CBS Poll: Obama Has Edge In Final Debate

By Large Margin, Uncommitted Voters Say Democrat Won The Last Debate Before The Election

(CBS)  Uncommitted voters named Barack Obama as the winner of the third and final presidential debate by a large margin, according to a CBS News/Knowledge Networks poll.

Obama was also named by uncommitted voters in this poll to have defeated John McCain in the first two presidential debates.

Immediately after the debate, CBS News interviewed a nationally representative sample of 638 debate watchers assembled by Knowledge Networks who were "uncommitted voters" - either undecided about who to vote for or who could still change their minds. Fifty-three percent said Obama won the debate, 22 percent said McCain won and another 25 percent thought it was a tie.

Democrats are usually perceived as better than Republicans at handling health care (a topic discussed in detail during the debate) -- and that was true for Obama. Before the debate, 61 percent of uncommitted voters said that Obama would make the right decisions about health care -- that rose to 68 percent after the debate. Only 27 percent thought McCain would do so before the debate -- afterwards it was just 30 percent.

Despite McCain's observations that Obama's policies would raise taxes, half of these voters after the debate think McCain would raise taxes if elected. However even more, 64 percnet, think Obama would.

The economy continues to be a critical issue for voters overall, and both before and after the debate more uncommitted debate watchers thought Obama more than McCain would make the right decisions on the economy. Before the debate, 54 percent said Obama would make the right decisions about the economy -- that rose to 65 percent after the debate. Thirty-eight percent said before the debate McCain would make the right decisions about the economy -- that increased to 48 percent after the debate.

However, far more uncommitted debate watchers trust John McCain to handle a crisis. Before the debate, 78 percent trusted McCain to handle a crisis -- afterwards, 82 percent trust him. Obama's ratings were lower than McCain on that measure, but did rise after the debate from 50 percent to 63 percent.

Far more uncommitted voters continue to think Obama understands their needs and problems than think that about McCain. Both before and after the debate, majorities of uncommitted voters felt Obama understood their needs and problems -- fewer said the same about McCain.

Both candidates are viewed similarly on sharing voters' values, but Obama increased a bit more than McCain did after the debate.

Forty-six of the uncommitted voters said that their image of Obama changed for the better as a result of this debate. Just 10 percent say their opinion of Obama got worse, and 44 percent reported no change in their opinions.

McCain's image improved, but not nearly as much. Thirty percent said their image of him improved as a result of the debate, but nearly as many - 26 percent -- said their views of him are now worse than before.

Debate watchers who thought Obama won the debate thought he was a better communicator and has a better grasp of the problems the country has to face. Some used words like "eloquent" and "confident" to describe him. In contrast, some said McCain was defensive and spent too much time attacking Obama - using words like "rude," "mean," and "caustic" to describe McCain's performance in the debate.

Debate watchers who thought McCain won the debate were impressed by his experience, and many were unsure about Obama's sincerity and credibility. Many were also concerned that Obama's solutions all required spending money.

As this poll has found after the previous debates, most uncommitted voters' minds have not changed. But more went Obama's way after this debate. Thirty percent of uncommitted voters who watched this debate said they are now committed to Obama, twice as many as the 14 percent who said they are now committed to McCain. Most - 57 percent - remain uncommitted.

Read the complete poll (PDF)

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This CBS News poll was conducted online by Knowledge Networks among a nationwide random sample of 638 uncommitted voters - voters who don’t yet know who they will vote for, or who have chosen a candidate but may still change their minds - who have agreed to watch the debate. Knowledge Networks, a market and public policy research firm based in Menlo Park, CA, conducted the web poll among a sample of adult members of its panel, who are provided web access if they don't already have it. More technical information is available at http://www.knowledgenetworks.com/ganp/reviewer-info.html.

This is a scientifically representative poll of uncommitted voters’ reaction to the presidential debate. The margin of sampling error could be plus or minus 4 percentage points for results based on the entire sample.

[hungry4goodg]

The debates are over. The discussion now really needs to include the upcoming Obama landslide.

[abmitus]

OBAMA / BIDEN 08

[sarahoffs]

I took notes throughout the debate, then once it was over I turned off the TV and started writing. I didn''t expect that my observations would mirror so many others''. I am undecided and wanted to hear from the candidates what their specific issues are. I wasn''t expecting such an emotional and even at times melodramatic response from Mr. McCain. I knew he would have been well prepared by his team so I wasn''t expecting him to miss the mark so greatly.

Even so I am not letting this debate make my decision for me, now it''s time to dig into the candidates specific platforms (straight from their websites) and try to analyze which candidate is the best match for me.

Please be careful folks, not to fall prey to the ***** flurrying about in email. Get your data straight from the source. It''s the least you can do for our country, to be a truly educated voter.

Sara Hoffman
imundecided.blogspot.com

[irishmurph2]

Obama is the great white hope...I can''t wait to get from beneath the black cloud Bush has placed over our heads!

[truthspeake2]

Obama/Biden 2008...enough is enough, the GOP has ran this country into the ground!

[simonette2]

Gees. Too little, too late from McCain. Does this mean we are going to see hundreds of Joe the Plumber ads?

[thcarson-2009]

The debates are over. The discussion now really needs to include the upcoming Obama landslide.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by hungry4goodg


Blah, Blah, Blah. Gore had a 11 point lead over Bush in October according to the "polls". If you''re middle class and think Obama isn''t going to raise your taxes then you are insane. Clinton ran on the not raising your taxes platform also and the first thing he did was raise taxes.

[silthunder7]

OBAMA - A GUN OWNERS WORST NIGHTMARE!!!!!
OBAMA IS THE MOST ANTI 2nd AMENDMENT PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES!!!!!! PERIOD!!!!!
The presidential primary season is finally over, and it is now time
for gun owners to take a careful look at just where nominee Barack Obama stands on issues related to the Second Amendment. During the
primaries, Obama tried to hide behind vague statements of support for
%u201Csportsmen%u201D or unfounded claims of general support for the right
to keep and bear arms.
But his real record, based on votes taken, political associations,
and long standing positions, shows that Barack Obama is a serious
threat to Second Amendment liberties. Don%u2019t listen to his campaign
rhetoric! Look instead to what he has said and done during his entire
political career.
FACT: Barack Obama opposes four of the five Supreme Court justices
who affirmed an individual right to keep and bear arms. He voted
against the confirmation of Alito and Roberts and he has stated he
would not have appointed Thomas or Scalia.17
FACT: Barack Obama voted for an Illinois State Senate bill to ban and
confiscate %u201Cassault weapons,%u201D but the bill was so poorly crafted,
it would have also banned most semi-auto and single and double barrel
shotguns commonly used by sportsmen.18
FACT: Barack Obama wants to re-impose the failed and discredited
Clinton Gun Ban.15
VOTE MCCAIN!!!!!

[lch100]

Well, McCain lost me in his opening comments where he promised "our prayers and thoughts with Nancy Reagan"...for falling in her home and going to the doctor? All due respect to Mrs. Reagan, but a disingenuous outreach to Reaganites was a turn-off. It simply seemed odd.

[silthunder7]

KEEP TALKING THIS GOP RAN US INTO THE GROUND STUFF/WHEN IT WAS ACTUALLY YOUR DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS THAT DID IT!!!! YOU GUYS INCLUDING THE MEDIA ARE FULL OF IT... THE REPUBS DID THIS AND THE REPUBS DID THAT.
WELL WHAT DID YOU DO????????????????

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
VOTE MCCAIN/PALIN 08!!!!

[silthunder7]

KEEP POSTING YOUR FALSE NOTIONS AND RHETORIC..
YOU''LL SEE IN A FEW WEEKS WHO IS GOING TO WIN!!!!

VOTE JOHN MCCAIN!!!!! HE WON THE DEBATE LAST NIGHT YOU ARE JUST TO NAIVE TO ADMIT IT...
VOTE MCCAIN!!!!!

[norepubs]

.....The democratic majority has had a two year run where republicans stonewalled any meaningful legislation.
We''ve had eight years of repub thugs stealing from the U.S. Treasury,(16 if you count the administration of that idiot Reagan) and now the chickens have come home to roost.
Republicans are forever trying to shirk responsibility for anything by blaming the ''other guy''.
Americans are finally wising up to republican B. S.

[norepubs]

Nobody is going to take away guns from paranoid republicans,so stop your nonsense already......
.........................................................................................................
OBAMA - A GUN OWNERS WORST NIGHTMARE!!!!!
OBAMA IS THE MOST ANTI 2nd AMENDMENT PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES!!!!!! PERIOD!!!!!
Th

[norepubs]

Right. That''s when the fascist repub campaign of LIES went into high gear with the ''swift boat'' nonsense
......................................................................................................................
Blah, Blah, Blah. Gore had a 11 point lead over Bush in October according to the "polls".

[rixmix98]

Posted by SILTHUNDER7 at 06:48 AM : Oct 16, 2008


Hahahahahaha. Gotta hand it to you Repukes, you don''t give up. hehehehehe

[dassault_]

McCain is going to lose this election.

Even Stevie Wonder can see it.

[anya136]

Mccain''s campaign is based on:

1 similar policies to bush
2 lies, half truths about obama
3 palin the unready

that is why no matter what tone or tactics he tried he couldnt win.

[gangesdak]

McCain said it best last night. He brought Palin, the fresh brain (Unused), to Washington D.C. I agree.

[john43218]

In Obama''s world, Washington must not simply ensure an even playing field for all Americans; it must ensure equal outcomes. His way of doing that is to "spread the wealth." Americans have always spread the wealth, though. They do it through the marketplace. They trade goods and services for cash. Those who do it well take the most risk and are most rewarded. Those who don''t are cared for by churches, neighbors, families, charities and the state.

But to Obama, the market is too risky. It does not distribute outcomes evenly. And so he proposes to use the power of the state to redistribute outcomes as he prefers to see them. That is a recipe not for success, but for servitude.

There is no question, Barack Obama the man is a new and exciting presence on the national stage. His plan for governing this country is not. It is nothing more than failed redistributionism wrapped in pretty new paper. That isn''t change. It is a failure of imagination. And it is a betrayal of trust in the American people and of the ideals on which this great and free nation was founded.

[vipros358]

McCainNation.Obama will lose ,regardless of the polls,Mccain is the better choice to lead,and will put country first as always: and again I guess fumbling for answers and being defensive wins a debate?Not to me it dont, John McCain won the debate and will win in Nov.

[babooph]

They seemed about even in the debate,but the forced nasty laugh John came up with is not typical of him -at his age 2 years of hard running are stressing him.

[interobserv]

Both men performed admirably. However, Senator McCain came off as a cranky old man while Senator Obama should a coolness and presence of mind that has been sorely lacking for the past eight years.
And, by the way, Obama is running against Bush. He is running against a Bush surrogate who will continue his failed policies and approach to government.
Obama won. The people have weighed in. All that''s left is to go to the polls on November 4, 2008 and make it official.
OBAMA BIDEN ''08

[jgmilw]

stick1771, why do you believe that CBS stacked the poll? If "smoked" is a euphemism for "came across as an angry old white guy," then yes, McCain smoked Obama. Unfortunately, this doesn''t impress the most important class of voters, the undecideds.

As a nonaligned independent voter, this election has been extremely interesting for me. Long before the primary season started, I had decided that one of the most important issues facing us was the continued polarization of our politics. Our system of government was designed to allow a large number of congresspeople to go through a debate process that should arrive at a solution that is generally centrist, and while maybe not ideal is acceptable to most. When the votes start falling strictly along party lines, this fails. So, I was making lists of interesting people for President, back before primary season, and both McCain and Obama made it onto my list, Obama (ironically) as "I''ll never see this but it''d be interesting to see." Both of these guys seemed to be less polarizing than other choices.

For me, this has turned out to be an issue-oriented campaign. The candidates are both respectable. I am saddened to see the negative attacks. It certainly ranks as a minor component in my decision-making process, because I believe it tends to polarize. McCain seems to be doing more of it, but both are guilty. Let''s have a respectful debate of real issues, please.

[jgmilw]

stick1771, why do you believe that CBS stacked the poll? If "smoked" is a euphemism for "came across as an angry old white guy," then yes, McCain smoked Obama. Unfortunately, this doesn''t impress the most important class of voters, the undecideds.

As a nonaligned independent voter, this election has been extremely interesting for me. Long before the primary season started, I had decided that one of the most important issues facing us was the continued polarization of our politics. Our system of government was designed to allow a large number of congresspeople to go through a debate process that should arrive at a solution that is generally centrist, and while maybe not ideal is acceptable to most. When the votes start falling strictly along party lines, this fails. So, I was making lists of interesting people for President, back before primary season, and both McCain and Obama made it onto my list, Obama (ironically) as "I''ll never see this but it''d be interesting to see." Both of these guys seemed to be less polarizing than other choices.

For me, this has turned out to be an issue-oriented campaign. The candidates are both respectable. I am saddened to see the negative attacks. It certainly ranks as a minor component in my decision-making process, because I believe it tends to polarize. McCain seems to be doing more of it, but both are guilty. Let''s have a respectful debate of real issues, please.

[irmcvet97]

It appears to me that McCain is MORE interested in making sure Obama doesn''t win than he is in being President! It was kinda funny but it was like a tired old man trying to pick a fight with a man half his age and they younger guy just hitting him as he wanted, when he wanted.

[frankie2fing]

McCain said it best last night. He brought Palin, the fresh brain (Unused), to Washington D.C. I agree.
Posted by gangesda

You are correct sir! Her brain is unused and it is with McCain. Problem is, McCain is in New York and she is in Chicago. She is about the dumbest person I have ever heard.

[irmcvet97]

There is no question, Barack Obama the man is a new and exciting presence on the national stage. His plan for governing this country is not. It is nothing more than failed redistributionism wrapped in pretty new paper. That isn''''t change. It is a failure of imagination. And it is a betrayal of trust in the American people and of the ideals on which this great and free nation was founded.


Posted by john43218 at 07:22 AM : Oct 16, 2008

Obama''s Plan IS the Clinton Plan Sparky and that worked EXTREMELY well for us. How many times do you people buy the same tired old lines? We all know it by now! We''ll "Cut Spending" and that will balance the budget. THEY NEVER have and TRICKLE DOWN DOES NOT WORK! What do we have to do fall the the bottom for you people to accept that FACT??

[irmcvet97]

McCainNation.Obama will lose ,regardless of the polls,Mccain is the better choice to lead,and will put country first as always: and again I guess fumbling for answers and being defensive wins a debate?Not to me it dont, John McCain won the debate and will win in Nov.

Posted by vipros358 at 07:33 AM : Oct 16, 2008

That''s the Spirit! You have to admire a LOSER who can''t accept the TRUTH... someone who just keeps a stiff upper lip as the nation slides into third world status. McSame LOST Sparky, he LOST with the SAME tired old Garbage we''ve heard for decades!

[formrusmcsgt]

Uncommitted voters named Barack Obama as the winner of the third and final presidential debate by a large margin, according to a CBS News/Knowledge Networks poll.
---
This, of course, is where McCain needed to gain ground.

He instead chose to cater to his base, which he already had.

A rather confusing strategy to say the least.

[frankie2fing]

Trickle down theory (credit the Republican god, Ronald R. Reagan):

There is a pile of money. The rich come up with wheel barrows and fill it.

They now make their way to the bank, stock market or wherever the rich put their cash as quick as they can so they can come back and get more.

Whatever blows out or falls over the edge of the barrow, THAT goes to the lower classes. It TRICKLES DOWN.

Ronald R. Reagan - the political game host.

[jolsonbear]

Was it just me or did anyone else notice that McCains lips were the most lovely shade of pink last night.

[tjs221]

In response to john43218, while I understand your position, I disagree that it is simply re-allocating wealth as Sen McCain claimed in the debate. The marketplace works but you can not ignore the fact that the government through taxes, ALREADY has an impact that you did not consider. I view it as Obama wanting to add fairness in the marketplace by reducing the burdens placed on the middle class not simply a take from the rich and give to the poor scenario. He is simply changing the impact government already has.

[irmcvet97]

This, of course, is where McCain needed to gain ground.

He instead chose to cater to his base, which he already had.

A rather confusing strategy to say the least.

Posted by formrusmcsgt at 07:46 AM : Oct 16, 2008

You know that was what really stunned me as well. I especially wondered what the old guy was thinking when he did the number on a Woman''s Health! Wow! If his goal was to reach those Women who supported and fought for Hillary, he just tossed that right out the window.

[pee951]

It is pathetic that Mccain supporters will not concede to the fact Obama/Biden are the team for the job to get this country on track. No disrespect. Mccain is an honorable man with a strong conviction for his morals. He is a war hero who has served his country well in the military and the Senate. Mccain just does not represent change the way this great country needs. I think his biggest mistake was picking Palin. That choice will haunt him for life.
Obama is an intelligent, passionate,Presidential man that America needs in these tough times.

[rbyanes]

Maybe John McCain will make Joe Plumber his senior economic advisor. He doesn''t need any experience, just ask McCain about his VP pick.

[redneck4reas]

The McCain/Palin crowds are nothing short of being lynch mobs. Is that the kind of attention you would want to draw for yourselves in becoming the next president of the United States?

I am quite sure that whatever the crowd was told, they would believe it and not even use their own better judgment and discretion.

Obama/Biden represents those with intellect.

McCain/Palin seem to represent the followers.

[redneck4reas]

TMcCain and Palin are attracting the lynch mob crowds. They are sooo funny to watch.
Palin is the most arrogant piece of work that I ever seen.
How about that future son-in-law? Quitting school to work the oil fields to support Palin''s pregnant teen daughter. I guess you don''t have to be too smart to get into the oil industry!
The future son-in-law says, "She''s my future mother-in-law. She better win."

I bet he thinks he''ll really have it made then? Sounds to me like a real doozy!

[excoachken]

The more people get to know Obama, the more they see how intelligent and creative a President can be. McCain''s same old lies have worn out and America is not as stupid as he and Carl Rove thought.

[babooph]

That was one great makeup job on John -his rough lived 72 years were some challange for that girl or.........

[marib3-2009]

I think Obamma would make a fine used car salesman. He''s such a smooth talker and has an appealing appearance. That should not be the criteria for electing a President of the United States. What do we really know about him? He wouldn''t pass the screening requirements for being an FBI agent, and we want him to be our President?
It''s really disappointing that so many of our citizens are so uninformed and are being led like lambs to a slaughter. Do you really want health care like Canada? Yes, he will bring change alright, but not like you think. Taxes, taxes and more taxes. Spending, spending, and more spending. More Government in your lives, because "you aren''t smart enough to spend your own money and help your selves." Big brother, big time. More corruption in Washington DC. Greed is a terrible thing.
God bless America! I sincerely hope He still will.
MariB3

[martin9p2]

Have confidence Democrats, but do''t give up the campaign until the polls close Nov. 4. We can do this.

[irmcvet97]

Do you really want health care like Canada? Yes, he will bring change alright, but not like you think. Taxes, taxes and more taxes. Spending, spending, and more spending. More Government in your lives, because "you aren''''t smart enough to spend your own money and help your selves." Big brother, big time. More corruption in Washington DC. Greed is a terrible thing.
God bless America! I sincerely hope He still will.
MariB3

Posted by MariB3 at 08:07 AM : Oct 16, 2008

What is wrong with Canada''s Health Care System? The last time I saw numbers on it they are providing health care for their people and it''s costing THEM about HALF what it cost us AND we have 47 MILLION without coverage! I''m fed up with the same tired old "Big Government" rip off. I''m fed up with the same tired old "Trickle Down" garbage. IT does not work and the "Big Government" Lie has us in a MAJOR Crisis! TIME for a Change!!

[redneck4reas]

Obama is more like one of us "regular folks", McCain is so "out there" that he totally ignored what Obama was saying about tax breaks for people and small businesses that make less than a quarter million dollar$ annually. They will not see a tax increase. Yet, McCain kept saying Obama will raise taxes on us. You have to be blind to not see that "us" McCain is talking to is the wealthy crowd!

McCain''s swift boat tactics he was using won''t work this time around!

[excoachken]

MariB3: You are obviously not old enough to remember that grade B actor Reagan, who started this economic downslide via "De-regulation." And, what about your "salesman" named "W"? Wasn''t he the guy who was going to "heal" our country? One brilliant man''s well spoken ideals are simply B.S. to the cynical hatred the "Rovian" mind like yours.

[mkcscbs]

I was a little disappointed in Obamas performance but that is OK because although McCain did well in some areas he still spent to much time attacking Obama on non-issues and he kept smirking and making smart a*s remarks. That really showed the kind of man he truly is and people saw it. It was all on the line for him and this is the best he could come up with.
Bye Bye John.

[midvale3]

I was a little disappointed in Obamas performance but that is OK because although McCain did well in some areas he still spent to much time attacking Obama on non-issues and he kept smirking and making smart a*s remarks. That really showed the kind of man he truly is and people saw it. It was all on the line for him and this is the best he could come up with.
Bye Bye John.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by mkcscbs at 08:28 AM : Oct 16, 2008



Good observation on both candidates. I agree, McCain looked agitated and nervous. He sounded desperate and Ayers and ACORN was just Red Meat to the conservatives backing him. He did not try to reach the Independents and he already has the Kool-Aid drinkers in his pocket.

[midvale3]

God bless America! I sincerely hope He still will.
MariB3

Posted by MariB3 at 08:07 AM : Oct 16, 2008


Me too!!! OBAMA 08!!!

[boigarny]

McCain on FOX: "Lose the debates - does not lose the election!" Watch interview here:
http://tubedirect.net/index.php?q=McCain-Lose-debate?

[mkcscbs]

I found it interesting that he opened with the Nancy Reagan comments considering how she feels about him. She herself only half-heartedly endorsed him because she had to. She has said many times that there will always be a riff between them after what he did to his first wife. She didn''t even speak to him for years afterwards. Nancy Reagan absolutly adored his first wife and took it upon herself to help her put the pieces of her shattered life back together after McCain dumped her for Cindy. Nancy Reagan found her a place to live, hired her to work on Reagans campaign and then in the White House so she would be able to keep busy and work considering her disability.

A bit on McCains character
January - still living with first wife, not even his close friends (at least close political friends) knew about Cindy
Feburary - files for divorce
March - gets marriage license with Cindy
April - divorce final and they immediately got married.

Keep in mind they had three kids while he was doing this.

[boigarny]

McCain on FOX: "Lose the debates - does not lose the election!" Watch interview here:
http://tubedirect.net/index.php?q=McCain-Lose-debate?