My mother hasn't always been a Republican, and I don't think it stopped her from voting for Bill Clinton (whom she absolutely loved), but for months she was afraid of Obama. The debate changed that.
My mother admires people who are exceptionally smart and articulate (like Bill Clinton). But she's also a woman who, not that long ago, could be heard saying things like, "I think I'll have a colored man clean out the garage." So, it took a while for her to warm to Obama. The rumors of him being a Muslim didn't help, nor did all the emails she got from friends. Most of all, she owns a business she is trying to sell and does not want her capital gains tax to go up.
On the other hand, she wasn't all that impressed with McCain, was scared stiff by John Hagee, and has been alternately disgusted and amused by Sarah Palin.
When I asked her what she thought of the debate, she said she was really glad she watched it, because it was the first time she felt like she could really trust Obama as president. She liked that he knew what he was talking about, could express himself, and that he remained respectful of McCain. She was very impressed when Obama read McCain the riot act on Iraq, calling him out for talking as if the war had started in 2007, and pointing out that McCain had been wrong on so many points about the war long before the surge.
She thought McCain did nothing but repeat that Obama "didn't understand," but it was clear from his answers that Obama understood more than McCain.
For those who are canvassing and phoning in S. Florida, I hope this info is helpful. Go get 'em.
btw - My mom says that Bush won't sign a bailout bill until after Rosh Hashanah. That way, if the whole thing falls apart, it can be blamed on the Jews. That's my mom.