Sixty-seven percent of registered voters who watched the debate said GOP nominee Mitt Romney won the debate, while 25% said President Barack Obama came out as the winner, according to a CNN/ORC International Poll released late Wednesday night. [cont.] CNN Read more »
Debates do matter — sometimes
Our yen for “yes” or “no” answers sometimes clouds our understanding — in this case, of presidential debates. Observers seem wedded to saying either “Yes, debates do have an impact” or “No, they don’t.” Reality is more complicated. [cont.] Mark Mellman Read more »
One Debate Goal: Sway the Swayable
… Presidential debates don’t often change the course of a campaign. … Still, with the 2012 election continuing to be a cliffhanger in many polls, the candidates are looking for every opportunity to win votes. … Tad Devine, a senior adviser to Al Gore during the 2000 campaign, said “the […] Read more »
Presidential debates: A dozen memorable moments
A video compilation shows 12 memorable moments from past debates that helped to define the candidates, for better or worse. New York Times Read more »
Debates Fail to Decide Elections Amid Myth of Kennedy-Nixon
Presidential debates have produced some of the most memorable moments of modern campaigns. … For all the lore and media buildup, the events haven’t had much impact on election outcomes. “Where you started the debate season is pretty much where you end the debate season,” said Christopher Wlezien, a political […] Read more »
What voters want in Wednesday’s debate
… Obama has opened a modest advantage over Romney since the political conventions ended last month, especially in the battleground states. But as the presidential rivals prepare to face off in the first of three debates, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll shows Obama with vulnerabilities and Romney with assets — even […] Read more »