CBS Poll of Independents: Obama Won

Keith Olbermann just read out the results of a snap poll of 500 uncommitted voters commissioned by CBS News just after Friday night’s presidential debate:

(The snap poll is here):

Obama won: 40%

Tie: 38%

McCain won: 22%

46% of independent voters said their opinion of Obama had improved

55% said McCain would make the right decisions about Iraq

49% said Obama would make the right decisions about Iraq

And:

‘ Forty-six percent of uncommitted voters said their opinion of Obama got better tonight. Thirty-two percent said their opinion of McCain got better.

Sixty-six percent of uncommitted voters think Obama would make the right decisions about the economy. Forty-two percent think McCain would.’

That’s a pretty impressive 20-point lead for Obama on the economy, now the most important issue in the race!

I have to say I thought the debate was closer than that and am surprised these uncommitted voters gave it so lopsidedly to Obama.

TPM has a CNN snap poll of a mixed audience that was watching the debate:

These were the statistics from this snap poll that seemed to me most interesting:

‘ Next, regardless of which presidential candidate you support, please tell me if you think Barack Obama or John McCain would better handle each of the following issues:

• The war in Iraq: Obama 52%, McCain 47%

• Terrorism: McCain 49%, Obama 45%

• The economy: Obama 58%, McCain 37%

• The current financial crisis: Obama 54%, McCain 36%

Thinking about the following characteristics and qualities, please say whether you think each one better described Barack Obama or John McCain during tonight’s debate:

• Was more intelligent: Obama 55%, McCain 30%

• Expressed his views more clearly: Obama 53%, McCain 36%

• Spent more time attacking his opponent: McCain 60%, Obama 23%

• Was more sincere and authentic: Obama 46%, McCain 38%

• Seemed to be the stronger leader: Obama 49%, McCain 43%

• Was more likeable: Obama 61%, McCain 26%

• Was more in touch with the needs and problems of people like you: Obama 62%, McCain 32% ‘

This audience trusted Obama much more on the economy than McCain, saw him as almost McCain’s equal on security issues, and found Obama far more likeable and intelligent and strong.

Gee, maybe this really is a win for McCain.

Of course these snap polls are really flawed as social science instruments, and it will be the middle of next week before we get something more reliable. Unfortunately, the further polling will be contaminated by the bad economic news if there isn’t a deal in congress soon.