"McCain's comments created a firestorm in the state with Democrats and Republicans alike denouncing the notion, saying McCain could lose votes over it in Colorado and New Mexico, which have been called possible swing states in this year's presidential race between McCain and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama."
--The Pueblo Chieftain

When all of the major newpapers in the state, along with the Republican candidate for Senate slams you on this issue, it is going to be a problem.

Oh well.
I just don't get how he is losing so much ground.
I think going on vacation was a big mistake- thought so at the time.
Gawd, I hate the thought of McCain winning. I mean I reaaallly hate it.
I know, don't really have to say that.

Did anyone else watch CNN's two stupidly titled specials "McCain Revealed" and "Obama Revealed" last night?  I was struck by how fulsome, honestly patriotic, and interesting McCain's life has been, his flaws and missteps notwithstanding; and, in contrast, the paucity of Obama's life experience.  It was actually rather humorous to think of the two of them competing for anything, much less the US presidency.  Only the Democratic party could push a community organizer against an undeniably heroic POW and rather unconventional, larger-than-life, long-time senator.  And McCain's sense of humor, which is genuine and often self-deprecating, has carried him far and still does.  Obama seems humorless except for the cutting one-liners he uses against opponents.  

Basic polling 101: The MOE reflects the fact that there is a sampling error (unlike an election)based on the size and other factors about how the poll is conducted.  Any diff. between candidates within the MOE is irrelevant, just the luck of the draw.  If Candidate was up 2 points last week and is down 3 points this week and the MOE is 4 it means that nothing has changed. Nothing. Zip. Zero. Nada.  Or, at best, that you can't prove anything has happened on the basis of the poll.

On top of that, when polls are being conducted daily or almost daily, differences can be due to nothing more important than the day's headlines or pundit talking points.

Trend lines of multiple polls over time can, possibly, suggest something even if the results are all in the MOE - but I'm not sure even pollsters can make a good case for that.

A couple of things are interesting about the polls. Obama is, apparently, doing much worse than Kerry, Gore and even Dukakis at similar points in the election cycle.

This was supposed to be a Democratic slam dunk, but Mr. Charisma is fighting for his life.

Electing a President is not cumulative.  It's not like you gain 99 yards in 2004 and get 2008 to gain the last yard.

Yippee.  You almost won in 2004.  Now you get to start over with an entirely different team -- which, apparently, sees itself as being in a rebuilding year.  So, even if success was cumulative, your manager is busy throwing out the 99 yards you've already gained and the only coach who ever won the big game.

The Yucca mountain issue is big there, and Obama is right to press on it in his ads.

"In an interview in Chester, Va., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said he's made up his mind, but he would not say whether he's informed that person yet. "I won't comment on anything else until I introduce our running mate to the world," he said. "That's all you're going to get out of me."

Obama said it was a difficult decision. "We had some great choices."

Obama said he wanted somebody who is "prepared to be president" and who will be "a partner with me in strengthening this economy for the middle class and working families."

He said he was looking for not just a partner but a sparring partner. "I want somebody who's independent, somebody who can push against my preconceived notions and challenge me so we have got a robust debate in the White House."

You don't quit if you don't get your way.