Polls. Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. On the one hand, we see the bounce that Big Mac and Hamburger Helper got out of their convention begin to die away. The daily tracking polls show anything from a 3 point McCain lead, to a one point margin for the good guys.
I'm not feeling the need to search my soul on that one. The longer Palin is out there, the more the media call lies what they are, the more the air will seep out of the badly tied knot securing the GOP balloon. That's fine.
And, sure, I've got my pet way to reframe the debate. Harp on McCain's love of shooting craps. Show a roll of the dice -- text underneath: National Security; Roll of dice -- The Economy; etc, etc.
[Take on his strength. Where he says, "maverick," let the country think, "reckless." Let them see it in a single vivid image. He chose Palin as his running mate. He was one of the Keating Five. All could be reduced to "Reckless."]
There, that's off my chest, but BELOW is the poll that concerns me. Not in a panicky way, but in a way that says we've got some thinking to do, WHILE WE WORK OUR BUTTS OFF.
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