McCain/Palin received a post-convention bounce, leading in one poll this week by as much as ten points (USA Today/Gallup 9/5-9/7). Average poll numbers produce a less dramatic but still significant change in direction for the GOP. Since the end of the Republican Convention, polls shows Sen. McCain leading 47.6 to 45.2; this is almost exactly the opposite of the averages following the Democratic Convention when Sen. Obama led by four points.
McCain is now faring better on the question of which candidate can best handle today’s economy, the topic that voters identify as their leading concern (about 43% of the time). Following the Democratic Convention, Obama led McCain 55% to 36% on this issue, but the gap has narrowed to just a 3% lead for Obama (48% to 45%). The economy now outranks concerns about Iraq (15%), energy, including gas prices (14%) and healthcare (11%).
Both candidates picked up ground with their favorability ratings as each ranks in the mid 50s. Gallup’s examination of the numbers shows that much of the McCain bounce has come from independents; 52% now support McCain, up from 40% prior to the GOP convention. Voters will continue to evaluate the candidates over the next 53 days and it may be weeks before independents firm up their choices. Experts predict that as many as 135 million votes will be cast for President in November, and the race is likely to stay close until Election Day.
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