Comments on: Poll: Both men beat expectations - but Obama had the edge

By: Trica

Trica — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 03:31:58 +0000

Cnn poll dosent surpraise me its offical obama network so stop spinning it cuz you want your guy to win who eles would be watching none other than obama fans!!!

By: a p

a p — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:53:57 +0000

Hey, did anyone notice that McShame wasn't wearing a flag pin ? He also couldn't look his opponent in the eye, just like kids who know they are lying or doing something WRONG...hmmm...interesting...

By: Brendan H., San Antonio, TX

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:46:37 +0000

I don't want a warped, ol-man, with a chip on his shoulderat the controls. I want to return to diplomacy, a strong economy and hope forthe future. That hope lies with Obama.

McCain and Palin have made a farce of the GOP – and the GOP knows it, too!!!

By: Concerned Teen, Ga

Concerned Teen, Ga — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:11:10 +0000

I loved the debate! I come from a republican household and I have to say Obama won. McCain kept getting angry and he wouldn't listen to Obama. I don't see how anyone can say McCain won with a straight face. Obama won and my republican family agrees.
Obama/biden '08

By: Deb, Allentown,PA

Deb, Allentown,PA — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:07:53 +0000

I am an Obama supporter so I agree with him on most of his policy statements and agree with almost nothing that McCain says.

However, having said that, I still wonder how McCain's refusal to look at Obama will play. Personally, I thought he looked angry and condescending. Kept waiting for that infamous temper to erupt. It looked as though it was pretty close to the surface a few times.

And darn...only three occasions to play the "my friends" drinking game. I thought we'd get a lot more of those.

By: Cheri

Cheri — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:50:21 +0000

Obama did much better than McCain. McCain seemed to be bringing up alot of what he did in the past, but not to much on what he is or would do for us in the future. I know experience is nessecary, but I didn't get the feeling he is connected to middle America and helping us. Obama did well and I agree with his platform he is running on. I used to be a republican, but now am a democrat. I don't vote a straight democrat ticket, but Obama definately has my vote.

By: FL4OB

FL4OB — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:41:09 +0000

Obama won the debate. After this past week of McCain's unnecessary drama and misguided shennanigans, all Obama had to was hold his own, and he exceeded that expectation.

Obama/Biden '08

By: tennisguypitt

tennisguypitt — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:33:29 +0000

either way, Obama wins because it wasn't clear that McCain had a clear advantage with these issues. I thought this was McCain's turf, but I couldn't tell from the debate last night.

Obama's probably going to have an advantage in the next debates.

Let's see how this goes...

Obama/Biden '08

By: Leslie

Leslie — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:23:02 +0000

Obama definitely looked so much better, McCain was twitching and snorting, really unattractive.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:07:22 +0000

Obama clearly had the edge. McCain sounded like he was lecturing and would rarely look Obama in the face. McCain is supposed to be the 'maverick', willing to cross party lines but tonight he sure came across very stubborn unwilling to give Obama any credit. At least Obama could admit when McCain was right.

Obama/Biden '08

By: FayeCT

FayeCT — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:57:26 +0000

Of course Obama has an edge in the polls. He usually does. That means NOTHING. November is when it really counts.

NO Obama!!

By: Lily

Lily — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:54:20 +0000

Everyone needs to LISTEN to Obama. It is truly apparent that his best interest is an overall intrest for ALL Americans. He will put Washington to work for us all. God Bless Obama. God Bless AMERICA, Land That I Love.

By: john

john — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 10:58:07 +0000

Sen. Brack Obama won simply because he was more crispy and cool collected and he exceeded beyond my wildest expectation. Brack obama got my vote tonight

By: Gerard

Gerard — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 10:42:46 +0000

When it comes to the economy, there is hard proof that McCain's "trickle down" theories don't work, and that Obama's "bottom-up" theory does: See for yourself: blueorred.atspace.com/email.htm This proof is unimpeachable.

By: Adel Zeki

Adel Zeki — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:53:05 +0000

I am an independent. I do not belong to any party . This is how i feel about the debate. The result of the debate to me and to any logical person was known even before it started . The debate was between a man with 1.5 year experience versus a man with over 20 years experence. It was between a man who put his country before his own interest when he supported an unpopler surge in Iraq. versuse a man who is willing to say anything to the Amercan people to get their vote. Obama knows very well that he can not pull trops from Iraq if the regoinal countryes like Kuwait, Suid Areba, Turkey say no , because it will destabilize the region. and yet he said he will pull trops within 16 month. from the day he become president (we will see about that) Such a promiss will make him either not truthful to the American people or it could indicate that he is totally un aware of the basic facts of foreign politics in the Middle east. In either case it is a desister. I am an American citizen, my origin from the Middle East. To day the debate showed who had the leadership quality and who is really ready to lead . I will lose my faith in the American people if they elect Obama. Because a nation who give no value to experience and no value to a stright talker Like MCCain it doomed to fall. ( Obama is a good talker, but that does not mean he can lead a country like America).

By: Jeanne Allan

Jeanne Allan — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:34:38 +0000

What in the h e ll is a "slight Democratic bias"? You asked 524 adults in a country of hundreds of millions and you think you've got an accurate picture? God, these polls get dumber and dumber as the election runs on. Oh, let me guess; you're really basing this on internet opinion. Great thought there. Because, of course, the internet isn't overly populated by Generation Young & Really Stupid. Hang out at facebook and youtube for awhile and you'll be forced to start wondering: "How did these idiots even get out of junior high, much less swing a high school or college degree?" There are a lot more people in this country than those paid to hang around on blogs and cheer Obama on, and they don't see things the way Gen YRS does. McCain bashers - grow up. Even your own party dropped the "can't use a computer" thing when they learned the truth. Try to pay a little more attention, okay? Obama has the edge (online) because the 20 and 30something sheeple are rightfully mad at the Republicans and they think he is their only alternative. Obama is playing them for the fools they are to fulfill his personal ambitions, and they are too gullible to see it. REAL CHANGE can only come through overthrowing the Dem-Repub regime and bringing in people who do not owe blind allegiance to either of those corrupt-to-the-core parties. A vote for McCain OR Obama is simply a vote for same-old, same-old business-as-usual.

By: KindMiss

KindMiss — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:33:50 +0000

I wish Obama was more aggresive tonight, anyway, he almost made McSame snap at some point, which clearly shows his temperment. If Cindy was an ordinary woman, he would've slapped her around all the time.But he needs her money, so.....

By: DonnieJ

DonnieJ — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:31:29 +0000

And by the way, McCain has to stop doing that creepy-old-man-snake-tongue thing. It looked like he was trying to catch bugs with it or something, the way he kept flicking it.

By: Holly

Holly — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:30:40 +0000

What "slight democratic bias" does this article speak of? Journalists shouldn't make such statements without providing some clarification. By the way, I watched the debate in a bar with a lot of people. Obama won.

By: Blue Tiger

Blue Tiger — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:29:29 +0000

Looking at the debate on it's own, Obama did NOT have any sort of edge. He spoke in pure generalities while McCain cited one specfic point after another.

I don't know who I'm going to vote for but after that debate, I have a lot more confidence in John McCain.

By: Mark - California

Mark - California — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:28:49 +0000

Now you know why McCain wanted to call the debates off. I still believe his main objective was to get the VP debate cancelled because he and the rest of the conservative know he made a bad judgement call with Palin.

By: DonnieJ

DonnieJ — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:28:44 +0000

McCain could not even look at Obama during the debate. And he's supposed to be a "tough guy"? Loser.

By: Avembe

Avembe — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:27:33 +0000

Even if Obama"wins " the 3 debates it doesn't mean that he will win the GE!!!remember what happened to Sen. Kerry!!!!!!!
Even if Obama was ahead in the polls by double digit it wouldn't mean that he would win!!!remember Dukakis!
Meaning....let's wait 5th of NOVEMBER!!!!!!!!!

By: John Locke

John Locke — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:26:16 +0000

McCain won by a landslide. I think some of the polls are done by calling districts that are traditionally democratic, which makes them entirely un-scientific. Network bias proves this to be very possible. If who "won" the debate is based on the most knowledgeable, competent person to lead the greatest nation on earth...The answer is clear: John McCain. Obama was jittery, rude with continuous interruptions, and near hostile at times. John McCain was clear, precise, substantive, and direct with his answers. One point he made very clear: He is the one who works with democrats and republicans – Obama does not, proved with his 97% "left" voting record. How do you trust a guy who says he will unite democrats and republicans but his record proves he doesn't do that? Obama is scary: It is proved he changes positions just to try to get elected. McCain is solid as a rock, and the ONLY candidate we can trust to lead this nation.

By: Penn State Student

Penn State Student — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:25:53 +0000

I can't say I agree. A 4.5 sampling error is way too high to come to a conclusion. Also most people are aware of CNN's strong lean to the left. This would be as useful as looking at a poll at MSNBC or even Fox news whos text voters voted over 80% in favor of McCain tonight.

Unfortunately, it's nearly impossible to find a balanced poll conducted by any media source these days. Too much swaying. So, these polls are really useless because they help no viewer or reader no what's really going on in the minds of those still undecided.

By: LaVon K Hummel

LaVon K Hummel — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:25:29 +0000

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET, depate Sen. Obama. I love your style.

By: Nick

Nick — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:25:10 +0000

CNN your title is very misleading. you accept the data is skewed by having 41 % democrats to 27 % republicans as a sampling pool; then you have the audacity to publish this !!!
I would have expected something like this on MSNBC or FOX.
This is so bad because someone just scrolling through would have the false perception that "Obama won the debate according to CNN poll" . This is Wolf Blitzer's network, a great great and fair journalist, so please keep the standard up.

By: Mark - California

Mark - California — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:24:04 +0000

Obama might not have won by a huge percentage but he won. If foreign policy is McCain strong point it didn't show Friday night. Even with all his diversion this past week and his performance Friday night may he shouldn't have showed up.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:22:53 +0000

McCain only showed his anger, impatience and unyielding manner. Obama was the clear winner in the debate.

By: mark

mark — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:16:22 +0000

no doubts that obama comes out as a winner despite that the results might actually look like a tie. mcsame should have been looking like the experienced guy he claims to be, but intead, he spent too much time saying obama does not have experience instead of responding to obama's remarks.

By: mai

mai — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:13:21 +0000

Obama won.....cool and level headed.

By: steven wise

steven wise — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:13:08 +0000

I think this political season is the most interesting, and history makink in all my (60)yrs. and in our nations history.
However, having said that, I think this elections VP picks are the most important we have ever had. We need to be paying a lot more attention too them than ever before simple because of the age of McCain,,and dont get me wrong, i'm not a biggot nor do I discriminate or care how old a person is. Still we have too be honest, and realise that McCain at his age makes his VP pick very important,and this really bothers me.So far everything ive seen about Palin I dont like.Not because she is a women, but she doesn't answer questions so I have know idea where she stands on anything, however my gut is telling me that she is in over her head.
Therfore, unless something really bad happens in the Obama,Biden camp? Then I will be voting for their ticket because I think there ideas are better and because of the things I pointed out above.thank you,
Mr. Steven Wise
Indiana,U.S.A.

By: Mary Duffy

Mary Duffy — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:12:01 +0000

Did you write this before or after the debate? I watched your coverage all day and you and your so called jouranlists are so pro-Obama, that comments on how he was going to win and what it would take for him to win were flying all day. Best CNN disgrace of the day, Campbell brown, after interviewing 4 Obama supporters intoduced by name and title, introduces Sen. Lieberman as "a McCain supporter", but you all do not see her 24/7 bias. She has become so nasty, she is even less pretty.

By: Scott of Utah

Scott of Utah — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:09:32 +0000

As an Obama supporter, I thought they both actually did quite well. I think Obama held his own on foreign policy, which you have to look at as a win since that is supposedly McCain's turf. What will be really interesting is the Biden vs Palin debate. I think Biden won't have to (and shouldn't) go too hard on her - She will self-destruct with no written speech and with no teleprompter and I think people will feel sorry for her. Biden should focus on Democratic policies and on McCain. He shouldn't say "Barack is ready to lead," because that will open it up for Palin to remind us that Biden said Barack "wasn't ready" in the primary.

By: Bill

Bill — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:09:23 +0000

It appeared that McCain kept on bragging about his war heroism and experience when the deep problems of America is beyond that. Matter of fact, its true that Bin Laden is still out there having a good time and laughing at the americans, It seems they are looking for a needle in the middle of a haystack. Obama wants to get rid of Bin Laden in the worst possible way. So more troops should be there than in Iraq. So what's new with McCain?

By: Angie

Angie — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:07:44 +0000

CNN AND THE MEDIA ARE SO BIASED, Obama did not win by far. Look at the text pole going on after the election. An overwhelming 89% of americans felt McCain won. You IDIOTS cannot even give the man that. HATE CNN, SO DAM LIBERAL IT HURTS TO WATCH. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . ..

By: Sumi, CA

Sumi, CA — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:07:05 +0000

The best part of the debate was when Obama called him Jim.

By: Jasmine

Jasmine — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:02:32 +0000

If John McCain had done more than attack. He might have won this debate. It was still, Senator Obama this, and Senator Obama that.

and this was supposed to be Senator McCains area of expertise. Ha I laugh at the very suggestion.

By: The View from here

The View from here — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 07:59:55 +0000

I think this also shows how the election will go. Republicans are disappointed in their candidate this time and few expect to vote. Adding Sarah Palin to the ticket, while it seemed like a good idea at the time, now is a liability. The Democrats are excited about their ticket and are working hard to put him in the White House.

By: John in DC

John in DC — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 07:59:23 +0000

Obama's good at this strategy. If he's ahead and splits ties the rest of the way with you, you've lost.

By: Tyree,LV-Independent

Tyree,LV-Independent — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 07:56:10 +0000

I Agree, But Obama Looked Calm, While Mccain Look Aggitated.
Obama Wins This One.

By: Alicia Schweiger

Alicia Schweiger — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 07:54:53 +0000

As a registered independent, I would appreciate a Republican candidate who is able, during a debate, to prove that he masters the intricacies of all issues facing America. In reality, Democrats consistently prove themselves to be better at understanding and expressing themselves about complex details, while Republicans are more often happy to get off some good one-liners and "below the belt" punches – rather than really answering the questions in detail.
As such, I honestly think that America has come to expect less of Republican candidates during debates, and as such, they will cut the Republicans more slack.
Last night's debate was no exception to this.
McCain stayed in his comfort zone, repeated his campaign ads, and did not answer the questions. Obama illustrated at length not only that he master the issues, but that he would be a strong leader and move America forward. I feel that Obama won this debate by a large percentage, but I also think that this will never be reflected accurately since many Americans hold lower expectations for McCain. Maybe they think that a war hero does not have to be subject to the same level of judgement as an African American from a broken immigrant family. Pity.

By: Thomas

Thomas — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 07:51:32 +0000

The outgoing commander of US troops in Iraq, Gen David Petraeus, has said that he will never declare victory there.
He said he did not know that he would ever use the word "victory": "This is not the sort of struggle where you take a hill, plant the flag and go home to a victory parade... it's not war with a simple slogan."

If this is a true statement, please tell John McCain

By: ellington7

ellington7 — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 07:49:11 +0000

Talk about the news media trying to skew the results in Mccain's favor, when obama clearly won.

By: LaVon K Hummel

LaVon K Hummel — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 07:43:34 +0000

McCain is a unhealthy choice for America.

By: Matthew

Matthew — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 07:41:21 +0000

Any man who votes for John MCcain is ensuring our country to 4 more years of a lackluster economy and failed views, John MCcain will say and do anything to win then go right back to what President Bush is doing Failing our Country. And by the way I am in Afghanistan right now and believe me we are not making progress here either. Obama was right Iraq is a distraction, you know what the difference between Afghanistan and Iraq is there is no Insurgency in Afghanistan. They had to travel to Iraq to kill servicemen here we are fighting the people of Afghanistan not foreign fighters like in Iraq.

By: LaVon K Hummel

LaVon K Hummel — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 07:40:11 +0000

McCain did not say one thing of substance. He acted like a smug child. Obama seem more like a senior Sen. My god . Obama is just what America needs . He is one smart cookie. John McCain really in to war, and not much else. McCain seems to be living in the past. I guess growing old , dose not alway = growing wise.

By: Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 07:39:45 +0000

Way to go president Obama

By: Gerry

Gerry — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 07:37:30 +0000

We'll see how the McCain camp can twist an obvious win for Obama to a drop in Obama's poll numbers. We saw it in 2004 and don't think that Tucker Bounds won't be hitting the Sunday morning shows without a spin or two up his sleeve. Bring on Sarah Palin this coming Thursday for the game-changer Obama/Biden have been looking forward to.

By: dreb

dreb — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 07:35:13 +0000

Best of 3 Debate Series

OBAMA-1
McCain=0