If Obama keeps lead on economy, the race is over

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http://www.suntimes.com/news/roeper/1211235,CST-NWS-roep09.article

October 9, 2008

BY RICHARD ROEPER Sun-Times Columnist

Of all the comments I heard after the so-called town hall debate that wasn't really a town hall debate, CNN's John King sliced right to the bone of the matter.

There was a poll question about which candidate was better equipped on the issue of the economy, and the respondents selected Obama by a margin of more than 20 percent.

If that number holds up, King noted, this election is over.

He's right.

This election could be OVAH

The CNN poll numbers in a number of categories after Tuesday's debate were devastating for McCain.

Who seemed to be the stronger leader in the debate: Obama, 54-43 percent.

(The numbers don't add up to 100 percent because some viewers selected neither candidate.)

More likable? Obama, 65-28.

More intelligent? Obama, 57-25.

Answered questions more directly? Obama, 50-37.

McCain did "win" two categories.

More negative? McCain, 63-17.

More like a typical politician? McCain, by a 16-point margin.

Probably didn't help that McCain called Obama "That one," which sounds like something your grandpa says when he's pointing out the "bad seed" among your friends. "Stay away from that one!"