ADVANTAGE ROMNEY – AT 10:19 A.M. ET:  With two thirds of respondents having been questioned after the vice-presidential debate, and a third before, Mitt Romney continues to hold a two-point lead in the Rasmussen daily tracker.

In effect, that means the debate didn't move the meter.  What Biden may have won on debating points, he lost on obnoxia. 

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Sunday shows Mitt Romney attracting support from 49% of voters nationwide, while President Obama earns the vote from 47%. Two percent (2%) prefer some other candidate, and another two percent (2%) are undecided.

Romney has a similar advantage in our daily swing state tracking.

And...

A president’s job approval rating is one of the best indicators for assessing his chances of reelection. Typically, the president’s job approval rating on Election Day will be close to the share of the vote he receives. Currently, 48% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance.  Fifty-one percent (51%) at least somewhat disapprove.

COMMENT:  Still a very close race.  Remember, a candidate can win the popular vote, yet lose the election by losing in the Electoral College. 

It is obvious that this week's presidential debate will be crucial.  It is a "ratifying" debate.  If Romney can ratify the strong impression he made during the first debate, he'll benefit enormously.  If Obama can turn it around, though, we could wind up where we were before the debates began.

The debate should be exciting.  I've been impressed with the sheer quality of Romney's preparation for debates.  The man comes ready.

October 14,  2012