TRACKERS

Posted at 1:35 p.m. ET

Both trackers are now out.  As reported here earlier, McCain has taken the lead, although only a one-point lead, in the Rasmussen survey.

However, Gallup, which had McCain two points ahead yesterday, today has him one point behind.

Averaging both polls today, it's a tie.

A distinguished scholar cautioned me that it takes about a week to identify trends in tracking polls, and I agree.  We report them every day here with that understanding.  Also, polls results will vary from day to day due to the margin of error and ordinary statistical noise.

Bottom line, it's an incredibly tight race.  There is no sign yet that Obama has benefited in the least from his naming of Joe Biden as his vice-presidential pick, or from the start of his convention.  Poll results tomorrow should start to reflect any impact that Hillary Clinton's appearance had. 

McCain names his v.p. choice at the end of the week.  His convention begins Monday. 

August 27, 2008.