http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/20..._obama-225.html

Obama only one point behind his highest spread at 8%

(not that these mean anything, but his trajectory is rising - no bump for RNC or Palin)

the electoral maps are making sense again, after the weirdness surrounding the brief period after obama's vacation, and before the VP nod to biden:

(270 needed to win)

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/ma...s_mccain/?map=5
with toss-up states: Obama - 228, McCain - 185, Toss-ups - 125

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/ma..._mccain/?map=10
without toss-ups: Obama - 273, McCain - 265

I think what we see is the final trend to November.
McSame MIGHT get a few points after the convention as it will fire up his now dwindling base.
But after that spot light dims, then he has to deal directly with Obama.

I think the debates will cap the whole campaign.