Rasmussen Poll shows that Obama won the debate (voters, thought, premium)

[blacknight04]

As for the candidates, 36% thought Obama won, 33% gave the advantage to McCain, and 31% were not sure. Partisans in the electorate lined up behind their candidate in a way that would make spin room handlers proud. By a 67% to 3% margin, Obama supporters thought he won the debate. By a 73% to 2% margin, McCain voters thought their man came out ahead (crosstabs available for Premium Members).

Rasmussen Reportsâ„¢: The most comprehensive public opinion coverage ever provided for a presidential election. (http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/winner_of_the_first_debate_jim_lehrer - broken link)

It was a close one.

[gsoboi]

McCain blew it. This debate was his home turf (foreign policy) and he blew it.

[sanrene]

What I found amazing;

Overall, ratings for the debate were down, possibly because of the Friday night scheduling. Fifty-five percent (55%) of likely voters say they watched the entire event and 12% said they saw none of it.

That's terrible - 1/2 of LV saw the debate? What is wrong with people? What a terrible thing that says about the electorate.