"Obama improved sharply over the last month among independent voters, a
much-desired bloc. McCain carried them by a 15-point margin in
September; in this poll, Obama led among that group by five points.
Men, too, moved toward Obama, with the traditionally Republican-leaning
group now in his camp. He also maintained his lead among female voters."
"Six in 10 voters surveyed said that Mr. McCain had spent more time
attacking Mr. Obama than explaining what he would do as president; by
about the same number, voters said Mr. Obama was spending more of his
time explaining than attacking."