Gallup and Rasmussen disagree over the source of the bounce. Gallup shows either a direct shift of Obama support moving to McCain or and indirect shift of Obama support to undecided and undecided to McCain. Rasmussen, on the other hand, shows McCain picking up undecided voters while Obama hold strong. The latter is the more optimistic scenario, especially if there exists a direct shift.

I'm not sure what could have been done to avoid a McCain bounce. John McCain could have and would have always chosen Palin no matter who the nominee was, and by the time the screaming subsided, the damage would be done. Jindal and any other conservative hatchet(wo)men filling the Dick Cheney role could have been selected, and a minority male could have been used if Hillary was selected. You think that's crazy? Even the Republican talking heads dismissed Sarah Palin.

I think to a certain extent we progressives were spoiled, so used to McCain going nowhere, we never expected he would actually try to win this. Our dreams of a boring white male pick were dashed, and really, we cannot sit on our hands waiting for McCain to mess up (again), which to a large part has been our strategy. Barack Obama must win this.

I have gotten the impression from the Obama campaign that they are trying to run the clock out like they did in the primaries.

That just won't work.

The race is very fluid, and there has been no break moment that fundamentally put Obama at a disadvantage. However, the cautiousness and reluctance to throw a punch most stop. Every day that goes by after the convention is a day wasted without hard hitting.

If you think Sarah Plain was the end, you are wrong. It has the potential to be the beginning. They are going to do whatever it takes to win. They showed us that in Minneapolis, even if it means putting a wholly unqualified monster on the ticket to reignite the culture war.

The will Willie Horton Obama.
They will Swift Boat Obama.
They will call Obama at 3AM.
They will play the terror card.
And I wouldn't even be surprised if there was a terror alert (or, G-d forbid, attack too).

The Republicans have become the party of the low information voter. Having taken the high road, Obama has generated much support, but he also puts himself at terrible risk by constantly reacting instead of acting.  All of the above are distinct possibilities. We have every right to be "concerned". Obama must be ready, or once again, the Republicans will snatch victory away from us at the last minute. I was disappointed by Obama's silence during the Republican Convention. And so here is where I tell David Axelrod the simple truth: The best defense is a good offense.

What can you do?  
Donate.
Volunteer.
And generate some noise and some momentum.

[editor's note, by iohs2008]Pesky auto correct option.