Are these flash poll numbers more favorable to Obama than they were for Kerry after the first 2004 debate? It certainly seems that way; I personally thought it was about a tie, maybe a slight McCain win. Definitely not a slaughter like 2004 was.
Yes, they are much more favorable than they were towards Kerry.
I think it's all about likability. Kerry trounced Bush in that debate, but a lot of voters simply didn't like Kerry. They found him dull and aloof. Personally, I thought he was brilliant, but I'd agree that he wasn't a man of the people. Obama, on the other hand, is as much an intellectual as Kerry, but his overall demeanor is way way more positive and optimistic. This is rewarded greatly by the voters at the moment. McCain might have performed well last night, but he lost on demeanor.
