React Labs: Educate

Summary Results for 2012Vice Presidential Debate

October 11, 2012

1,472 people reacted at least once

51% were Democrats

30% were Republicans

18% independent/other

55% plan to vote for Obama

30% plan to vote for Romney

10% undecided

5% other

47% female and 53% male

64% white; 13% Hispanic; 9% African American; 9% Asian; 5% other

Key Findings

Discussion of the middle class—by either candidate—resonated strongly with respondents

Respondents frequently perceived Ryan as dodging the question, especially when Raddatz pushed him for policy details

Overall Biden/Ryan Comparisons

Biden received mostly agree clicks, while Ryan received a more even number of agree and disagree clicks.

Biden was favored as the debate winner. When asked who won the debate, 57% of respondents said Biden, 33% said Ryan, and 10% said the candidates tied.

Thus, excluding respondents who thought the debate was a draw, 63% of respondents thought Biden won versus 37% for Ryan.

Key moments

Respondents disagreed most with Ryan’s response about abortion policy, and agreed most with his closing statement.

Respondents disagreed most with Biden’s discussion of Iran, and agreed most when he brought up Romney’s “47%” comments.

Dodge clicks spiked when Ryan responded to a question about his tax policy.

Perceived debate winner (by state)

Grey = no responses