TRACKERS

Posted at 1:10 p.m. ET

Both trackers for the day are now out.  As noted below, Rasmussen has Obama up one, a change from yesterday's tie.

But Gallup has McCain up by five, no change from the last two days.

I suspect that we won't know until the middle of next week whether McCain's new strength will last.  While there are no new formal events planned for the campaign until the September 26th presidential debate, other possibly significant happenings are on the way, and both involve Sarah Palin:  She will see her son off to Iraq, and she will appear with Charlie Gibson on Good Morning America. 

Obama's lame attempt this morning to explain away his "lipstick on a pig" remark was not effective politics.   First, he appeared weak and defensive.  Second, when you explain away a remark you call attention to it, and almost require the TV and radio outlets to replay it.  Just watching the crowd behind Obama laugh knowingly deflates his explanation.  Not a good day for him.

September 10, 2008.