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What do Utahns think of last night's presidential debate? And how would they vote if the election were held today? An exclusive Dan Jones poll for KSL Television and the Deseret News reveals some surprisingly close results.
Two-thirds of those surveyed watched the debate. That's considered a high percentage. Our poll asked questions about the economy, the election and the debate.
As Barack Obama and John McCain jumped into that first debate, millions of people were watching. Today it seems everyone has an opinion about who came out on top.
Utah viewer John Talbott said, "I'm an independent right now. But after the debate, I think I'm leaning toward Obama." But another Utahn, Sammi Odekirk, said she's favoring McCain right now.
Of the two-thirds of people surveyed who watched the debate, 32 percent think McCain was the best debater. Obama came in just barely behind that with 31 percent.
But when it comes to which candidate people would vote for if the election were held today, those numbers aren't so close: 54 percent say McCain and 32 percent say Obama. McCain's numbers dip and Obama's rise when the question is asked only of those who watched the debate.
Then there's the question of the economic crisis.
Utahn Shane Odekirk said, "If they're going to spend $700 billion on something, let's put it toward the middle or lower class. Let's support our people, not big business."
Sixty-two percent of people surveyed say Congress is not acting appropriately in regards to the economic crisis; 27 percent say it is.
As for who's responsible for not finalizing the economic bailout plan, 28 percent blame Republicans; 18 percent blame Democrats. Eight percent say it's no one's fault.
Utahn Doug Moquet said, "I think it's inherent in the system. I don't think you can blame a particular party. I think everyone wants to see something passed."
Another interesting number: on a scale of one to 10, 68 percent of people surveyed ranked their interest in the election at a 10. We'll see if that number translates into high voter turnout in November.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
