The McCain Bounce

The Gallup organization is reporting that John McCain's post-convention bounce has matched Barack Obama's thus far, with McCain gaining an average of 5-6 points in the survey of registered voters.

It will be Tuesday or Wednesday, however, before the full results of the bounce will be reflected in the polls.

Gallup now shows McCain with a 3-point lead over Obama, 48-45%.

It should be noted, however, that just prior to the Republican National Convention, Gallup had registered an 8-point surge for Obama, 50-42%. When this factor is taken into account, it is clear that a dramatic shift in public opinion has occurred since the GOP convened in St. Paul, MN.

Not only have McCain-Palin totally obliterated the Obama 8-point lead, but they have surged ahead by 3 points, and Gallup believes that based upon past observable data collected over many years, the McCain campaign stands to gain even more when the post-convention polling cycle is completed Tuesday or Wednesday of this week.

Most political observers credit Sarah Palin for the dramatic turn-around in McCain support, but they also note that McCain's speech on Thursday evening, while characteristically low-keyed, reminded voters of the maturity and steady hand of the veteran Arizona Senator.