Both candidates improved their images among the undecided voters.
Fifty-five percent of the undecided voters have a more favorable impression of Palin now, while 14% say it is worse. Thirty percent said their opinion of her remains unchanged.
Biden polled similar numbers. Fifty-three percent of the undecided now have a more favorable view of Biden. Only five percent said their opinion of him worsened. Forty-two percent said their opinion of Biden is unchanged.
While the percentage of those who considered Palin knowledgeable increased from 43% to 66%, Biden was scored as knowledgeable by an amazing 98%. Prior to the debate, 79% considered Biden knowledgeable.
Biden also scored well as ready for the Presidency. Ninety-seven percent said Biden is ready for the Presidency, and 91% said he could be effective in that role. Palin scored much lower as only 55% said she was prepared, and 44% said she could be effective as President.
Finally, Biden was able to sway 18% of the undecided towards the Obama/Biden ticket, while Palin convinced 10% to switch towards McCain/Palin. This suggests that Obama and Biden may receive a 1-2% boost in the polls. The big news is that Palin exceeded expectations. This will help the McCain campaign halt its recent slide. The pressure now switches to McCain to make up the lost ground of the past two weeks.
