USA Today Gallup Poll Shows John McCain Bounce

The USA Today Gallup Poll results over the weekend suggest that John McCain has not so much enjoyed a convention bounce but has had the equivalent of a Moon shot in popularity. And he owes it almost entirely to his new running mate, Sarah Palin.

The USA Today Gallup Poll has John McCain at 50 percent to Barack Obama's 46 percent among registered voters. Among likely voters, the numbers are John McCain 54 percent to Barack Obama's 44 percent.

Most analysts attribute McCain's rise in the polls to the enthusiasm in the Republican base and some independent women voters to the selection of Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin as McCain's Vice Presidential running mate. There also seems to be a backlash growing over the attacks in the media and in some parts of the blogosphere upon Sarah Palin, ranging from her fitness as a mother to her alleged lack of experience.

McCain's Palin driven bounce seems to also be benefiting the Republican Party as a whole and down ballot Republican candidates, according to the USA Today Gallup Poll. Party affiliation comes out to 48 percent Democrat and 47 percent Republican. Party preference in voting for candidates comes out to 48 percent Democrat and 45 percent Republican. Until recently, Democrats have enjoyed near or double digit advantages in both areas.

Keeping in mind that post convention bounces can fade and that there are nearly two months left in the national campaign, this development may have profound implications in the possible outcome of this year's election. Most analysts, taking into account the huge advantage Democrats have had since the 2006 Election, have concluded that whatever happens in the Presidential election, Democrats are likely to expand their current majorities in the Senate and the House, perhaps by a lot.

This may no longer be the case.