Does winning a debate change your choice of candidates?

[anti-bush]

In reading the commentary here, talking to others, and scanning around the internet, it's clear that Edwards, Kucinich, and Dean were generally regarded as the winners of the debate. As an Edwards supporter, I was glad to see that other felt he did really well.

But, does "winning" a debate have any impact on your candidate of choice? If so, were you previously undecided, or did you switch your support from another candidate? Does a candidate performing poorly in a debate have any impact on you?

[La_Serpiente]

1. probably not amongst hard core supporters of a candidate

but to those who don't follow politics as closely, yes.

[anti-bush]

2. That makes sense, but

If you don't follow politics that closely, are you likely to be watching the debate?

[Kathleen04]

3. Some may only watch 1 debate..

in which case I'd say it probably shapes their perception of the candidates.

The debates do influence my opinion of candidates a bit, but I haven't rearranged who I'm supporting because of a debate.

Town Hall style meetings with one candidate at a time are more likely to influence my decisions.

[bearfartinthewoods]

4. i, too, like the townhall coverage

i wish cspan would do more of it since no other media outlet is likly to.
hmmm..maybe i'll drop them an email request.

[Renew Deal]

5. A debate, maybe. Several maybe more.

I was watching the puke debates late '99 and early 2000. I realized that McCain was the best one up there. I also learned that Alan Keyes is a fringe righty and Bush is a moran.

[chimpymustgo]

6. Edwards has been among the top performers in all the debates.

I've seen every one. Others have also done well, but Edwards has consistently scored in the top 2 every time. But debate performance, ideas and integrity may not be the top criteria for voters. Maybe that's why he skipped the radio debate yesterday. :shrug:

[xultar]

7. It helps me to be more objective about my candidate of choice,

Dennis Kucinich really won me over when he biatch slapped Ted Koppel. I really started to listen and think long and hard about my choice to back Clark. Then I started noticing Kerry. I learned that
I like them both! Clark is still my number 1 but I'm more objective in my support. I can admit when Clark makes mistakes or he has an issue I don't like.

Debates do help. They aren't, however, the determining factor. If that was the case, Al Sharpton would be the frontrunner.

[Padraig18]

8. To an extent, yes.

My opinion of Sen. Edwards has changed since Sunday's debate; I still support Gov. Dean, but am taking a second look at Sen. Edwards, should something befall the Dean campaign.