Debate strengthens local voters’ views, but some still undecided w/ link to Swing Vote coverage

By Susan Redden

sredden@joplinglobe.com

Candidates’ responses in the second presidential debate strengthened the support of two local residents already backing John McCain and Barack Obama.

But for two still-undecided voters, the town-hall face-off pushed them toward a preference — in different directions.

Paul E. Davis, an independent voter from Webb City, and Meaghan Wilkins, a Joplin Republican, also got opposite impressions from the two candidates during the debate Tuesday night at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.

Davis said McCain seemed to him to be more sincere and more knowledgeable.

“He seemed very sincere, like the guy next door,” Davis said. “I thought Obama was a little arrogant.”

But Wilkins said she found Obama to be “a more approachable person.”

“I felt like McCain was talking down to people,” she said.

Both residents said they still see themselves in the undecided column.

Davis said his attitudes “have moved a little (toward McCain), based on tonight,” while Wilkins said the debate caused her “to lean toward Obama, but I’m still not absolutely sure.”

Lynette Stokes, a McCain supporter from Carl Junction, said the Arizona senator’s responses during the debate made her believe even more strongly in the candidate.

“He comes across as more honest, with more integrity,” she said. “I think he’s more knowledgeable, and I trust him more.”

R. Duane Graham, an Obama supporter from Joplin, said Obama “was steady, calm and reassuring.”

“He looked presidential, and I think he erased any remaining doubts to those who think he wasn’t ready,” he said. “He allayed any fears. He looked presidential. You could tell he knew what he was talking about.”