COSTA MESA, Calif., Oct. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite a strong performance with younger voters in the 2008 presidential campaign, a new poll shows President Barack Obama failed to connect with this critical demographic during last night's televised presidential debate.

A national poll conducted by Surveys on the Go® shows that nearly 60 percent of 18- to 34-year-old voters who watched last night's debate between President Obama and Governor Mitt Romney believe that Romney came out on top.  Just 41 percent believed President Obama "won."  The poll, fielded on Oct. 4, was conducted via the Surveys on the Go smartphone survey application and includes a sample of 1,515 likely voters.

"The poll shows that President Obama's performance last night fell flat with younger voters, a group he needs to hold in order to win re-election," said Chris St. Hilaire, founder and CEO of Surveys on the Go®.  "At the same time, Governor Romney delivered a strong performance in the eyes of younger voters, who have been disproportionately affected by the country's stalled economy."

In an open-ended question survey respondents described the president's performance as "disinterested" and "unprepared."  A number of respondents also either perceived Governor Romney as "rude to the moderator" or as "sharp" and "confident."

A number of voters recalled Governor Romney's "attack on Big Bird," in reference to the governor's discussion of cutting PBS funding.

On the lighter side, seven percent of participants said they played a drinking game while watching.  Among the most popular "take a drink" triggers were "Obamacare," "47 percent," "Let me be clear" (Obama), "middle class," "millionaires and billionaires," "small business" and when the candidates interrupted each other or the moderator.

The poll was fielded by Surveys on the Go®, an online data collection firm that utilizes traditional online survey technology as well as smartphone application technology to survey voters in the modern environment.  www.Surveysonthego.net

CONTACT: CHRIS ST. HILAIRE
(714) 862-2715

SOURCE Surveys on the Go