Home | WebMail | Register or Login

      Calgary | Regions | Local Traffic Report | Advertise on Action News | Contact

Login

Login

Please fill in your credentials to login.

Don't have an account? Register Sign up now.

Posted: 2015-10-14T14:03:35Z | Updated: 2015-10-14T17:40:44Z

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) had a good night at the first Democratic presidential primary debate. But did he outshine front-runner Hillary Clinton?

A focus group of Florida Democrats selected by GOP pollster Frank Luntz thinks so.

Nearly all of the 28 participants declared Sanders the debate's winner. They described the senator as "strong," "smart" and "for the people," and gave him high marks for the way he dismissed Clinton's ongoing email scandal.

One woman, however, argued that Sanders has an electability problem.

"He's a populist," she said. "I understand the appeal of his proposals, but I don't think he can win."

Nearly all of the participants said they didn't want former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee and former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, who turned in poor performances, to participate in future debates.

Support Free Journalism

Consider supporting HuffPost starting at $2 to help us provide free, quality journalism that puts people first.

Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.

The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?

Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.

The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. We hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.

Support HuffPost

A post-debate CNN focus group felt similarly about Sanders, with a majority of participants saying he won the debate. A Fusion focus group also sided with the senator by an 8-3 margin.

Watch the focus group via Fox News above.

Also on HuffPost:

Support Free Journalism

Consider supporting HuffPost starting at $2 to help us provide free, quality journalism that puts people first.

Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.

The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?

Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.

The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. We hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.

Support HuffPost