Romney takes two point lead in national poll and rakes in $12million online just two days after debate victory

Surge in campaign volunteers and thousands of new donors after debate

Early polls show encouraging signs for Romney in swing states

Obama and Democrats raised record $181million haul in September

The President's fundraising haul topped the $114 million raised during the month of August

Mitt Romney's commanding performance in Wednesday night's first presidential debate has started to yield results as he took a two-point lead in a respected national poll.



The Republican candidate has also raised $12million in online donations over the last couple of days. The two-point boost came via the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll.

The news comes as Barack Obama's lacklustre showing continues to be mocked by top comedians who are strong supporters of the President - including the cast of Saturday Night Live.

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Romance on the road: Mitt Romney kisses his wife Ann during a campaign rally today in Port St. Lucie, Florida

Touchdown: Mitt Romney and wife Ann arrive in West Palm Beach, Florida today

Show of support: Mitt Romney poses with policemen before boarding his campaign plane today in Orlando, Florida

Taking off: Romney has enjoyed a boost in approval ratings and campaign coffers since his success in the first presidential debate

The poll shows Mitt Romney attracting support from 49% of voters nationwide, while President Obama earns the vote from 47%.

In addition, Mr Romney's campaign took in a donation haul of $12million via his website in just 48 hours after the conclusion of the debate in Denver, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The bump in fundraising was even bigger than those recorded after the announcement of Paul Ryan as Mr Romney's running mate and the Supreme Court's decision to uphold Mr Obama's healthcare law.

In addition, 60 per cent of those donating online had never given money to the campaign before.

Battling on: Obama walks to the Marine One helicopter to depart for campaign events in California and Ohio from the White House today

The increase in small contributions from first-time donors is a significant change for Mr Romney's campaign.

The former governor of Massachusetts has previously relied more on large donations from wealthy supporters, in contrast to Mr Obama's grassroots network of givers.

Other indicators of campaign strength have also been promising for Mr Romney - aides have reported seeing an upturn in the number of volunteers at offices around the country.

It is still too early to tell whether the aftermath of the debate will shore up the candidate's position in the polls over the long run, but early signs are encouraging for the Republican.

Rasmussen polls showed Mr Romney gaining a lead in Florida and Virginia, both states which he must win in order to have a realistic shot at the White House.

Overjoyed: Romney gives a wide wave and enthusiastic face as he steps out before his supporters

Warm welcome: Romney was introduced by his wife Ann during their campaign stop in Apopka, Florida on Saturday night

Enthusiasm: The couple's energy hadn't dimmed since his first debate against President Obama on Wednesday night where he was celebrated as the victor

Mr Obama has been the target of political satirists ever since his disappointing debate performance - and the jokes do not seem to be letting up.

Jay Leno made a reference to the huge audience for the televised event during his talk show on Friday.

'They're saying close to 60 million people may have watched the debate,' he said. 'In fact, the only person who didn't tune in, I think, was President Obama.'

Comedian Bill Maher, a passionate Obama supporter who gave $1million to a Democratic super PAC, also had harsh words for the President.

'It looks like he took my million and spent it all on weed,' Mr Maher said.

Support: The couple stand together with Romney beaming as they pledge their allegiance to their country before the crowd

However, Mr Obama also had good news as it was revealed that he and the Democratic party had together raised $181million in September, the most lucrative month of his re-election campaign,

The President's fundraising haul topped the $114 million raised during the month of August.

He said in a message on Twitter that more than 1.8million people donated in September, including over 500,000 who had not donated before in 2008 or 2012.

The $181million was slightly less than Mr Obama's record of $190million in September 2008.

Showdown: Mr Romney had the better of Wednesday night's debate at the University of Denver