Richard Tafoya
Sep 9th, 2008, 05:02 AM
CNN:
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/09/cnn-poll-convention-bounces-cancel-each-other-out-2/
Why is the presidential race dead even after both parties have had their conventions? In a nutshell, it's because the conventions have not changed the basic dynamic of the race.
New numbers released by CNN Monday explain just how the presidential race remains so close with 57 days to go until voters weigh in at the polls: the conventions were so successful for both parties that that each essentially canceled the other out.
The candidates' favorable ratings are identical (60 percent) — and almost identical to what they were before the conventions began. The GOP convention made Republicans more enthusiastic (an increase of 17 points). But Democrats are more enthusiastic as well (up 14 points), so an 11 point "enthusiasm gap" favoring remains: 71 percent of Democrats say they are enthusiastic about the election, compared to 60 percent of Republicans.
The candidates' strengths and weaknesses on the issues also have not changed over the last month — Obama retains his edge on the economy and health care; McCain's advantage remains on Iraq and terrorism.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/09/cnn-poll-convention-bounces-cancel-each-other-out-2/
Why is the presidential race dead even after both parties have had their conventions? In a nutshell, it's because the conventions have not changed the basic dynamic of the race.
New numbers released by CNN Monday explain just how the presidential race remains so close with 57 days to go until voters weigh in at the polls: the conventions were so successful for both parties that that each essentially canceled the other out.
The candidates' favorable ratings are identical (60 percent) — and almost identical to what they were before the conventions began. The GOP convention made Republicans more enthusiastic (an increase of 17 points). But Democrats are more enthusiastic as well (up 14 points), so an 11 point "enthusiasm gap" favoring remains: 71 percent of Democrats say they are enthusiastic about the election, compared to 60 percent of Republicans.
The candidates' strengths and weaknesses on the issues also have not changed over the last month — Obama retains his edge on the economy and health care; McCain's advantage remains on Iraq and terrorism.