The betting odds on Barack Obama winning the American election and becoming the next president of the USA have shortened significantly following his televised debate with opponent John McCain.

Bookmaker William Hill has shortened the Democratic Party senator from 4/7 to 4/9 to win the US election, with the Republican John McCain’s odds lengthening from 11/8 to 13/8.

An improved perception of Obama’s ability to deal with the ongoing financial crisis in the US has also helped boost public opinion, a spokesman for the bookmaker said.

“Political punters appear to believe that Obama got the better of [Obama and McCain’s] debate and has coped more effectively with his responses to the financial situation,” said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.

Posted in US Election News