A new Washington Post-ABC News
poll shows Sen. Barack Obama holds a slim lead over
Sen. John McCain, 50% to 46%.
In the last poll, Obama led by a a nine-point margin.
"Still, the new poll marks only the second time either of the candidates
has reached 50 percent. Other national polls also indicate that Obama
opened up a lead as the country's financial situation deteriorated over
the past two weeks."
Key finding: "Contrary to the hopes of Obama and McCain advisers, the debate failed
to help either candidate deal with major vulnerabilities, in part
because few voters said the candidates' performances in the forum
changed their views."