CNNHD Audience Reaction Meter: I monitored it the entire debate

[Greyskye]

And made comments in the Debate Threads.

For the most part, Independents are the only group that really matter in these situations. Except for those cases when the Democrats or Republicans crossed the line into positive territory while the opposing candidate was speaking.

And that happened.

For the most part, both the Dems and Repubs were predictably partisan. There were occasions on both sides where the audience had positive reactions to the opposing candidate, although it definitely happened more often with the Republican audience going positive for Obama. This almost invariably happened when Obama was making specific policy points, and it happened on multiple occasions.

Back to the Independents. They liked Obama showing his knowledge, and outlining policies. They hated McCain's condescending remarks towards Obama.

Overall, Independents instant reactions appeared to fairly obviously favor Obama.

I finished watching, and was surprised it was over so quickly - guess I was a bit engrossed. I felt that Obama was a clear winner - which was why I was so surprised when the first 3 or 4 pundits I saw were calling it for McCain.

I certainly hope that the masses don't let the talking heads sway their opinion. :banghead: