Obama prevails in cell phone, text poll

FLEMINGTON, N.J., Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Independent voters taking part in a unique poll conducted by cell phone declared Barack Obama the winner of Friday's U.S. presidential debate.

HCD Research of New Jersey and the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion conducted a survey in which text messages were sent out during the debate asking participants to give their responses on specific issues as the two candidates discussed them.

While Republicans and Democrats voted along party lines, 61.1 percent of independents saw Obama winning the contest compared to 38.9 percent for McCain.

Obama swept the opinions among independents on specific issues, including the economy, Iraq and relations with Iran and Russia.