Obama Raises More Money but Does Not Take Off with the Second Debate

President Barack Obama managed to recover in the second presidential debate, giving a performance praised even by some Republicans. However, he has not been able to substantially change the race. Less than three weeks before the election, he is still fighting to prevail against Romney for the vote.

The Democratic candidate has failed to compensate for the collapse after his sleepy appearance in the first debate, which he himself jokingly called “a siesta.” Now, he has barely managed a tie. According to the average of the daily polls by “Real Clear Politics,” the Republican continues ahead of the Democrat, albeit by a few tenths. The most worrying poll for the president is that from Gallup, which puts Romney six points ahead among “probable” voters — those who, among registered citizens, plan to vote at the polls Nov. 6.

However, this could indicate that while Romney is closer to winning the popular vote, it does not necessarily mean that he is going to get the majority of the electoral votes. These are the electoral college votes that each state awards to the winner of the majority of votes (the exception being Nebraska and Maine), which ultimately decide the election. Victory or defeat depends on barely half a dozen states.

Obama maintains his hold in Ohio, but has not succeeded in recovering sufficient ground in other decisive states like Florida, Colorado, or Virginia. Nate Silver, a Democratic mathematician and analyst from The New York Times, insists that the president continues to lead in 11 of the 13 polls in the swing states.

The president could win with the support of the Midwest to reach the 270 electoral votes necessary for victory, but his position right now is much more fragile than it was in the beginning of October. Whatever unforeseen or good performance from Romney in the last debate next Monday (Oct. 22) can easily shift the balance towards the Republican candidate.

More Funds for Obama

The Democratic Party’s campaign has taken advantage of Obama’s applauded performance in the second debate this past Tuesday in order to accelerate the request for money. The level of fundraising is also an indicator of supporters’ enthusiasm; after this debate, the numbers have improved. According to the campaign, this past Wednesday was the most lucrative day, thanks to small contributions.

In September, the president’s campaign achieved a record $181 million (about €139 million) compared to the Republicans’ $170 million (€130 million).

Both candidates remain immersed in a focused marathon, most of all in three states. This past Thursday, at the annual charity gala organized by the Catholic Church in New York, Obama joked, “In less than three weeks voters in states like Ohio, Virginia and Florida will decide this incredibly important election, which begs the question: What are we doing here?”