A post-debate survey reveals that Vice President Kamala Harris significantly outperformed former President Donald Trump, capturing 63% of the viewer vote compared to Trump’s 37%. This poll, conducted by CNN in collaboration with the independent research firm SSRS, suggests that Harris was highly effective in her debate performance on Tuesday, managing to provoke her opponent into defensive and sometimes angry responses on several key issues including abortion and foreign policy.

In the lead-up to the debate, a poll conducted by The New York Times and Siena College had indicated a tight race between the two candidates, with no clear frontrunner. However, the results of the debate night survey illustrate a dramatic shift in perception. Among those who watched the debate, 96% of Harris supporters felt she performed better, a stark contrast to the 69% of Trump supporters who believed he did better. Despite this, Trump characterized the debate as his "best ever," a claim that seems at odds with the immediate feedback from viewers.

This debate marked a notable change from the previous major debate in June when President Joe Biden was the Democratic contender. In that instance, Trump had a decisive edge, with 67% of debate watchers rating his performance superior to Biden’s 33%. The current debate’s outcome indicates a significant shift in the dynamics of the race, reflecting a potentially pivotal moment in the election cycle.

It is important to recognize that these poll results are specific to the audience who tuned in for the debate and do not necessarily represent the broader electorate's views. The immediate aftermath of the debate also saw a high-profile endorsement for Harris from pop star Taylor Swift, a move likely to bolster her campaign's visibility and appeal.

The survey also revealed nuanced opinions among viewers regarding the candidates' abilities to address various issues. On the question of who better understands the problems faced by ordinary Americans, the responses were relatively balanced, with 44% of viewers favoring Harris and 40% supporting Trump. In contrast, Trump was perceived to have a significant 23-point advantage on handling immigration and serving as commander-in-chief. Meanwhile, Harris was favored by a 9-point margin in areas such as protecting democracy and defending abortion rights.

These results underscore the shifting perceptions and priorities of the electorate as the campaign progresses. As the debate performances continue to shape public opinion, the candidates' strategies and responses will likely play a crucial role in influencing the final outcome of the election.