WASHINGTON — The reviews are in: Mitt Romney won the first debate and the presidential race has entered a new phase, supporters of the Republican presidential candidate — and even some Democrats — say.

Dogged by criticism from his party and by flagging poll numbers in key swing states, Romney pulled off a clear victory in the first debate Wednesday night, according to several viewer polls, besting President Barack Obama by a wide margin.

According to a CNN/ORC International poll, 67 percent of viewers thought Romney won the debate, with 25 percent judging Obama the winner.