The first presidential debate between the two leading candidates is over and done. The pundits, of course, leaped in the day after the debate telling anyone who would listen what the candidates said and the impact they thought it would have on the election.
Presidential Preference: Trump Wins
A FedSmith survey, posted shortly after the debate was held, asked readers: If the presidential election were held today, for whom would you vote? Approximately 1560 readers submitted a vote.
Here are the results:
| Hillary Clinton | 40.5% |
| Donald Trump | 49.7% |
| Gary Johnson | 4.9% |
| Jill Stein | 0.64% |
| Undecided | 4.2% |
Party Affiliation
Of those voting, the largest identification was “Independent” representing 38.6%. Republicans were 30.9% of those voting and Democrats were 28.8%. Libertarians were 1.5% and those identifying with the Green Party were 0.3%.
Most people voting were current federal employees (68.9%). 27.8% were retired federal employees.
Candidates Preferred by Party Affiliation
Those who identify as Independent voters went for Donald Trump. Here is the breakdown of how these Independents voted:
| Hillary Clinton | 35.8% |
| Donald Trump | 52.3% |
| Gary Johnson | 6.2% |
| Jill Stein | 0.8% |
| Undecided | 5% |
Republicans voted heavily for Trump with just under 10% selecting Clinton.
| Hillary Clinton | 9.7% |
| Donald Trump | 81.6% |
| Gary Johnson | 3.9% |
| Jill Stein | 0% |
| Undecided | 4.8% |
82% of Democrats voted for Hillary Clinton with about 12% opting for Trump. Here are the results of Democrats who voted:
| Hillary Clinton | 81% |
| Donald Trump | 12.1% |
| Gary Johnson | 2.7% |
| Jill Stein | 0.7% |
| Undecided | 2.7% |
Most Important Issue in This Election
The economy is the most important issue in this election followed by terrorism and national security.
| Economy | 39.32% |
| Terrorism/National Security | 32.91% |
| Immigration | 8.66% |
| Taxes | 2.05% |
| Environmental Issues | 4.81% |
| Health Care | 3.59% |
| Federal Employee Pay and Benefits | 2.63% |
Impact of the Debate on Voting
85% of those voting indicated they watched the debate.
75% of those who watched said the debate did not impact their vote. 59.8% of those who watched indicated Hillary Clinton won the debate.
No doubt, numerous issues will make the headlines in the next few weeks that could impact the outcome of the election.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to vote in this survey.
