Obama is pulling away again (polls)

[Gutenberg]

Gallup Daily has Obama up by 8 and Rasmussen has him up by 6. Last week's polls were 6 and 4 respectively.

This weekend's polls reflect voter reaction after the last debate.

I am feeling better now, thank you.

If he wins on November 4 I am going to the Inauguration. I don't care if I have to camp out on the Mall. It's going to be a stemwinder of a speech.

[Mobygrape]

McCain has to NOT blow it, and I think we can win. His major asset is Sarah Palin, while
Barry's is the media, so look for them to amp up the attacks the next couple of weeks. Sarah's
got guts and determination. As an outdoor runner, she knows how to maneuver, while Barry's
running experience is gym treadmills, where everything is preset and expected. Zogby in the
last few weeks has said the election was over and Obama had it in the bag- just like in 2004
when Kerry had an insurmountable lead. Our freedom is indeed under assault. Here's a potentially
interesting point: Dems poll better on the weekends, says Rush Limbaugh. Could the numbers
be even better for McCain?

[Ted King]

There just seems to be a long term "built in" approximately 5% advantage in the polls for Obama with occasional dips and expansions of that lead. I suspect that it will continue that way right up to the election. For those of us who want Obama to win, on election night I don't think we ought to get too concerned if he doesn't win Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina or Florida - though I imagine the TV analysts will play up the drama if it unfolds that way. As I've said before here, if none of those states (Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina or Florida) goes for Obama there is still Colorado and that probably will go for him and be enough to make him president.

[Lux Interior]

so look for them to amp up the attacks the next couple of weeks


I don't think McCain can amp up the attacks any more that he already has.

[kanesa]

Today's (Oct 19) Gallop Poll has Obama ahead by 10 points.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/111232/Gallup...-Lead.aspx

PRINCETON, NJ -- Barack Obama's advantage over John McCain in the presidential race has again widened to 10 points among registered voters, 52% to 42%, in Gallup Poll Daily tracking from Oct. 16-18.


This is the first Gallup Poll Daily tracking report based on data collected entirely after Wednesday night's third and final presidential debate. McCain's current 42% support level is at the midpoint of the 41% to 43% range he has received over the past 18 days. Obama's 52% is at the upper end of the 48% to 52% range of support he has received over the same time period.

[Silencio]

Get real, Shakeman. Palin is only an "asset" to holding on to the ever-shrinking base. In the end, she has driven independent overs away from McCain's camp.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/18...35857.html

[MacGurl]

Palin as an "asset" -

From the LA Times endorsement -

the presidential campaign has rendered McCain nearly unrecognizable. His selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate was, as a short-term political tactic, brilliant. It was also irresponsible, as Palin is the most unqualified vice presidential nominee of a major party in living memory. The decision calls into question just what kind of thinking -- if that's the appropriate word -- would drive the White House in a McCain presidency. Fortunately, the public has shown more discernment, and the early enthusiasm for Palin has given way to national ridicule of her candidacy and McCain's judgment.

From Powell endorsement -

But he said McCain’s choices in the last few weeks — especially his selection of Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska as his vice presidential running mate — had raised questions in his mind about McCain’s judgment.
“I don’t believe [Palin] is ready to be president of the United States,” Powell said flatly. By contrast, Obama’s running mate, Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, “is ready to be president on day one.”

From KC Star endorsement -

Obama’s sound judgment is reflected in his choice for a running mate. Sen. Joe Biden is a passionate advocate of ordinary Americans and a foreign-policy expert who would be prepared to assume the Oval Office on a moment’s notice.

Despite his age and previous health problems, McCain chose a vice presidential candidate who is so clearly unqualified for high office that the thought of her stepping into the presidency is frightening.

That irresponsible decision casts serious doubt on McCain’s judgment at this point in his political career. And over the past eight years, Americans have come to know, all too well, the high price of carelessness and ineptitude in the White House.

From Chicago Tribune endorsement -

McCain failed in his most important executive decision. Give him credit for choosing a female running mate--but he passed up any number of supremely qualified Republican women who could have served. Having called Obama not ready to lead, McCain chose Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. His campaign has tried to stage-manage Palin's exposure to the public. But it's clear she is not prepared to step in at a moment's notice and serve as president. McCain put his campaign before his country.

From the Salt Lake Tribune endorsement -

out of nowhere, and without proper vetting, the impetuous McCain picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. She quickly proved grievously underequipped to step into the presidency should McCain, at 72 and with a history of health problems, die in office. More than any single factor, McCain's bad judgment in choosing the inarticulate, insular and ethically challenged Palin disqualifies him for the presidency.

Sounds GREAT to me! (tu)

Kathy

[PeterB]

Kathy, wow, those articles nailed it -- I would say especially the Chicago Tribune. There were a LOT of good people (including women) he could have picked.