The Sarah Palin poll bounce for John McCain

A John McCain strategist gained a lot of attention a few weeks back when she predicted a huge "bounce" in the polls for Barack Obama following the Democratic National Convention.

The strategist was exaggerating for effect and, as most pundits had anticipated, Obama came out of his party's confab in Denver with a solid — but by no means exceptional — uptick in his poll standing.

The big bounce, at least based on a new survey by the venerable Gallup Organization, was McCain's to be had — apparently spurred in large part by the enthusiasm with which many voters have greeted his choice of Sarah Palin as a running mate.

The poll, based on interviews done Friday through Sunday and conducted in conjunction with USA Today, finds that among all registered voters, the McCain ticket now leads Obama's, 50% to 46%. That's an 8-percentage-point turnabout in a matter of a few weeks; in a comparable survey taken Aug. 21 through Aug. 23, Obama led among registered voters, 47% to 43%.

The change in attitude among those judged by the pollsters as likely voters was even more pronounced. In the new poll, McCain was ahead, 54% to 44%. Obama led in the August survey, 48% to 45%.

In the separate daily tracking poll that Gallup conducts, which averages three days of interviews with registered voters, McCain has jumped to a 5-percentage-points lead.

At a briefing during the Democratic convention, Obama campaign manager David Plouffe stressed that he or his staff make a point of ignoring the national polls, preferring to concentrate on what's happening state by state. Still, it's hard to imagine that these new results aren't causing some heartburn at Obama headquarters in Chicago.

[UPDATE: Two other national polls released today gauge the race a flat-out tie. A CNN survey gave each candidate 48% among registered voters. A poll for the National Journal's Hotline, which also quizzed registered voters, showed them with 44% apiece.]

— Don Frederick

Photo credit: Getty Images 

Comments

[Becky]

We need to vote for the issues and how they effect our families and community. Lets not become Karl Rove-bots......do your homework and know what you are voting for.

[The Mokoda]

McCain is simply not the right man for the job with the country being in these times, with the kinds and depths of problems it's facing. What he says he's going to do (assuming he even actually does it) will not pull the country out of this economic, social and political tailspin. This is not a Democrat vs Republican, or a "liberal vs conservative" argument. It is simply a matter of a man not being qualified to solve the problems he'll face.

In my opinion, he has actually further proven that by selecting a woman as his running mate, JUST to get that important woman vote. Anyone who honestly believes it's more than that is at least a little bit gullible.

However, what he has also proven is that he is a very smart man; smart enough, that is, to know that enough Americans are dumb enough to vote for him, not because of his policies or his ability to handle the job, but because he is offering every woman in the country a vicarious seat next door to the Oval Office.

This is the worst kind of exploitive sexism! Ladies, WAKE UP! McCain doesn't care about you or your issues, he just wants the White House so badly he'll do something like this, to take advantage of your emotionality, just to gain the Presidency. And that makes him decidedly unqualified for the job!

[Karolyn]

"McCain leading in polls, Olberman removed from politic coverage, This is a very good day! America is waking up, we don't need a liberal President!!

Right! And we've done so well with a conservative President these last 8 years (and Republican Congress). Palin is a token and all women should be insulted. Is this the best the Repulicians can come up with?

[Whathtef]

I can't fathom the reasons why anyone in their right mind would switch from Hillary to Palin.

you would have to be a fucking moron, because Hillary and Palin are COMPLETELY 100% ON OTHER SIDES OF THE SPECTRUM.

PALIN IS A HUGE CONSERVATIVE. HILLARY IS A HUGE LIBERAL.

Why the fuck, if you were a Hillary "supporter," would you vote for someone who goes against everything Hillary stands for?

I wish I could reach out and strangle every one of you leeches who fall for the Republican lies and let yourselves be misled just because he picked a fucking female VP. Are you a moron? Are you not insulted that McCain thinks you're too dumb to understand Palin's stance on ANY ISSUE AT ALL?

If I was a woman who voted for Hillary, I would personally be insulted that McCain thinks he can hoodwink Democrats into voting for a hyper Conservative nutjob just because she's got a vagina. The Daily Show's Samantha Bee put it best in that skit she gave, conveying this very point. Fucking sheep.

[Charles Davis]

I agree about Sarah Palin causing a poll bounce.

My wife and I were a little scared that McCain, if elected, (pre- Sarah Palin), might become "a good ole boy" in The White House. Subject to persuasion from lobbyists .

But, In my opinion, with Sarah on his ticket, I think she will keep him grounded and remind him about why he was elected.

Two Votes for the McCain/Palin ticket!

[abby0802]

To Peter posted today --

You have not been reading very carefully or listening to the various media outlets.

I have heard her ask a reporter "what does a vice president do?" It wasn't a rhetorical question.

Her extreme views on abortion (none, ever, even if the life of a girl/woman is at risk, even in cases of rape/incest), abstinence only education, teaching creationism instead of science, and denying human involvement in global warming is downright scary.

I am a community service worker (unpaid). Something Palin denigrates. Well, we're the ones helping rape victims and families who are suffering with the consequences of unplanned pregnancies -- some of which resulted in the death of the mother or a young girl. While Palin is preaching her extreme "righteousness" we are in the trenches doing the work that arises as the result of abstinence ony education. While Palin is out shooting animals, we're working at animal rescue shelters.

While she is disclaiming any human action cause for global warming we are recycling, using less energy, and making fewer trips. I guess the price of oil does bother a woman married to an oilman.

She has close ties to Sen. Ted Stevens (Alaska) known for being the worst of pork barrel spenders and who is under investigation for corruption. Palin supported the infamous "bridge to nowhere" pork barrel spending of all pork barrel spending until such a stink was raised she changed her mind and now claims that she was against it from the beginning.

She also is under investigation for firing a trooper divorcing her sister. Palin also had the chief of police in Wasilla fired because she didnt' like him. She also hired a lobbying firm to to garner pork projects for her small town of 8-9,000 when she was mayor.

Her oilman husband is a member of the Alaskan Independence Party which advocates Alaska's secession from America. She has attended meetings and even given speeches at these meetings.

Palin has been out of the country once a couple of years ago, and she lives next door to our good neighbor of the north Canada.

Palin is totally UNQUALIFIED, TOO INEXPERIENCED, TOO EXTREME EXTREME, & WRONG FOR AMERICA!!!

[silver1]

90% of the reporters and news organizations are in bed with Obama. Palin has had more coverage about her family, friends, and decisions in one week than Obama has had about his minister, his terrorist friend, his Muslim religion (that he tries to cover) and his convicted mobster friend who he gave 14M of the tax payer money to build affordable housing for the poor of chicago which now is condemend and no one can live in.

Obama slips on TV: 'My Muslim faith' Presidential candidate drops line in interview discussing his belief - ooops obama... you also stated that you campaigned in 57 states (oops - the only place with 57 states is Islam dude. Looks like Harvard allowed you to skip the math.)

You can see why Hamas endorses Obama, and why Palestinians actually run phone banks from terrorist-run territories on Obama's behalf.

Most who post here are nuts but there are a few of you with sense. I don’t care what party you are from lets debate the issues and the experience.
Obama has no political experience.... Palin has governed locally, by county and by state, and soon to be by country. Thank God!

[Michael]

Everyone gets a bounce after their convention. Republicans are clearly betting on the stupidity and ignorance of the average American to keep them afloat.

But I have bad news for you sheeple, the polls dont mean much, Obama is still leading in Electoral, which is all that really matters. But you right-wingers keep praying for more pain, I know you like it.

[Connie]

It's pay-back time for Hillary's supporters who have been taunted by Obama and his ultra-liberal followers with their arrogance and condescending behavior. We will "get over it" alright to McCain/Palin on November 4th.

[larry]

To counter the old War Beast and middle aged Beauty, Biden should withdraw voluntarily and ask Hillary Clinton to take his place.

[Pat]

"Right before the Republican Convention Hurricane Gustav was leading in the polls. Now because a mediocre woman reads a speech who was overly coached to do so, the Republican candidate is in the lead. We once had a similar character in Ronald Reagan who lacked substance that amounted to a puppet. If the voters give us another George Bush policy fan, even heaven won't be able to help the US."

Well said I totally agree with this post

[DSH Boston]

Godspeed, McCain-Palin.

[john]

The Germans were mesmerized by Hitler. Looks like the Americans are equally stupid.
It is tragic that the rest of the world has to suffer for their ignorance.

[Doh]

This doesn't have anything to do with McCain or Palin, this is all about Obama not be strong enough.

The Clintons tried to warn everyone that Obama wouldn't survive an in-depth look at him.

Hillary 2012!

[rural american]

Michael says: "Republicans are clearly betting on the stupidity and ignorance of the average American to keep them afloat."

It's this patronizing contempt for rural and traditional American family values fires up that fires up heartlanders in America. It's been a common theme from Obama, his down line staff, and from his copious shills in the media, especially Crispth sssMathews and Keeesch Obermouth.

:-) Could't help it, we rural folks have a sense of humor too -- why else would we have voted for Ross Perot!? Bill Clinton loves us! :-)

[DSH Boston]

The proof that the Democrats lie about security is the fact that they were completely comfortable to stage such a large convention. They knew this country experiences high gains in security; all of which they are prepared to undo... again.

[dave]

are there still people who somehow manage to see these elections as anything but a complete media creation, a fabrication of false propaganda? to call it a hoax though, in the light of the disastrous implications of the events, would be cynical.
still, there is no reason to despair. the RON PAUL rEVOLution, and campaign for liberty, is doing well, and many people every day keep joining the good cause.

[Randy]

Had the Dems nominated a candidate that was in any way moderate, this election would have been all but over. Why not cater to the average American as opposed to the radicals in either party. With an uncertain economy it would have been a breeze for a moderate Democrat to win this election. Instead they choose the most Liberal Senator we have. When will they learn?

[Big Vic]

Like some of you on this blog, I agree that Nov. 4th is the only poll that counts.

The McCain surge is more related to the extremist, right wing getting reved up by Palin. The reality is that McCain already had big leads in those states - Texas, Georgia, Mississippi, Utah. His lead just got bigger.

I saw Palin's governor's debat on CSpan. She comes across as capable and knowledge on issues; however, therein lies the problem.

The issues at hand in that debate were no more critical than what you would find in an average size state assembly district in the lower 48 states.

The issues we are facing are enormous and complex. We need to go with the strongest team and that is Obama/Biden. Both were on the national talk programs Sunday and Biden took the questions head on with Tom Brokaw, but where was Sarah and why does she find it so offensive to be transparent about her background and the issues?

Also, for those going gaga over a woman candidate, you should know that Repubs are sexually exploiting Palin.

She comes across as someone who wants to get her hands into the problem and fix it; however, the Repubs want to package her as "hot" , mother of five, hockey mom, and ex- beauty queen.

So, the next time the Dems are accused of being sexist, they need to hit back hard on who is the real sexist.

[Sue]

I love it! I LOVE IT!! So, the Messiah Obama is losing. Wow, honestly I didn't think it was possible. I mean he's such a rockstar, and can play basketball, and knows how to read a teleprompter. HAHAHAHAHA!!

I LOVE IT!!! Down with the KING of squawt!!! I'm SOOOOOO happy I won't have to hear 4 years of fillers "AHH, Ummm, AHHH, Duh, AHH, UMMM". Once he can actually speak, send him back. HAHAHAHAHAHA. Plus, the flip-flopping is so funny I can't stop laughing. Now, he won't raise taxes.. Oh my, I'm laughing so hard I'm ready to burst!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAWHHHHAHHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

One thing I gotta hand to the Dems is that they made this election year a lot of fun. Don't get me started on Oprah!! Seeing her finally go down is the icing on the cake!! I LOVE IT!!!

[Jack]

C-Span this weekend showed Palin in the 2006 debate for Governor of Alaska and she clearly supported the bridge to nowhere - which she called "progress". Only the democratic candidate condemned it opnely as a waste of taxpayer money best spent elsewhere.
Palin was a runner up beauty queen, a sportscast announcer, and a dictatorial mayor of a small town in Alaska. But qualified for governor of Alaska? No.

Sure she's glib and very attractive but so is every other female broadcaster. What makes Palin qualified if McCain wins the Presidency to have her trigger finger on the largest nuclear weapon arsenal in the world. Frankly McCain's judgment is so poor that alone given right minded citizens a second thought against "voting against the smart black guy".

[deltaforce1]

We have never straightened out our country's economic problems in the last 100 years and I don't see any person in the near future that's going to do so. Everyone is always being bought out by by someone or by some big company to keep things as is. However, our main concern should be finding someone who is not going to bend over when we get attacked by other countries cause if we do, at this point, our domestic issues wouldn't matter, will it?

[Jonathan]

Can you please call a lie a lie? You say the strategist was "exaggerating for effect", but that's sugarcoating it. What do you actually call it when someone says something is true that they don't actually believe to be true? You call it a lie.

[Jim]

Please keep the stupid comments and insults coming. The Republicans will win in a landslide. There are consequences to acting stupid, even on the Internet.

Rumors, innuendo, outright trash are just that trash.

[basementfrog]

Who would believe the republicans would bring in the first true communist subversive to our government. The left should give this woman a chance.

Last year, 2007, Alaska's legislature approved a major tax increase on those windfall profits of the oil industry. The state of Alaska has received more than $10 billion this year from oil revenue.

Thanks to the addition of these new taxes, that is double the amount it received the year before. The administraton of Alaska's governor Sarah Palin now gives $1,200 to every single Alaskan to help them pay for gas. IN addition, each resident will receive an annual dividend of $2,000 from an oil-wealth savings account. Think what a family of 7 could do with that money (Gov. Palin has 7 members in her family).

That's a fancy way of describing wealth redistribution , i.e., downright communism. And that is real change we can believe in. Will she do the same for the Lower 48 states?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwvPNXYrIyI

Congrads secession party just 6 months ago. 7 year membership as subverive

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PizrJLV30yI&feature=related

God will punish America – her pastor knows America is evil just listen

Two months before the election we are not looking into her background and subversion of the U.S. No. we are preoccupied with her instant celebrity status. Her coming interview with ABC morning talk show host rahter than a real reporter who spent a career investigating politicians is the biggest joke of all.

Michelle Obama says she is proud of her country for the first time, and the media goes crazy on her disloyalty. This women and her husband are communits and secessionist, therefore the most unamerican couple to be elected, and we are preoccupied with her being a preppy soccer mom.

Well, in my state I want to know why Arnold Schwareznegger hasn't go those big fact checks from the oil companies for every citizen of California. What's wrong with him? Common Arnie, get us on that gravy train, too.