToday's 'On Politics' Blog reports: Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama convinced many more viewers to think more favorably of him during Tuesday night's presidential debate than did his Republican opponent, John McCain, a new USA Today/Gallup Poll signals.

While 53% of the 735 people surveyed said their opinions of Obama had not changed, 34% said they thought more favorably of him and 12% viewed him less favorably. All 735 said they had watched the debate.

The reactions to McCain were almost mirror opposites: 54% said their opinions about him had not changed, 33% felt less favorable and 12% felt more favorable.

The poll also shows that among those surveyed, 56% thought Obama did the "better job" at the debate, to 23% who said that about McCain. Fifteen percent said the candidates' performances were "equal."

The national telephone survey was done last night (Oct. 8). Gallup says the margin of error is +/- 4 percentage points.

October 9, 2008 in McCain, John, Obama, Barack, Vote 2008: Democrats, Vote 2008: Republicans | Permalink | User Comments (201)

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That can't be. I heard Sarah Palin yesterday saying McCain had won.

Posted by: Paul | Oct 9, 2008 12:46:20 PM

If you want to read about the real John McCain, check out this link.

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/make_believe_maverick_the_real_john_mccain

Posted by: miles1967 | Oct 9, 2008 12:46:27 PM

President Obama, has a nice ring to it.

Get used to it repubs, your party is over!

Posted by: Independent realist | Oct 9, 2008 12:55:36 PM

All this doesn't matter. Gore was way ahead of Bush and Kerry was way ahead of Bush.

Who won?

Lol. And those didn't take into account the Bradley Effect.

:)

Posted by: Jo | Oct 9, 2008 12:56:58 PM

That's an interesting poll. I would agree.

Unfortunately McCain and Palin are at a hateful extreme.

Most Americans are rational, kind and, quite frankly, positive people.

McCain and Pain are very dark.

We had 8 years of fear driven politics already.

Posted by: afraid | Oct 9, 2008 12:56:58 PM

Yeah, yeah, whatever. 735 people versus millions of Americans supporting McCain! Obammy continues to be the IDIOT!

Obama's Legislation=Voter fraud in swing states...what a wimp.....Obammy and Michelle need to go back to Africa!

Posted by: Obama+Biden=Losers | Oct 9, 2008 12:57:10 PM

and the day after he goes out on a personal attack tour of him

you know couldn't make eye contact the first debate...

couldn't address accusations to his face in the second...

ugh

yeah noble...not.

throw these 9th year lying bums out.

Posted by: dl | Oct 9, 2008 12:57:39 PM

Dems live and breathe by the polls every presidential election season, and all it does it make them cocky ...

and look like fools (and extremely humiliated) when the republican beats their candidates butt.

And that's fun! So keep it up! We love gloating the day after the election!

Posted by: Jo | Oct 9, 2008 12:58:39 PM

Obama won his congressional and senate seat in Chicago by using voter fraud, and now he's trying to do it on a national level. This guy will not stop, will lie, cheat, and steal if it means the presidency. He's the idiot among ALL idiots!

Obama, read my lips: America DOES NOT WANT YOU! GO HOME!!!

Posted by: Obama+Biden=Losers | Oct 9, 2008 12:59:21 PM

Posted by: Jo | Oct 9, 2008 12:59:37 PM

JO
Everyone who has a brain and doesnt watch fox news knows BUSH STOLE THE ELECTION FROM GORE THERE WAS SOME SERIOUS FRAUD THERE!

Posted by: angie | Oct 9, 2008 12:59:52 PM

That's funny Zogby says don't bet on it, perhaps ABC should read the story. All polls are still within the margin of error. The ONLY poll I believe is happens on election day.

Posted by: samhiguchi | Oct 9, 2008 1:00:24 PM

angie, the idiot is posting...what a joke!

Posted by: Obama+Biden=Losers | Oct 9, 2008 1:00:27 PM

Apparently obama/biden losers AMERICA DOES NOT WANT MCCAIN AT LEAST THATS WHAT THE POLLS ARE SAYING!

Posted by: angie | Oct 9, 2008 1:01:04 PM

Why was the poll conducted more than a day after the debate? So that the mainstream media would have time to influence the poll by telling everyone that Obama won.

Posted by: tina | Oct 9, 2008 1:01:07 PM

angie, I remember when McCain was ahead in the polls and you posted that polls don't matter...hmm...but somehow they matter to you now that your "boy" Obammy is leading. You are such a double-standard liar, just like your lord and master, Obammy!

Posted by: Obama+Biden=Losers | Oct 9, 2008 1:01:45 PM

Jo

Gore and Kerry weren't in as good of shape as Obama is now.

a month out and Gore and Kerry were not looking at a potential landslide in their favor ...

Obama is.

even if it's close get your accuracy honed a little better.

Posted by: dl | Oct 9, 2008 1:02:01 PM


Paul:

Didn't you also hear Palin saying
yesterday that she has moved to
the White House already!!!!!!

Posted by: FM | Oct 9, 2008 1:02:15 PM

Why was the poll conducted more than a day after the debate? So that the mainstream media would have time to influence the poll by telling everyone that Obama won.

Posted by: tina | Oct 9, 2008 1:01:07 PM


Thats how the DemWits operate....LOSERS!

Posted by: Obama+Biden=Losers | Oct 9, 2008 1:02:46 PM

tina

the instant results from the polls

all pointed to Obama

nice try though.

Posted by: dl | Oct 9, 2008 1:02:57 PM

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