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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.


Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director


Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director


Domenico Montanaro, NBC Political Researcher


   McCain vs. Obama: Before and after Posted: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 9:39 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2008, McCain, Obama

A New York Times/CBS poll conducted among the same respondents before the first debate -- and then after the last one -- shows that Obama's favorability rating increased while McCain's declined. "As voters have gotten to know Senator Barack Obama, they have warmed up to him, with more than half, 53 percent, now saying they have a favorable impression of him and 33 percent saying they have an unfavorable view. But as voters have gotten to know Senator John McCain, they have not warmed, with only 36 percent of voters saying they view him favorably while 45 percent view him unfavorably."

More: "Mrs. Palin's negative rating is the highest for a vice-presidential candidate as measured by The Times and CBS News. Even Dan Quayle, with whom Mrs. Palin is often compared because of her age and inexperience on the national scene, was not viewed as negatively in the 1988 campaign."

The Washington Post/ABC poll has started a daily tracking, and it has Obama up 53%-44% among likely voters.    ..."

(MSNBC)