CBS Poll: Obama Widens Lead Over McCain

CBS News Survey Shows Obama Opening Up Nine-Point Edge On Strength Of Debate Performance And Handling Of Financial Crisis

(CBS)  Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama leads GOP rival John McCain 49 percent to 40 percent among registered voters in a new CBS News poll. The nine-point spread marks an increase of four percentage points in Obama's lead from a CBS News/New York Times survey taken last week. Obama also leads by nine points among likely voters, 50 percent to 41 percent.

About 1 in 4 voters remains uncommitted to either candidate - they are either undecided or favor one candidate but say they could change their mind.

While no single factor can account for Obama's increased lead, both the financial crisis and the first presidential debate may have benefited the Democratic presidential nominee.

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Read The Complete Poll

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Neither candidate wins majority approval for their role in handling the financial crisis. But forty-four percent of registered voters approve of Obama's handling of the financial crisis, nine points higher than McCain. Forty-six percent of those surveyed, meanwhile, disapprove of McCain's handling of the crisis, compared to 32 percent for Obama.

Obama also continues to lead in voter confidence in handling the economy. Half of the registered voters surveyed say they are not at all or not too confident in McCain's ability to steer the economy, 11 percentage points more than say the same of Obama. Just 15 percent are "very confident" in McCain's ability when it comes to the economy, 11 points fewer than say the same of his rival.
The Democratic nominee was also widely seen as having won the debate. Forty-one percent of registered voters, including more than half of those who watched it, said Obama came out on top; just 21 percent said McCain was the winner.

Most voters said the debate did not change their opinion of the candidates, but Obama fared better amongst those who did. Twenty-eight percent of those surveyed said their opinion of Obama changed for the better, more than twice the percentage who said the same of McCain. While 17 percent said their opinion of McCain got worse, meanwhile, just 6 percent said as much of his rival.

Obama’s voters continue to be more enthusiastic than McCain’s voters about their candidate, and their enthusiasm has increased in the last week. Sixty-one percent of Obama voters are enthusiastic about the Illinois senator, up eight points from last week, while 36 percent of McCain backers are enthusiastic about their candidate.

Obama's favorable rating has risen five points from last week, to 48 percent, while his unfavorable rating is 32 percent. McCain's favorable rating is 39 percent and his unfavorable rating is 42 percent, an increase of 7 points from last week.

McCain’s support appears softer than Obama’s. Twenty-one percent of McCain voters say it is too soon to say for sure who they will vote for, compared to 14 percent of Obama voters.

Opinions of Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin are now evenly divided, with her unfavorable rating (33 percent) now slightly higher than her favorable rating (32 percent). Last week, Palin had an eight point net positive rating. Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden's favorable rating stands at 34 percent and his unfavorable rating at 19 percent.

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Read what the polls mean come Election Day

Read a CBS News poll on the economic crisis

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Women's perception of Palin has become increasingly negative. On Sept. 8th, Palin had a 47 percent favorable rating among women and a 19 percent unfavorable; now her favorable rating among the group is down to 30 percent, while her unfavorable has risen to 34 percent.

The debate has not changed voters' perceptions of the candidates' qualities. McCain continues to have a slight edge on how registered voters expect the candidates to handle Iraq and is far more likely to be seen as an effective potential Commander-In-Chief.

In addition to the economy, Obama has a clear advantage on empathy, with 67 percent saying Obama understands their needs and problems compared to 46 percent for McCain.

More than half now say Obama is prepared to be president, up from 46 percent last week, while a larger percentage, 60 percent, say McCain is prepared for the job.

While nearly 3 in 4 registered voters say Obama cares more about protecting ordinary people, more than 1 in 2 say McCain cares more about protecting large corporations.

Obama is leading among women, moderates and voters under age 45. He now has the support of nearly two in three voters who supported Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination, a slight increase from last week.

McCain continues to lead among white voters, including white men. White Catholics and white evangelicals also support McCain, as do conservatives.

Obama has a five point lead among Independents in this poll. Last week, this group narrowly backed McCain.
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This poll was conducted among a random sample of 1,257 adults nationwide, including 1,113 registered voters, interviewed by telephone September 27-30, 2008. Phone numbers were dialed from RDD samples of both standard land-lines and cell phones. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample could be plus or minus three percentage points, and plus or minus three points for the sample of registered voters. The error for subgroups is higher.

[steeepe]

Thank God! There may still be some hope for the USA.

[tx2democrats]

Vote All Republicans Out of Office.
This is our chance America to make
things right for the world. We should
ask the World for forgiveness for voting
Bushit into office. I don''t think Bushit
ever actually won the election, it was so rigged in Florida (dumba$$es) and look what we have 8 years later, a failed war, a failed economy, a failed administration (all the nasty rats already jumped ship), it is time to vote this repug party out of America, thanks alot Florida and Ohio (heck of job keeping Bushit in office), yea, thanks.

[liberalme]

Mr Obama is nothihng more than a HYPOCRIT - who follows all the leaders of this country. The media is disgustingly biased and the polls are likely rigged, and the people who support this stupid inexperianced individual are idiots sheer cattle in a country that doesn'''' know its A-- from its elbow. Good luck to you- and God Bless.

Posted by john43218

And Diebold rigged the voting machines in 04--but hey I guess that''s ok though huh?

Diebold was fined on 23 counts for "back door" entry on the machines.

He promised Bush Ohio and by golly Diebold came through!!

[tarheelpoder]

Excellent news. Here in North Carolina, you can feel the change in all the yard signs and bumper stickers for Obama. People who were never into politics are donating money to Obama, telling their family and friends to vote Obama, and volunteering in Charlotte, Asheville, Winston-Salem, Asheville, Monroe, Raleigh-Durham, Chapel Hill, Wilmington, Salisbury, and Fayetteville. North Carolina has turned progressively blue, and it shows. People finally want an intelligent, modern thinking, inclusive person in the White House. We are tired of the old, meanspirited bigotry and divisiveness of the past. Let''s get to work and ensure that Obama prevails about a month from now!

[livewire190]

Although McCains attempt to help with the bailout failed. At least he made an attempt. Obama thought it was either beneath him or simply bailed fearing any position he took would hurt him.


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Posted by alanrobisch2 at 06:20

why are you people so dumb to relize McLame''''s attempt to fly in like superman and save the day was a stunt!
This guy (SUPOSELY) went to D.C. and did not even enter the Capital, THAT backfired! He tried to use the White House gatehering sceam to make it look like he pulled everybody together, THAT backfired! Then he invited camermen into his office while on the phone making it look like he was workin hard on the deal then the repup house rejected it, THAT backfired! So dont try to say "huu, well he made a attempt." McLame is just MORE OF THE SAME! PERIOD!

[tx2democrats]

Hold on to your seats lovelies, this rebug party will do anything to stay in office, expect the october bang to have the repug parties fingerprints all over it, it will be big and if they hold to their true belief''s, the repugs will blow something up.

[livewire190]

Excellent news. Here in North Carolina, you can feel the change in all the yard signs and bumper stickers for Obama. People who were never into politics are donating money to Obama, telling their family and friends to vote Obama, and volunteering in Charlotte, Asheville, Winston-Salem, Asheville, Monroe, Raleigh-Durham, Chapel Hill, Wilmington, Salisbury, and Fayetteville. North Carolina has turned progressively blue, and it shows. People finally want an intelligent, modern thinking, inclusive person in the White House. We are tired of the old, meanspirited bigotry and divisiveness of the past. Let''''s get to work and ensure that Obama prevails about a month from now!


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Posted by TarheelRDU at 06:46 PM : Oct 01, 2008

I live in the PORT CITY and I know what your talkin about.

[pensacola98]

Barack Obama doesn''t accept campaign contributions from any lobbyists or special interest PAC groups.

In light of the recent rescue bill, it is clear that he had the clearest vision about what to require and demand in the resolution.

Others who accept lobby money had their personal campaign treasury balance reminding them that the fog is exactly what lobbyists and special interest thrive upon to operate.

Of all senators, only Barack Obama didn''t have special interests clouding his decision making capacities. This is what the country needs more of.

The country needs more senators and representatives to follow Barack Obama on our road to economic recovery. The country is clearly in better hands, when lobbyists and special interests are not buzzing around our elected officials.

[ecs1749-2009]

"Change is coming, my friends."

And you think that''s a good thing? When Carter took office, the interest rate shot up to 20+%...

Incompetence Change

"Mr. President, Bin Larden received shipment of a nuclear warhead. What should we do?"

"Present"

...

[sylvie2344]

John McCain''s campaign is dying. It will take a sudden turn for the worse tomorrow night.

[zietzke-2009]

To: John 43218.........You Stink ! and so does your party, who has ruined this country over the last 8 miserable years.

[livewire190]

Now the GOP are cry''in "Their try''n to steal the election from us in states that allow early voting"!
........................ Ok.............................. Does Florada in 04'' ring a bell. what goes around comes around even harder!

McLame= More Of The Same

[nextgenman]

January 20,2009
A NEW NATIONAL HOLIDAY is Born !!
OUR Country Is RETURNED to it`s RIGHTFUL OWNER !

" THE PEOPLE "

CORPORATE America`s Reign is OVER !
SHRUB`s ONLY Success was " Stealing Elections & Hijacking Our Nation ! NEVER AGAIN

Posted by laborsvoice at 06:51 PM : Oct 01, 2008
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No, he has another success: He taught Americans to hate each other.

[livewire190]

Yeah, if THAT is the change YOU want, then you are an idiot. Go ahead and vote for the change that WRECKS America, the rest of us will have no part of it.



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Posted by michaelt302 at 06:54 PM

well he will be ya''ll Presindent so pretty much you will.

[zietzke-2009]

To: Michaelt302,

I feel sorry for you......Have you been asleap for the last 8 years ?

[emelder]

No gas again today in Atlanta, Charlotte, or Chattanooga ... of course, Bush is not responsible for a hurricane, but why are he and the Republicans SO far behind on contingency planning? This is his/their administration and they keep getting PLANNING issues wrong: Katrina, Iraq, Afghanistan, budget deficit, No Child Left Behind. Wall Street bailout crisis, you name it. Bush/Cheney, Palin/McCain are clueless. We need real leadership in the Executive Branch ... it''s Obama time!!!

[livewire190]

Ima sit back with a big a$$ bag of popcorn and watch Palin screw herself on the debates.

McLame= Just more of the same

[dubya_luvr]

Posted by michaelt302 at 06:54 PM : Oct 01, 2008

You''ve accurately parroted Rush Limbaugh''s hysterical, shrieking talking points.

All Republicans can do at this point is claim that their magic eight-ball oracle can see a dark fufute under Obama.

Here''s the problem, neocons: you might predict a rough future, but we''re living the ruined present brought courtesy of your Bush administration.

Keep bleating your weak little lies, neocons. Maybe uncle Rupert will give you a token job for being a loyal, drooling stalwart.

[mwestorca]

It''s getting clearer and clearer that John McCain does not have the judgment or temperament needed to lead the United States. His choice of Sarah Palin was both foolish and cruel. She might have had a successful career in politics if she''d been allowed to grow and become all she could be. It''s not her lack of experience at this point that makes her problematic - it''s her lack of education, knowledge, and intellectual curiosity. She could pick that up along the way - but not in the top job in the free world. McCain should have known better. He needs to curb that gamblin'' maverick streak and use sound judgment. He''s quick to grab the high ground these days, but he''s not the John McCain I used to think was the one Republican I could trust to lead us.

[emelder]

That''''s because Americans realize that the only difference between Palin and Bush is lipstick.

Posted by Stormey0ne at 07:02 PM

Good one!

[zietzke-2009]

PALIN at the debates.....: I think, I thought, I don''t recall what he said, I do not think that I thought of that issue, But I am sure that we can figure it out on what I meant because I don''t know what he thought except I Know that I don''t and cannot think !!

Go "get em" Biden. Send her back to the Bridge to nowhere.

[barrylies]

This could be interesting:
(Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania %u2013 09/29/08) - Philip J. Berg, Esquire, the Attorney who filed suit against Barack H. Obama challenging Senator Obama%u2019s lack of %u201Cqualifications%u201D to serve as President of the United States, announced today that he filed his Opposition and Brief to Obama and Democratic National Committee [DNC] Joint Motion to Dismiss in the case of Berg v. Obama, No. 08-cv-04083.

Berg feels confident that he has %u201CStanding%u201D and the Court will allow the case to go forward. Our response was due in 14 days, but the Court requested our answer by Monday, September 29, 2008 and we complied.
In our response we set forth sufficient reasons that I have %u201CStanding%u201D to bring this lawsuit. Furthermore, I set forth additional reasons that indicate Obama does not meet the qualifications for President of the United States and Obama should be removed from the ballot and held accountable.

Our website obamacrimes.com has received 17.1 + million hits. We are urging all to spread the word of our website %u2013 and forward to your local newspapers and radio and TV stations.
Berg again stressed his position regarding the urgency of this case as, %u201Cwe%u201D the people, are heading to a %u201CConstitutional Crisis%u201D if this case is not resolved forthwith.

For copies of all court pleadings, go to obamacrimes.com.

Soetoro,..Never!

[republican4m]

CBS is twisted!!!! They always twist the story against Republicans and for Democrats!!!! I understand if you have different beliefs, but you dont need to be one sided. Very disappointed at CBS!!!!

[mandalay-bay]

Palin will make Obama''s lead even bigger after tomorrow.

Yeah, um, all of em, uh, a vast majority, um uh, and uh it''s about costs, and uh healthcare, and I told congress thanks but no thanks on that bridge to nowhere um, yeah..alaska is close to russia and putin?
um yeah....

[barrylies]

Go "get em" Biden. Send her back to the Bridge to nowhere.


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Posted by zietzke at 07:05 PM : Oct 01, 2008
_____________________________________________________
That''s funny considering that Obama?Soetoro and Biden voted for it twice!! You really should get your info from places other than your morning email from team Axelrove.

http://www.drudge.com/news/112852/obama-biden-voted-bridge-nowhere

[dj282008]

BARRY,
We talked about this earlier man. stop posting negative about obama until we know the full truth man. Please I ask this of you. The truth will be known soon

[republican4m]

CBS is twisted!!!! They always twist the story against Republicans and for Democrats!!!! I understand if you have different beliefs, but you dont need to be one sided. Very disappointed at CBS!!!!

[zietzke-2009]

This Blog is getting FUN !!
How about the criminal activity of Bush/Cheney over the last 8 years.....The scare tactics, lies and distortions by the Reps over this election is getting old. Obama will be the next president....not perfect, but a hell of an improvement over the monkey we have now.

[txrfc2008]

Don''t worry McCain-Palin supporters. The GAMBLING MAN and his UPSTART will take the state of Nevada. A GAMBLING MAN WINS THE GAMBLING STATES OF NEVADA, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI. What this country really needs now over economic stability and sound-minded vision - Mr. Maverick - no, excuse me, Mr. and Ms. Maverick. I can see their them songs now - I''M A GAMBLING MAN and YOU AND ME AGAINST THE WORLD. How fitting for the two.

[barrylies]

Rezko starting to speak:

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/09/29/rezko-speaks-prosecutors-interested-in-obama-listen/

[barrylies]

We talked about this earlier man. stop posting negative about obama until we know the full truth man. Please I ask this of you. The truth will be known soon


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Posted by dj282008 at 07:16 PM : Oct 01, 2008
___________________________________________________
I don''tconsider a press release about the lawsuit negative,..why do you? It will only be negative fo you when the judge rules that Soeetoro must produce the documents,..why so worried?

[xsoldier88]

I think we should have an investigation on how we got in this financial mess, and some other institution other than congress should do it. It should have no Senator or Congressman on it. The Supreme Court should appoint the investigators. Enron people went to jell for the same thing that has happen here. I think we will find the Democrats are in deep. I am ready to stand on every street corner and demand justice, I hope others will join me, not just talk.

[yc4change]

TO: STLOUIS MAN3: HOW CAN HE DO WORSE THAN GEORGE W. BUSH????? YEA THAT''S WHAT I THOUGHT. ALL NARROW MINDED PEOPLE SHOULD PACK UP MOVE TO RUSSIA, YOU ALL WOULD LOVE IT THERE ALL YOU SEE ARE FOLKS THAT LOOK JUST LIKE YOU. JUST THINK YOU WOULD NOT HAVE TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON HERE IN AMERICA AT ALL. YOU COULD DRINK VODKA LEARN RUSSIAN TURN 360 DEGREES ALL DAY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE AND SEE NOTHING BUT LILLY WHITE SKIN JUST DREAM OF THAT WHEN YOU GO TO BED TONITE HOW WONDERFUL THAT WOULD FOR YOU. OH YEA YOUR OTHER OPTION HAVE THAT FINE!!!!!! EMPTY SUIT BARACK OBAMA AS YOUR NEXT PRESIDENT IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. HURRY IF YOU START PACKING NOW YOU COULD BE MOVED BY ELECTION DAY. PLEASE TAKE AS MANY NARROW MINDED IDIOTS WITH YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE. HAPPY VODKA TO YOU FOLKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dj282008]

I don''''tconsider a press release about the lawsuit negative,..why do you? It will only be negative fo you when the judge rules that Soeetoro must produce the documents,..why so worried?

Have you read the documents?

[barrylies]

Pelosi pays husband and self with PAC funds:

http://www.washtimes.com/news/2008/oct/01/pelosis-pac-pays-bills-for-spouses-firm/

[barrylies]

Why won''t Obma talk about Harvard:

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=74877

[xsoldier88]

Obama had his hands in Fanny Mays pockets deep. He lobbied for their no income requirement to purchase a house. He helped people purchase houses with no money. He got kickbacks from it McCain tried to stop it, but the democrats filibustered it

[lipstick2008]

Riiiight!
McCain will win the real election based on Religious values.

[smirk5]

McCain didn''t have the chance to lose a Presidential election when he was a prisoner for 5.5 years. Hopefully, America will give him that gift. He has 11 houses. He''ll find one to settle down in to spend his final years with that drug-addled Stepford wife of his.

[dj282008]

STUPID0ne, Obama hasn''''t done anything for this country yet--so no telling what he will do. Wait--appoint community organizers all over the country? and have Rev. Wright write his speeches?

Come on now, Do you honestly think that Wright is going to help you now. You guys have been talking about him for months. And you still continue to talk about him. Go to wash U tomorrow and be part of the protest

[oly_joe]

Looks like Old Geritol John is getting schooled by Obama .. Obama owns the guy!

[barrylies]

BREAKING:

Debate questions exposed:

http://edgeoforever.wordpress.com/2008/10/01/we-got-them-the-vp-debate-questions/

[zietzke-2009]

To all Republicans: How is your healthcare coverage ?
You have obviously been comatose (or just brain dead) over the last 8 years and now need healthcare coverage, which is what the demo''s have been acvocating.

[ofbyfor2]

RCP Average:
Obama --- 5.3%

Posted by gun_tower at 06:42 PM : Oct 01, 2008

I can''t wait to see the polls on Friday after tomorrow night''s debate.

[david1737]

McSame/Failin


McSame/Failin


McSame/Failin

[xsoldier88]

TO: STLOUIS MAN3: HOW CAN HE DO WORSE THAN GEORGE W. BUSH????? YEA THAT''''''''S WHAT I THOUGHT. ALL NARROW MINDED PEOPLE SHOULD PACK UP MOVE TO RUSSIA, YOU ALL WOULD LOVE IT THERE ALL YOU SEE ARE FOLKS THAT LOOK JUST LIKE YOU. JUST THINK YOU WOULD NOT HAVE TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON HERE IN AMERICA AT ALL. YOU COULD DRINK VODKA LEARN RUSSIAN TURN 360 DEGREES ALL DAY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE AND SEE NOTHING BUT LILLY WHITE SKIN JUST DREAM OF THAT WHEN YOU GO TO BED TONITE HOW WONDERFUL THAT WOULD FOR YOU. OH YEA YOUR OTHER OPTION HAVE THAT FINE!!!!!! EMPTY SUIT BARACK OBAMA AS YOUR NEXT PRESIDENT IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. HURRY IF YOU START PACKING NOW YOU COULD BE MOVED BY ELECTION DAY. PLEASE TAKE AS MANY NARROW MINDED IDIOTS WITH YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE. HAPPY VODKA TO YOU FOLKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


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Posted by yc4CHANGE at 07:23 PM : Oct 01, 2008


Pssst !!!

All "CAPS" says grade school education.

FYI
Do you think there are no black Russans, Most comunist or Socialist countries are of a black race, and Obama is a Socialist.

[dj282008]

freeanswers;

Where did you recieve your education. I''ll bet you 1 Billion dollars that Wright won''t even be invited to the white house let loan part of his presidential career.

[yc4change]

STLOUIS MAN3; OH YOU STUPID IDIOT WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR THE COUNTRY PLEASE GIVE SPECIFIC DETAILS EVEN IF YOU MUST BLOG MULTIPLE TIMES. I JUST KNOW THE LIST MUST BE EXTREMLY LONG WITH ALL YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS YOU HAVE PROVIDED FOR THE COUNTRY THERE IS ALWAYS RUSSIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU LITTLE PUNK!! OBAMA UP IN ALL THE POLLS. RUSSIA ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET YOU HAVE GENIUS FROM ST LOUIS PREPARING TO LAND. VODKA FOR EVERYONE.

[david1737]

****McSame/Failin****

[barrylies]

Isn''''t that GREAT?

Thought I''''d share and make your day.


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Posted by gun_tower at 07:31 PM : Oct 01, 2008
________________________________________________
I know, when they called my friends and I told them we would vote for Soetoro, we knew that you being an actual supporter would be so gullible that you would believe it and stay home on election day.

Check out the lawsuit that will expose Obama?Soetoro for the fraud he is:

www.obamacrimes.com