NASHVILLE, Tennessee (CNN) - A national poll of debate watchers suggests that Barack Obama won the second presidential debate.
Fifty-four percent of those questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey conducted after the debate ended said that Obama did the best job in the debate, with 30 percent saying John McCain performed better.
Watch: Debate analysis
A majority, 54 percent, said Obama seemed to be the stronger leader during the debate, to 43 percent for McCain. By a greater than two to one margin - 65 percent to 28 percent - viewers thought Obama was more likeable during the debate.
"Obama had made some gains on the leadership issue even before the debate," said CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. "McCain's advantage on leadership shrunk from 19 points in September to just five points this weekend. If Obama can use this debate to convince Americans that he is a stronger leader than McCain, he may be difficult to defeat."
Watch: Reading the candidates' faces
A majority of debate watchers polled thought Obama was more intelligent, by a 57 percent to 25 percent margin over McCain. Twice as many debate watchers also thought Obama more clearly expressed than McCain, with 60 percent giving the nod to the Democratic nominee and 30 percent to his GOP opponent.
Hands down, debate watchers questioned thought McCain rather than Obama spent more time attacking his opponent: 63 percent said McCain went more negative, as opposed to 17 percent who pointed to Obama.
Half of those polled say Obama answered questions more directly, 13 points ahead of McCain, and by a 14 point advantage debate watchers thought Obama seemed to care more about the probelms of audience members who asked questions.
McCain did come out on top in one category that neither candidate wants to win: By a 16 point margin, debate watchers thought McCain seemed more like a typical politician during the debate.
According to the poll, 64 percent had a favorable opinion of Obama after the debate, up four points from the pre-debate result. McCain’s favorability rating remained unchanged: both before and after the debate percent of those polled had a favorable opinion of the Republican nominee both before and after the debate.
"For McCain, the key finding may be that his favorable rating did not change at all," Holland said. "It's unclear whether Obama will gain any momentum from Tuesday night's debate, but it looks like McCain will not do so, and for a candidate who has consistently been a few points behind in national polls, that's not a good sign."
The poll suggests that independent voters thought Obama won the debate. Fifty-four percent of those identifying themselves as independent say Obama performed best, with 28 percent saying that McCain did the better job.
Among Democrats, 85 percent say Obama won, with just 5 percent saying McCain was the winner. Among Republicans, 64 percent say McCain won, with 16 percent saying Obama won the night.
The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll was conducted by telephone with 675 adult Americans who watched the debate. All interviews were taken after the end of the debate. The audience for this debate was 38 percent Democratic and 31 percent Republican - very close to the partisan breakdown among all Americans nationwide. The survey's sampling error is plus or minus 4 percentage points.
(Updated with additional poll results)
From CNN Politics
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Like little john said hmmmm lets let Obama tax and spend the way out of this corporate democrat greed feast..fanny and freddy backed him right?????? think about that just for a second...!
McCain may have fought in the war 30 yrs ago. But the McCain we've seen in the past month is not a hero, he is a liar and petty old man.
He doesn't understand economy, and doesn't know average americans struggle or how to help us.
McCain, we can't afford to have you get on the job training about economy.
No doubt about it!!!!
president barack was awesome!!!!!!
Scariest part of the night was when Obama said that he would go to his wife for the answers of things he didnt know....
if that is a sign of things to come...
scary indeed.
GO OBAMA!! 08!!!!!!!!!!
Obama extended his hand at the end of the debate and McCain refused to shake his hand. So much for reaching across the aisle. McCain was snarky and rude. Obama won by a landslide,
Thank God for small mercies. Drip!! Drip!!! Drip!!!
Obama was wonderful tonight. Steady, calm, respectful.
I thought at one point McCain became a bit erratic.
Oh, and in regards to the "my friends' drinking game, my count was 17 occurrences. Was that the right count?
3-0 baby!
My vote goes to, "That one". The One. Obama!
You Betcha!
"That one" was more Presidential, less sarcastic, and more polished. McCain's age is showing, and his frustration is evident. His quick exit out of the hall speaks volumes.
Obama indeed WON .
He was very specific and clear with his answers.
John McCain on the other hand was same old ...........
Sen. Obama won the debate. Sen. McCain referred to Obama as "that one" and at the end of the debate he wouldn't shake Sen. Obama hand. Am I the only one that saw that?
of course he won hands down.
he has all the good ideas, visions, plans.
he is the leader that america needs.
no mcbush and his pageant lady.
obama
obama clearly had more substance, and won this town hall debate, the very debate McCain suggested Obama was scared to face him in.
Of Course He Did, And He Will Win The Next Debate By An Even Wider Margin, And Ultimately Win This Election.
Obama/Biden 08'
No doubt whatsoever Obama was Presidential and McCain was angry,uncomfortable,condecending and no answers to boot.I kept thinking he was trying to sell me a used car "my freinds" that was a lemon.Obama just prooved again that he has thoughts ideas and answers.Sure he didn't answer everything and there were key questions that needed to be asked, but Obama was a clear winner.McCaina and Brokaw were not very good.
2 of 2!thats my president Obama.
I like both of these men and I have a ton of respect for both McCain’s service to our country and to Obama’s work at a community level – both are to be commended and honored.
I was a bit saddened while watching/listening tonight. McCain just seemed bitter. The GOP has tried so hard to play up his experience and Obama’s arguable lack of experience, but tonight it felt like ‘debate’ crossed the line into petty dislike.
He honestly reminded me of the sterotypical old neighbor man waving his cane at kids taking shortcuts through his yard. And I think McCain is better than that – or at least he was better than that.
If this campaign can turn an honorable war hero and revered servant of the people into an ambitious “Oscar the Grouch”, then I pray none of my children ever run for the office because I’ve raised them to treat *everyone* with more respect than he showed for Obama and himself during tonight’s debate.
I'd like to thank CNN for not going into the god awful spin room like they did for the last debate.
That One '08!
I can't wait to get the bumper sticker.
Performance is one thing...........I wonder if it matters to the people who felt Obama did a better job care if he misrepresented and lied about pertinent issues. How shallow the American public has become!!!!!!!!!
yes we can!!!
Barack Obama was the only one who showed up in the Presidential mode. McCain is stuck in politics of the past – Reagan, O'Neill, Leiberthal...we need someone to take us into the future, not someone who is keeps reverting to the past – some 30 years ago.
Sen. McCain, your time is over. Please cede the moment to the younger, more qualified generation.
"That One" won the debate.
McCain sounded like an arrogant, petulant school-child. It's been obvious to me for a long time, and should be clear to everyone now, that he will say and do anything to try and win this election. He brought in a no-nothing as his VP pick, he's decided to go totally negative with attack ads, and he's spoke out of both sides of his mouth on the economy tonight. When talking about McCain, I'm sure not voting for That One.
Obama won the debate tonight he just look and sound more like the president of the united states tonight.
In other words, as with the Veep debate – NOT A GAME CHANGER. The old fellow needed a game changer to stand a chance, and didn't pull it off.
Did anyone notice that when Obama went to shake McShame's hand, McShame would not shake his hand but pointed him towds Cindy's hand and needless to say she shook his hand. I am not shocked about this behavior from the republican Mc Shame.
Barack, I am so proud to be your supporter. Your appearance and demeanor was one of a statesman.
John, your comment, "that one" leaves me very uncomfortable, but it does instead display who you really are.
Tom, as a fellow South Dakotan and an avid viewer of NBC, I am disappointed. Your support for John was crystal clear. I thought you were better than that.
No doubt, Obama had a walk off win tonight. McCain just walked off.
This race is over. Bye-bye, McCain.
Great Job Obama!
McCain I Give Him A "C"
Obama clear winner of this debate. I have faith in Obama leading America in the right direction.
I do not support McCain's stances on the issues, and in addition to that I found his demeanor this evening disgusting and un-Presidential.
GO OBAMA!!!
OBAMA/BIDEN 08!!!
YEAH!!!!!
Obama totally crushed that creep
I think that Obama was very focused and ready for action.
CNN's undecided voters have not educated themselves on the issues and the positions on the canidates.
I guess they did not watch the same debate I watched.
Most Questions Obama did not give direct answers to, he wondered off on his own topics.
He got flustered a few times, and tried to get more time. poor tom
seems he changed how his health care policy would work again.
He also told McCain he was right a few times.
I also found him irresponsible on some of the answers. That scared me.
Hey Matt, I'll take Michelle Obama's thoughts over Sarah Palin's ANY DAY!
As president Obama will start getting America back on track and with the Clintons behind him (hopefully) he cannot go wrong. Obama did an awesome job. After all the attacks on him his week by Palin and McCain and working by himself without Biden, Obama did a hell of a job. He is cool, calm and collected and that is what we need in our next president.
HOLD ON CHANGE IS COMING
hey matt, don't be so ridiculous...it was a joke. oh yeah, the gop doesn't know how to take one. only how to dish out b.s.
The winner of 2008 US presidential election is: OBABIMADEN!
Think so, too. OBAMA WON THE DEBATE, period!
And with the economy debate to come, this might be some VERY BAD NEWS TO MCCain!!!
And with polls in many states already opened or going to open within the next few days, well, that's completely in Obama's favour.
LOOK AT THIS:
POLL TO LEADERSHIP:
OBAMA: 54%
MCCAIN: 43% (JUST 43%!!!!) Now that is REALLY BAD NEWS FOR MCCain!!!
He's going to lose in a landslide.
Obama/Biden – because experience is nothing compared to good goals, judgement, leadership skills and an economic plan!
I think it's time for McBush to retire. He constantly repeats himself
and I loathe the absolute rudeness and disrespect he shows
Barack Obama. Can we talk racist? McCain needs to make himself
a cup of warm Prune Juice and call it a day. He was up past his
bedtime anyway.
Agreed Obama won.
Obama did great , He is the hope for american.
Obama answered the questions-McCain rambled and hedged
That one won!!! Who's voting for him?? THIS ONE!!!
to Matt:
He wasn't talking about making important political decisions. It was an attempt at a joke, which Brokaw and the crowd laughed at. Unlike McCain's many failed attempts at laughs.
Obama took this one. It is clear that John McCain has completely lost his mind.
That one was clearly the winner and the only one who looked, acted and talked like a president. I couldnt beleive McCain actually talked down to the audience.
Hi,
There is no doubt that Mccain is loosing this election. Obama is only hope for what has been left of America. Left over of USA after being devoured by the religious fundamentalists like Bush-Palin, and the War Mongers like Bush-Mccain.
_______
Tariq
OBVIOUSLY!!
(unless you want an angry old war-happy man in charge...)
Barack Obama was awesome and very presidential and showed significant leadership against some of the worst, racial attacks of Palin and McShame
I did not like when McCain referred to Obama as "that one"–I thought that was very rude. I did not like when McCain condescendingly told one of the questioners that the questioner had never heard of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac before–everyone has heard of them. And I did not like when McCain refused to shake Sen. Obama's hand at the end of the night–he should at least have done it for appearance's sake.
It was clear that Obama won the night; was more presidential; gave more detailed answers. Obama's attitude was warmer and he appeared more approachable. McCain was defensive and antagonistic, talked in circles, and lacked the demeanor required to be a president who will build bridges.
Obama certainly made me understand in "common language" all the issues discussed on this debate. Thumbs Up!!!
Why did senator McCain at the debates end not want to shake senator Obama's hand when they crossed paths while mingling with the audience? McCain literally moved his hand away and pointed Obama towards his(McCain's wife) to shake her hand. Interesting interpersonal interaction with a fellow American for someone who wants to be the leader of the free world.
McCain portrayed himself as an angry old man who contradicts himself. In one breath he suggest the government buy up the bad mortgages, in the next breath he says we have to cut spending. So where is the money for the mortgage buyouts gonna come from? And, would this mean that those of us who haven't defaulted on our mortgages, will be compensated for the decline in our home value because of the mortgage meltdown? How about compensating us for our devalued retirement plans. Wow McCain, sound like you're a big spender after all!
Obama's remarks were predominately specific and reasoned, thoughtful. He was calm and appeared to be comfortable with the questions and the interaction with the people present.
McCain's were repetitive, general for the most part, and rambling. He relied on platitudes and seemed flustered. My husband and I were struck by how he seemed to struggle to express himself.
As a teacher, if I referred to an African American student as "that one," I would be suspended if not fired.
If you have no respect for the man, McCain, at least have respect for his office. He is a U.S. Senator.
Obama was very impressive tonight. Town hall meetings are McCain's forte, but Obama, being out of his element, proves he is able to adapt to any situation. He trumped McCain on almost every question. Obama/Biden '08
I thought John McCain made a bigger impact by telling "the truth."
Obama was just boring!
The results don't surprise me. Most of the blogs I read were from liberals. Probably 5 to 1. It would make sense that Obama would win a CNN poll.
Obama is running on his good looks and speaking ability. McCain is running on his record. The fact that both are virtually tied says volumes about who is the most qualified candidate.
To be honest we need to look a little deeper. McCain is ill if he win Sarah Palin will be President. She is not ready she has a lot of baggage in Alaska
Obama looked fresh and confident. McCain looked tired and worn out. Obama looked like he could work all night on any problem facing the nation. McCain looked like he would not hear the phone if it rang at 3am.
John McCain should retire and take the not-too-bright Sara Palin with him. It's time for new blood. Kennedy and Clinton were new comers to the presidential position; American should leave the color issues behind and continue with turning this country around.
Sara Palin should be sued for character scandal. (excuse my spelling)
LVW
New York City
President Obama. Get used to it.
McCain says he will freeze the government which is the problem we already have. I the government totally stops to only engage in War we become a Military government like some other foreign countries. That is chilling.
The McZombies are not going to claim that this is a liberal poll or something.
I think Sarah Palin is going to say that polls shouldn't be questions, and that polls are where we tell you who won.
Mr. Obama gave to me the answers I needed answered tonight. Especially on healthcare. Mr. McCain was unappealing to me with constantly having to make statements in regards to Mr. Obama's record. I applaud Mr. Obama in his answers and ask that he continue to do as he is, speak to the American people as he has...honestly and forthright. I am proud that he has not stupped to the level the McCain campaign has in slander and in letting hecklers become out of control. Thank you Mr. Obama you will be an excellant President!
An Ohio Voter
I wish someone in the audience would tell Senator McCain that we are not his friends!
That one won.
McCain, you are not "My friend"
I have become a US citizen two weeks ago, I must say... unexpectedly and at a record pace. I am extremely glad, and couldn't have asked for a better maturalization present. I will be able to vote in this elecetion. I want to Obama to be my first president and bring a breath of fresh air to my new country. I believe that he has demonstrated to have all the qualities for the job, once again in tonight's debate.
I used to like McCain, but in the midst of the race for the presidency he did turn his back to the principles in which he always believed, in exchange for a more secure support from an ultra-conservative base. John would not be in this position if he had remained truthful to himself, rather than to a greedy crowd. Viva Obama!
We have just seen President Obama!
Wow, and McCain says he's for change! Saying Reagan is your hero takes me back to the 80's. I'm changing too, for Obama!
McCain was amazing! He showed his expertise and preparedness to lead this country. I will be honored to have him as the President of my country
No doubt it. YES WE CAN
Of course Obama won the debate. I mean honestly, what do the people voting for J-Mc honestly see in two him and Sarah Palin? They don't even agree in some of the same issues. *SMH* McCain honestly needs to have a seat and let this one go. I don't think the man can hear. Obama NEVER said anything about raising taxes...however J-Mc continues to lie and say he did when Obama CLEARLY laid out his tax plan.
This one is voting for THAT ONE!!
McCain should have taken his meds. He looked like that PTSD was kicking in HARD tonight!
McCain seedmed rude and condesending as usual. Maybe it's an age thing.
Great poll. 2 points went up for Obama as he stood up, before he uttered his first word. You analysts should help people or look at real items than push buttons for who you like.
Do anyone of you know or does either candidate have any knowledge of what the real healthcare crisis is? Do you just pour money in or give credits to fix a broken system.
Medicine, is totally broken, and I am speeaking as a physician.
Government is broken and corrupt.
Analysts don't analyze, just try to sway people's minds.
I'm sure McCain WOULDA won, but he doesn't want to "leak" his ideas and plans to the American people. That's how they'll spin this one, get to work Leslie and Tucker!
He aint done it in the past 26 yrs because he was workin on this "confidential" master plan.
Crabby azz old man.
Who cares?
...I've seen all I need to see, and I'm voting for "THAT ONE" !!!
Obama/Biden '08-12
john mccain makes my stomach hurt.
i,irvin castilla personally think that obama has won the 2nd debate by far, he was smarter, he could really understood what peopole were feeling ,he definetely got his point accross and i strongly believe that he won by far. i'm amazed by senator mccain's contribution to this country,his service and experience have a lot to do on his favor,but although mccain has all of those qualities it still doesn't show his commitment to move this country forward to a better future.
Interesting that your viewer poll gave Obama the nod. I found when i was watching CNN that your analyst's distracted me from my own opinion. Also interesting that Fox is saying that their viewers gave McCain the win by over 80%. Without your network distractions on the TV screen, I also thought McCain was much more clear and specific on the issues (of course he couldn't go into great detail since he only had a couple of minutes), and Obama was playing defense all night. In all goes to the point that people are sheep. I hope that the American people start thinking for themselves and turn around this election.
The support behind Obama is now very firm. The polls indicate a daily widening between Obama and "that one". The debate and the opinions that followed it confirm that Barack is edging ever closer to the presidency.
CNN should put this headline in a different way.
MCCAIN LOST THE DEBATE.
A loss for this old fox is a victory for America.
Senator McCain is, hands down, the superior choice, even though neither is the perfect choice. Experience – McCain. Judgment – McCain, as evidenced by Obama still being unable to admit he was wrong on the Petraeus surge. Knowing what he doesn't know – McCain. Obama thinks he knows it all over everyone. Palin, with a similar knowledge and experience level to Obama, knows what she doesn't know and is willing to learn. Obama thinks he already knows everything and has nothing to learn, much as, admittedly, Bush thinks as well on many things.
Vote McCain. He is the best choice for our country.
Obama won by a LANDSLIDE. Not only did he refrain from calling McCain 'that one' but he had the gumption to state that healthcare is a RIGHT. No 'civilized' country should make health care dependent on income.
Obama rocked McCain's world!! Great to see, he schooled McCain and McCain was feeling it. Watching the old man get all frustrated, a pleasure to watch indeed! Go Obama!!!
Obama was the winner. McCain kept trying to throw barbs and tap danced around most issues.
Barack was great. McCain acted like a sore looser, couldn't bring himself to shake hands and left the hall early. I always thought he is a mean petty man. Now I don't think, I know.
Go Obama/Biden – We need you desparetly!
I personally don't think either "one" won. Neither could answer a question with a straight answer. I'm still going for the lesser of two evils " the other one".
That old, nasty, mud-slinging old man needs to come to accept that "that one" will be the next President of the United States. He will not.
Obama was once again more articulate, and proved that he can not only debate well, but he is capable of leading the country through the mess that it's in.
P R E S E N T,,,,,,,,,,A N D,,,,,,,,,,D O D G I N G,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,W H A T,,,,,,,,,,
A N,,,,,,,,,,EM P T Y,,,,,,,S U I T
With the economy crisis at present time, our troops still over in Iraq, job loss, including mine for past five months, am a nurse. I do not believe that either candidate won in tonights debate. Both candidates went back too who raised them, their past life. These things are not what the United States Of America citizens want too hear for remedies of the crisis's occurring at the present time. And, neither candidate had remedy for health insurance problems. I am 54 years old, I have had too use all my retirement funds in the past. What banks in the future can the american citizens truly trust with our retirements. Neither candidate won tonight.
Matt
That was a little humor. Boy, you McCain people sure are getting touchy.
I was absolutely appalled when McCain referred to Obama as "that one" . This only further bolsters my opinion of McCain as being arrogant and out of touch. It appears that he is becoming desparate in his bid to win the presidency which raises a lot of red flags in my mind. Obama has always managed to remain calm, poised and very much in control.
This was a useless poll, because all you had to do was watch McCain shoulders slump when Obama ripped him for singing about bombing Iran. McCain now even knows that this thing is over.
That one has NEVER talked to the American people as if they were uncomprehending morons. McCain;s performance and strong ability to talk down to the voters has cemented my vote. OBAMA!!!!
Obama, Great job! I already voted absentee, and you got it! Best choice ever!
Excellent debate Obama won it.....
McCain was old, tired, and cranky. He was also incredibly rude and condescending when he referred to Sen. Obama as "That One." His time is over. Obama won this debate and he'll win the Presidency.
Did you notice how Cindy M held her hands behind her back as if she was afraid someone might touch her? And Michelle O comfortably interacted with the audience?
No question – O won it big!!
I can't wait to get an "I'm voting for That One" t-shirt!
No Contest! Obama won the debate going away. Obama appeared to be the President of the United States, while McCain seemed like a condescending grandfather trying to tell "that one" the way things are in the world. Guess what? Obama needed no lectures from McCain, the most confused, erratic and deceitful politician around (except for Palin).
Obama clearly won all the debates so far. McCain is condescending, doesn't focus on specifics, and just rambles. McCain is just ridiculous with his comments and pacing back and forth. I used to be a Republican but Obama is clearly the better choice. GO OBAMA!
i can't believe that the nation is so divided.
CHANGE!
I believe Obama will be the next president of The United States. He has proven to be a more effective leader, orator and strategist as well as his partner Biden. My personal views are set aside for what is best for our economy and well being as AMERICANS.
"That one" will surely win!!!!! The physical comparison was amazing, the frustrated elderly MCain was no match for Obama.
That one will get my vote. Not too sure how stable the other one is.
Obama/Biden 08
I'm getting goosebumps at the thought of Obama becoming President. He's a fighter.
Obama won hands!!! you don't have to be a political scientist to have figured that!! A note to Obama supporters: Please do not sit back and relax. Obama is not letting us down so we should not let him down. Please come out to vote and bring three friends with you.
obama my president!!!
OBAMA: Clear and Presidential
McCain wins on substance, Obama wins on style. Popularity contest in the election favors Obama and if he wins, it will be one of the greatest marketing scams not only in political history, but in all of history.