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How will debate performance impact ratings for Clinton, Trump?

With post-debate polls giving Hillary Clinton a slight lead, Donald Trump is under pressure to prepare more, focus more and attack Clinton more in the next debate.
Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speak at their first presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, U.S., September 26, 2016. Picture taken September 26, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Segar - RTSPO3Q

WASHINGTON — Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump spent more meaningful time together during the past week than at any point since she attended The Donald’s third wedding. But this wasn’t a social affair — it was the first of three scheduled presidential debates.

All week, political professionals in the capital city and around the country waited to see whether voters agreed with the assessment of the pundits who pronounced Clinton the clear winner. But if one thing has been consistent in the wild 2016 presidential campaign, it’s that the opinions of the elites don’t always conform to the view in the grassroots. What would the polls show?

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