Schoen: No Knockout Punch, But Obama Had Slight Edge

Democratic pollster Doug Schoen tells Newsmax that neither GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney nor president Barack Obama managed to deliver a knockout punch in Monday’s third and final debate, but the incumbent appeared to edge past the challenger on "points" alone.

"Obama wins on substance," said Schoen in an exclusive interview following the debate. "Romney started stronger — but faded — Obama (wins) on points."

Even so, Schoen, who noted that the president appeared condescending at times, said, the polls are still showing “inexorable movement” for the former Massachusetts governor.

Schoen believes that GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney demonstrated he is "presidential" at Monday's debate.

“His challenge tonight was to continue to demonstrate that he is presidential and on an equal footing with President Obama — and I think he did just that tonight,” said Schoen, a Newsmax contributor and author of "Hopelessly Divided: The New Crisis in American Politics and What It Means for 2012 and Beyond."

With two full weeks to go before Americans head to the polls, Schoen said there is still time for the candidates to make their case to undecided voters.

“There is still room, but increasingly the electorate is interested in what Gov. Romney has to say and increasingly the electorate feels they’ve heard enough from President Obama,” said Schoen.

He said that the Republican has edged into a tie — and may even have a slight lead — in the critical swing state of Florida, where Monday’s debate was held.

“Ohio is now getting it” too, explained Schoen, noting that Romney is trending upward in the latest Buckeye State polls.