Poll: Debate gives Obama boost

WASHINGTON -- Viewers had more confidence in Barack Obama's ability to deal with the nation's economic problems after his second debate with John McCain, according to a new USA TODAY/Gallup Poll.

More of those who watched said Obama did a better job than McCain during Tuesday's town hall debate in Nashville, the poll found, and they developed a more favorable opinion of the Democratic nominee.

"What's clear is that the American people are looking for presidential leadership that provides real solutions they face every day, not an erratic approach that offers nothing but distractions," said Obama spokesman Hari Sevugan.

Overall, 56% of those surveyed who watched said Obama did a better job in the debate, compared with 23% for McCain.

"The contrast of John McCain's record of reforming government versus Barack Obama's record of partisanship and failed judgements is far more important outcome than an analytical poll number," said Tucker Bounds, a McCain campaign spokesman. "It may take all four debates to make that contrast clear, but it will be unmistakable on Election Day."

Such polls are not predictive. Four years ago, respondents said John Kerry did a better job in all three debates with President Bush, but Bush won the election.

A similar poll after the first presidential debate Sept. 26 also reflected more favorable views of Obama, though the margins were smaller. In that poll, respondents said Obama did a better job that McCain by 46%-34%, less than half the margin reflected in this week's debate.

Wednesday's poll reflected slipping support for McCain, who has lost ground to Obama in the weeks since the collapse of major financial institutions and drops in the stock market.

Among viewers contacted Wednesday, a day after the debate, 43% said they have less confidence in McCain on the economy, compared with 17% who expressed more confidence in the Arizona senator.

Obama received more confidence on the economy from 33% of those surveyed; 24% said they have less confidence in the Illinois senator.