CNN flash poll: Most viewers say Trump won debate

A CNN poll of people who watched the debate late Thursday found 67 percent said former President Trump won the debate, leaving 33 percent who said President Biden won.

The poll contained more bad news for Biden: It found 57 percent of debate watchers said they do not have confidence in Biden’s ability to lead the country, while 44 percent said they had no confidence in Trump’s ability to lead the country.

The poll had a margin of error of 5.5 percentage points.

CNN’s political director, David Chalian, noted the poll may not be representative of the electorate of registered voters but has a similar partisan composition.

Biden’s debate performance sparked fears among his own party, as his voice was raspy and he struggled with his words. Democratic operatives and pundits indicated afterward that discussions were underway about Biden bowing out before the election following his debate showing.

Biden had a cold during the debate, according to a White House official. 

“I think there was a sense of shock, actually, at how he came out at the beginning of this debate. How his voice sounded. He seemed a bit disoriented. He did get stronger as the debate went on,” Democratic strategist David Axelrod said at a roundtable with CNN’s John King following the debate. “I think you’re going to hear discussions that, I don’t know will lead to anything, but there are going to be discussions about whether he should continue.”

Biden’s camp defended him as questions swirled around his status as the nominee.

“President Biden is the only person who has ever beaten Donald Trump. He will do it again. Donald Trump did not give voters any reason to vote for him tonight. On the issues, the American people are with Joe Biden,” a Biden adviser said.

Updated at 8:09 a.m. EDT