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

[SteveKelson]

The fact that this election is even close, is proof of how far we’ve fallen as a nation.

The whole thing is absurd. We have morphed from a thinking country who once led the world, to a Britney Spears/ Lindsay Lohan, press driven and highly mixed up country. The fact is, we really do live in a skewed society and we should either embrace our shallowness as a nation or finally, do something about it.

The fact is your one vote won't count this year. It will just cancel out the one cast by the uneducated right winger who maybe watched PBS one time in their life. And that's probably because they found it funny to watch a group of antelopes’ mating. This election being remotely close at this point is the proof that peoples memories appear to have suffered serious damage. Maybe it’s the millions who are taking anti depressants.

Perhaps a side effect is the inability to remember the lies we have been fed by the GOP for the last 8 years. Either that or a high percentage of Republicans don’t read books or the newspaper. Maybe they just read The Bible? Or their account statements from the brokerage firm

[mahendra k sinha]

Too much is being made of executive experience of Palin. George Bush had one and we had katrina and 9/11 .A president appoints cabinet secretaries and other agency heads. Much more than experience, judgement in selecting people is the real test.
If we want a change that McCain is now claiming to bring, , we will get one but then what we have now ( under bush) the economy, inflation and our blunders in foreign policy ( costing billions of dollars) will look much better.I hope we americans will have have better judgement when we vote in november.
mahensra sinha

[Deb]

So the American taliban now has it's princess. What a bunch of suckers you RNC folks are. This country needs Sarah Palin like a balloon factory needs porcupines. Why, do you consistently vote against your own best interests?

I'm no left coast elitist. I have some college, am southern, middle-aged, female and consider myself Christian. I've never had a latte in my life. These people are dangerous. They want to turn USA into a theocracy, run by ultra-right wing, wealthy white people (I'm white). We're in a mess here people, and you want to let those who would make it 10 times worse into the whitehouse? Are you NUTS?....

[Marcy]

Go Palin! The fact that so many of you are upset about her and her conservative values shows that McCain made the right choice.

She represents the sentiments of the majority of Americans, and that makes god-hating, earth-worshiping liberals frightened. The proof is right here on this board.

[appalled]

I don't understand how somebody can vote for McCain Palin. Those people are from the middle ages. I'm appalled and ashamed. There is so much hatred in the American people. What made them that way ? 8 years of Bush already. I thought the US was about democracy. Those people just want the power, they are selfish and shortsighted. Terrorists must be very happy right now.

[Felisa]

We're in an economic recession, unemployment at 6%, mired in a war on two fronts, have ignored relations with Latin America--all brought to you by--drum roll, please--the Republican Party. Sarah Palin proved in her comments today that she has no clue what Fanni/Freddie are, she has not paid attention to Iraq by her own admission, and she has allowed herself to be sequestered from the press to answer major questions affecting our everyday lives. And John McCain chose her to lead this country in case anything happened to him. Is that judgement we can trust? Why would people vote against their own self-interest? It's baffling!

[Kevin Williamson]

This woman scares the hell out of me. If there was ever a reason to vote against the Republicans, Sarah Palin is it.

She represents the worst of the Bush years and is a guarantee that nothing will change if we don't wake up and vote Obama in as President.

I once believed that John McCain was a different kind of Republican but the Palin choice shows that he has chosen partisanship over unity and if elected will simply continue the disastrous policies of the previous administration.

Any woman who thinks that because Sarah Palin is female, she will stand up for women's rights is kidding themselves. This woman is against every major goal of the feminist movement and would set back women's rights by decades.

She is a lying republican. She claims to be against the Bridge to Nowhere but she took the Federal money for it and never gave it back. A liar.

She says that because she has a retarded chilld, she will be a fighter for special needs kids yet as governor of Alaska, she cut the budget for special needs education by 60%. Again, a liar.

And like Bush and many of the other head in the sand GOP members, she favors policies that don't work because that's what her "faith" tells her to do. How else can you explain her exclusive support for abstinence only education when her own daughter's pregnancy has shown the country that this policy simply doesn't work.

So if you want a woman who will continue the good old boys' policies, Sarah Palin is your man.

If you want to dig our government out of the mess that the GOP has created, send these fakers back to Arizona and Alaska and let's hope we never have to hear about this Alaskan piece of work ever again.

[Henster]

This is a national IQ test.
After 8 years of GOP disaster:
A candidate, never the sharpest tool in the box, suffering from PTSD and incipient dementia with a running mate who believes foreign policy experience has to do with proximity to Russia and the National Guard. If Miss Wassila is the new paradigm of leadership, God help us.

[Deb]

PS. To all of you who think only Republicans can protect you: Osama Bin Laden hit us under Republican watch. He is still out there because the decider just doesn't "think about him much anymore". Pakistan's government is falling apart and OBL is right in the middle of it. Pakistan actucally HAS WMD.

What has been done to prevent any of this? Nothing. Just more hate and spin. Terrorists will probably hit us again. But right now I'm more afraid of the American Taliban that Osama.

[Terrible Swift Sword]

Questions for Gov. Palin:

1. Why do you believe the government should have the power to force a woman to carry a fetus to term?

2. Do you believe that Creationism should be taught in the public schools as part of science curricula?

3. Do you believe that the federal government should complete funding for the completion of the fence along the US/Mexico border?

I think Palin's answers would be way out of the mainstream of how most Americans think.

[Maryland Republican--YES we exist]

OK. I've read more than a few posts that say that if people are for McCain-Palin, they are STUPID AMERICANS. That's the most ridiculous, arrogant, pompous, presumptous, did I say ARROGANT, garbage...not to mention highly insulting.

This is what the Democrats are all about. Oh, yippee, Madonna, Hugo Chavez, Morgan Freeman, Putin, that literal joker on MTV awards show (and their lefty-commie ilk) are all for Obama. Yippee...what a brain trust. Yeah, they know better than all of us. Right. Uh-huh.

[Paul]

It honestly scares the hell out of me by how brainwashed the American public has become. Have we become such a negative society that we are actually trying to bring more misery on ourselves.

Let’s look at the facts. The thinking voters of our country, all news and media outlets and even political analysts for both parties have all said in one way or another that McCain does not bring anything new to the table policy wise.

They have clearly stated that his intent is to make this an election based on “character” and not “policy”. Are people actually so shallow that they are going to make a decision this important based on someone’s “personality”?

I’m afraid anything informed voters may say is falling on deaf ears at this point. It’s ironic to see how the McCain campaign has gone from calling Obama a celebrity and rock star, to wanting this race to be about “character”.

They seem to know exactly when to twist in the wind to best suit their needs. They have lied to you time and time again. The two of them have flipped flopped more times than I can even count, yet the media really has not called them on it (regardless of what people are claiming the media is doing to them).

Are people honestly so caught up in being on the winning team, that they’ll elect someone who has lied to their face over and over again. (This is well documented. Just go online with an open mind for 5 minutes and see how many times your party has lied to you. Start with “John McCain vs. John McCain” and please explain to me how his lying right to your face doesn’t bother you?)

This country is totally fractured and divided between two parties that are so busy fighting with each other they are blind to all the potential danger in the world around them. We need to work with someone to repair these relations (at home and abroad) so we can move forward instead of supporting a party that “mocks” and “laughs” at these type of ideals. It is truly scary how unconcerned the GOP is with the needs of the common person.

We are digging our country into a financial and moral hole there is no way to climb out of. We are wasting our time trying to force democracy down people’s throats with a gun, and abusing our own citizens by taking away their quality of life, liberty and freedoms one presidential term at a time.

Please take a moment to research your candidates proposed policies and get past your infatuation for his new running mate. When all is said and done, and the country continues this downward spiral you will have no one to blame but yourselves.

For all those arguing in favor of this candidate do you honestly believe our country is standing strong now? Do you really want more of the same? As cliché as it sounds from all the ads on TV, how can you sit back and support a party that has lead us into one of the worst economic disasters in the history of our country.

Sadly enough the Bush administration will never respect the American people enough to apologize for all the misery they have brought on this country, but now is your chance to do something good for all of us.

John McCain himself has bragged about how he has “voted with George Bush 90% of the time, which is more than most of my fellow republicans”.

Don’t you understand that this means more lost jobs, more war, more debt, more economic trouble, people will continue to lose their homes, and struggle to pay for gas and groceries, our friends and family will continue to die a world away from us in a war with no end in sight. And in the end what will we be left with? Nothing…

Can you even remember a time when our country wasn’t like this? I can. It was when we elected a Democratic president that left us with a country to be proud of. We had one of the strongest economies in the world, and record employment rates and millions of “home owners”.

Now all that’s left is the scraps the Bush administration throws down from the table to a select few. While the rest of us will continue to struggle, and work our fingers to the bone for our country that does nothing but take more and more from us each and every day.

For those who will mock me for saying these things, and dissect every last word I wrote that’s fine, there’s nothing I can say to open your eyes. I hope that people out there can get past all the glitter because this isn’t an election about “character”. It’s an election about how we fix the problems caused by the current administration.

How does a party that has backed this broken administration have the nerve to stand up in front of the world and talk about “change”. It makes me sick to my stomach to watch all the children being led off by the pied piper never once questioning where they are being taken.

Just ask yourself how many times John McCain and Sarah Palin have lied to your face, and then ask yourself why you are so happy with that? If I lied to your face like they have would you embrace me with the same admiration?... I hope not.

[cbk16]

Finally we can get our economy on track from the Domocrats failed policies, the economy was doing fine untill we gave congress over to them in 2006. This is great new for the economic future of America with McCains widening lead.

[v racer]

The facts show Obama is a liberal loser. Biden is just as bad. Polls show America is now paying attention. Lib comments show they don't have a clue.

[J Rollins]

Interesting how much approval Senator McCain has gained by choosing Governor Palin . I found it interesting how she brings to the ticket all of the following :

She's a woman and mother
Her youngest son is special needs
Her unwed daughter is pregnant and the family is pro-life
Her husband is an oil worker and of native Alaskan descent

In her acceptance speech she talks about being a PTA member and Hockey mom and then makes a reference to them resembling pit bulls. She was Mayor of her home town and yet she talked down about Senator Obama's South Chicago community efforts by inferring that he felt no responsibility for the community he was working for while she had "actual responsibilities."

She talks about her accomplishments as Governor including the natural gas pipeline that she had built. Interestingly enough, in a filmed church meeting she informed the congregation the it was "God's will" that the pipeline be built. She makes it clear that Alaska is available for drilling so that our country isn't "at the mercy of foreign nations that do not have our interests at heart." While it is naive to entertain the notion that any foreign country will put America's interests above their own, it is misleading to infer that they might.

I found her snide comments about "Greek styrofoam columns, turning back the waters, and healing the planet" petty, juvenile, and devoid of the dignity that the White House and our nation's leaders should have.

Her allegations that Senator Obama isn't aware that Al Quida is still considered a threat and that "he's worried that someone won't read them their rights" and that he's giving up on our troops in Iraq when it's her belief that "victory is in sight" are yet again petty and unfounded.

She states that Senator Obama wants an increase in taxes for the nation when he has stated he wants to give tax discounts to the middle class and those companies that do not outsource, instead of increasing taxes to the middle class and giving breaks to companies that do outsource which is the current practice.

Governor Palin scorns Senator Obama's speeches by comparing his "high flown speech making in which crowds are stirringly summoned to support great things" to Senator McCain's idealism who actually does great things. She implies that Obama is only good for talk, not action.

Her statements that "the American Presidency is not supposed to be a journey of personal discovery" and that "this world of threats and dangers" is "not just a community and doesn't need an organizer" are, again, beneath the dignity of the office that she has chosen to accept the nomination for.

I respect Senator McCain's service to our country and Governor Palin's service to Alaska. They both deserve to be recognized for their accomplishments.

I am an Independent, therefore I hold no allegiance to either party. After hearing Governor Palin's speech at the Republican National Convention I must say that I do not want a self described "pit bull with lipstick" involved in our nation's foreign relations. I am not comfortable with a potential Vice President who couches her snide remarks in the guise of "straight talk."

As a woman, I do not appreciate the fact that she displays the negative qualities that I do not like in a woman who is in a position of power.

As a mother, I do not believe that she will help to end this war that places our children and loved ones in the line of fire.

As a person of faith I do not believe that she has a direct line of communication with God so that she can relate to us what His will is.

As a voter I do not support Senator McCain's running mate. It's a shame that he chose someone who enjoys her ability to cut with words rather than seeing the value in gracious leadership.

[Cuban Pete]

McCain leading, Plouffe ignoring national polls and Olbermann out as anchor at MSNBC. What's next? Michael Moore moves to Havana? That would be the topper. By the way, is that guy bathing regularly now and does he still believe he is relevant? A great day, indeed. Plouffe's comments tell you all you need to know about their so-called strategists (toss in Brazile too), why they can't win a presidential election. Fine by me. As far as lefty Olbermann, how can anyone take seriously a guy who resembles Groucho Marx without the moustache? Like most of the liberals in this country (i.e. Hollywood crowd) he's an intellectual lightweight who thinks highly of himself but has nothing of importance to contribute. That's got to be a major blow to his inflated ego. Good riddance.

[Victor]

The mere fact that CNN shows it is a tied race is another obvious maniupulation by CNN to sway the voters. Time to boycott CNN and Rick Sanchez who is more agressive in pushing Obama.

[Likeis]

I am a Hillary Clinton supporter happy for McCain/Palin ticket. Palin has been busy and will give TV interviews in due time This lady knows how to talk to everyone and will not stumble and studder with her words like Barack Obama. She gives clear answers. Obama never has. She has managed a city, run a state, managed a large budget, and worked across party lines. Obama has done none of this. Obama, 20 years with Wright, Rezko, Pfleger, etc. He should be investigated for ties to these three and Farrakhan. Why are we concerned about Palin's personal life and not concerned about Obama and these unamerican hate groups ? Where is the media's questions about this. I as a voter will not let this ride without asking for answers reguarding it. Obama is 1st. on the demo ticket but he does not have the exsperience and qualifications Sarah Palin has. I will happily vote McCain/Palin.

[Geb]

At the debate beteen Joe Baiden and Sarra Palin, I suggest she should ask Joe Baiden that (I learn a great deal and I am learing from John McCain, are you learning any thing from Barrak Obama?)

[Harold]

It does not matter to these dumb dem. what comes out of either canidates mouth, where it is one addmitting that he is a muslim or not , as long as he is a person running on the dems side , he tell them to eat ---- and they would smille and do it , it does not matter that the country should come first,only the brain washed can"t be changed, and thats the change barok would bring , higher taxes and spendspend spend vote republican nov. 4th.

[McCain is Bush]

Fascinating, Satan approves of his cult's little succubus. So much evil was unleashed from just the last two elections, where do they find these demons? If we do not act now, the foul stench of rotting flesh will permeate the oval office for quite some time.

We can't really afford a cleaning crew, they economy has been in le-crappier for the last eight years, and the future is terribly bleak. We just need a breather from all this devastation.

[Archie Haase]

If Bozo the clown was alive and he was conservative the right wing crazies in the nation would vote for him, in this case her. This choice is an insult to American history. It is a sure thing most combat veterans who have seen the enemy eye to eye will not vote for this pair. McCain does not have my vote. My vote is for real change, not a change from Bush's corporate lobbyists to the McCain corporate lobbyists.

[oto]

Forget Pitbull-Palin she is just a tool for the neocon to maintain power, they are playing to their base and to fearmongering once again. On the other hand Mcain is still more of the same.

Yea, lets get on this bandwagon 4 more years.

[John UK]

Until Palin appeared I had hoped that Americans were rejoining the human race. Now I have my doubts.

[Harold]

Paul , you are the idiot, what president are you talking about? the one that sent all our jobs over sea? Or the one that had the chance to kill ben loden four times and would not, or the one that declared sadam had wepons of mass destructions along with Biden, Albright, Hillary, Harry Reid, Pelosi, and all the high up Dems. of that time in charge? or one that left the economy ready for a recession when he left office?, or the one that does not have a legacy yet, because he screwed every one he could including the econmy,man you are way off base,