Romney closes gap with Obama to 2 points after debate

WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - United States (US) President Barack Obama's lead over challenger Mitt Romney has narrowed to just two percentage points since the Republican's strong performance in their first debate, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Friday.

In more bad news for Mr Obama, one in five voters said the Democrat's performance in the contest in Denver on Wednesday made them feel more negative about him and almost a third said they felt more positive about his Republican challenger.

"Romney did well, he was perceived as doing well, and we're seeing the effect of that today," said Ipsos managing director Cliff Young. "Definitely in the short-term now, he's picking up people because of his performance in the debate."

The online tracking poll conducted between Monday and Friday showed 46 per cent of likely voters backed Mr Obama, versus 44 per cent for Mr Romney.