Rasmussen: One Point Lead for McCain

Do the Democrats and their supporters have a sick feeling in their gut upon hearing this news? They should, because they've been here before, from Rasmussen:

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows the race for the White House is tied with Barack Obama and John McCain each attracting 44% of the vote. However, when "leaners" are included, it's McCain 47% and Obama 46%.

Could Obama join Democratic luminaries Dukakis, Gore, and Kerry with his ability to blow a summer lead? Conversely, McCain is now officially not tracking Bob Dole in 96 who was never able to close the gap against Clinton. And check out the unfavorables:

McCain is currently viewed favorably by 55% of the nation's voters, Obama by 51%. That is the lowest rating for Obama since he wrapped up the nomination. Obama is viewed favorably by 83% of Democrats, 22% of Republicans, and 47% of unaffiliated voters. For McCain, the numbers are 87% favorable among Republicans, 26% among Democrats, and 61% among unaffiliated voters.

Obligatory note: It is the opinion of this blogger, that Summer polls have zero predictive value for election results in November, they are useful in telling us what the current state of the race is, and what each candidate needs to do, or stop doing.

McCain appears to have repaired his damage among Republicans and is now viewed more favorably by the electorate?! I'm guessing any number of factors could be in play here.

-A reaction to the overhyping of Obama meme from the Mainstream media, a theme which has been getting a lot of attention in the press.

-Energy and economic concerns are the top priority of voters, and McCain has been on message, while Obama has been overseas.

-McCain is on offense and attacking Obama, while Obama has been ignoring McCain.

The others we've covered well and plenty of it, but let's take a look at the last point there. If Obama thought he could coast in without seriously grappling with McCain (and I really doubt that he thought that), this batch of polls should fix that thinking. That being said, McCain has had a good week.