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McCain speech drew undecided voters

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor September 22, 2008 12:33 PM

This might help explain the significant bump in support that John McCain received coming out of the Republican National Convention at the beginning of the month.

Nielsen Media Research reports this afternoon that undecided voters were 12 percent more engaged by TV coverage of the GOP convention than the Democratic convention a week earlier.

McCain’s acceptance speech on Sept. 4 drew the most attentive audience of uncommitted viewers, while Democrat Barack Obama’s acceptance speech on Aug. 28 and GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin’s speech on Sept. 3 tied for second as the most engaging telecasts among uncommitted viewers.

The conventions broke all records for viewership, topping 40 million on the final nights and surpassing the audiences for such popular entertainment fare as "American Idol."

12 comments so far...
  1. Dear Republicians,
    Last week we saw many things from your candidate, perhaps a review would be helpful.
    First, he was against the AIG bailout, then he was for the bailout, I believe this is called waffling by your party.
    Next, he wanted credit for being involved in inventing the Blackberry, yet by his own admission he has a difficulty with his own email, idiocy.
    Third, he doesn't know the difference between SIPC and SPIC, he's brilliant.
    Fourth, he thinks it's significant that the fishes love to swim around oil platforms, senseless.
    Fifth, he doesn't know "who sits at the pleasure of the President", who the president can and cannot FIRE, unturtored.
    Sixth, he doesn't know the difference between the FEC and the SEC, stupidity.
    Seventh, he thinks Spain is in Latin America, total ignorance.

    This candidate has shown us that, what he attacks the other side for, is what he himself lacks. The experience he and the sitting President together have, has gotten this country into a war that should never have been and our economy is in dire straights. Your candidate have proven he is UNABLE to lead.

    Posted by DLV September 22, 08 03:32 PM
  1. Wait until the debates! Wait until Obama actually has to talk without a teleprompter. The true bumbling and inexperience will show what he is really made of... hot air and inexperience!

    Posted by GoMcCain September 22, 08 04:23 PM
  1. McCain = 13 cars, 8 houses, 2 spouses...

    Obama 08!

    Posted by Daniel September 22, 08 04:31 PM
  1. agree w u hundred ten percent..it is time for new blood not old blood

    Posted by gilcastle September 22, 08 04:33 PM
  1. Dear DLV,

    Thanks for elevating the discussion with such penetrating insights...

    I think, unfortunately, that we're finding that neither candidate is especially brilliant and we're more than likely just left with four more years of the same old Beltway baloney, regardless of who wins.

    Posted by TGM September 22, 08 04:34 PM
  1. McCain+Cant= McCant.
    Enough said.

    Posted by Jennifer September 22, 08 04:37 PM
  1. GoMcCain, are you listening to your candidate! He can't even speak a coherent sentence. He is constantly "reading" from a script, can't look up from it to give eye contact with anyone in the audience, and speaks in such a monotone that he could easily put anyone to sleep. Do you really think he is ready for the debates without a script to follow?

    Posted by mb September 22, 08 04:42 PM
  1. McCain = 13 cars, 8 houses, 2 spouses...

    Obama 08!


    Someone actually thinks this is an engaging thought. Sad Lefties, very sad!

    Posted by Matt September 22, 08 04:45 PM
  1. DLV,

    When are you going to post an equally biased and ignorant post about Obama. Oh yeah, that's right, because he is the messiah.

    Let me help you out.

    Nothing about his friendship with a terrorist, William Ayers.
    Nothing about his lack of morals bringing his children to a church filled with hate.
    And it has already been proven that capitalism is what made america's economy great, not socialism.

    Anyway, in massachusetts, it doesn't matter anyway, obama will get the nod here. Hopefully, the rest of the country will get it right and go for McCain....

    We'll see.. In the meantime, we might as well get along...

    Posted by tom fin September 22, 08 04:52 PM
  1. Obama = racist, inexperience, socialist...

    Enough said.

    McCain '08

    Posted by FormerHillarySupporter4McCain September 22, 08 05:20 PM
  1. Millions watch Obama and McCain answer to a recent 60 Minutes

    The undecided are beginning to weigh in after Obama’s interview on 60 Minutes. Steve Kroft’s interview with Obama spoke volumes by his inability to stay the course when pressured to answer the questions. One such question was, what qualifies him to be President? The young man showed to be nervously distressed as he awkwardly struggled to answer without the aid of his notebook, but eventually referred to his beliefs. Questions concerning America’s problems were never found in Obama, as he clumsily danced his way around them as a student might.

    John McCain however, interviewed by Scott Pelley showed uncommon clarity by his experience with confidence and creditability, as the teacher and not the student. McCain not only answered the questions, but he also showed a willingness to extend his hand toward those who are soundly qualified to integrate their ideas for a healthier economy, regardless of party affiliation.

    The undecided are beginning to recognize the Democratic nominee as a show horse, where a heavy workload is mandatory and expected to be lifted from a weighted down economy.

    Advocate4Good

    Posted by Advocate4Good September 22, 08 09:23 PM
  1. Check the website: therealmccain.com.
    If you truly care or dare to know the real Johnny McCain.

    Posted by Elana September 27, 08 12:42 AM
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About political intelligence Field reports from Boston Globe reporters and editors covering the 2008 presidential campaign and the national maneuvering of Bay State politicians.

Send your comments to masspolitics@globe.com

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