The polls show that at this time last election Kerry had a massive lead.

That is why Dems should be scared as Hell. Their canidate is trying to dig out of a hole with a couple of months left to go. The odds are that Obama is going to get a small to zero bump from the convention because McCains convention is going to overwhelm the media. I expect McCain to have a 7 – 9 point bump.

now we’re hearing that that phantom double digit lead has evaporated…

outlying polls notwithstanding, most polls show the race to be about the same as it was before- a modest lead for Obama with a great number of states up for grabs

That quote from McCain is great.

The age thing just makes it more important that the VP is the real thing, ready to lead on day 2.

It was the first day back from his one week vacation in Hawaii. I have a hunch that his campaign team wanted him to get bakc a couple days before Saddleback to prep, but that he said “no problem,” I’ve got it down, because he promised the family a free week.

Goes to show you that although campaigns can be intense for candisates in ways non of us really know, that sometimes breaking that intensity for a week off is a negative thing to do, despite needing it. That same intensity keeps on on therir toes–Hawaii is too relaxing in other words.

I would agree McCain did the better of the two at the Sadleback forum–but would not gush that he “Won” and such. I supported McCain in 200 for the primary nomination, saw him a number of times. Had not seen him in-person until about a month ago at an event.

Wow–he has really aged and deterierated since 2000. To me that was evident watching him at the Saddleback forum on TV–but not anyware as much as when I saw him last month.

On the one hand a young looking VP like Romney–or an actually yound VP could help with this age issue. On the other hand, Romney and nearly every other potential VP candidate except Liberman (who actually makes McCain look younger) could also remind voters McCains age, especially when side-by-side.

I didn’t think his age would be a big issue–but am amazed how many people I’ve talked to recently bring it up, including Republican seniors in the late 60′s to early 80′s.

And, is it really a good idea to pick your VP candidate on your 72 birthday?

It’s very simple: J-Mac’s pass rush is beating the tar out of the “O-line”.

This is the kind of traction I was wondering if McCain was going to get started at some point in the election. By golly, he’s bringing it, and the Oba-wan is just melting under the glare.

Its about time for another “IF THE ELECTION WERE HELD TODAY” update.
Have you seen Realclearpolitics today?

SWEET!

Now, if McCain just won’t blow the Veep choice…