The network's Every Woman Counts poll reported Wednesday indicated that most women think Clinton, who sought Democratic presidential nomination, and Palin, the Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential nominee, moved forward the cause of electing women to powerful positions, USA Today reported.

Eighty-six percent of women said Clinton and Palin candidacies were a step forward in electing a female president or vice president, the poll indicated. Ninety-three percent said the candidacies would either "definitely" or "probably" encourage more women to seek elected office.

The survey was conducted Nov. 21-24 and the margin of error is percentage points.