WASHINGTON -- In polling completed just as the Republican National Convention convened, the two candidates continued to run neck and neck. The result was a slight gain for President George W. Bush and a disappointment for his challenger, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry. (Kerry had gotten a bit of a bounce from the Democratic convention and was leading in early August.)
Besides advancing in overall numbers, Bush made headway on job-performance ratings. For example, his overall job rating again bounced up to the 50 percent mark -- the bare minimum experts say is necessary for re-election.
Labor Day has been the traditional kick-off day for the election campaign. Obviously, this campaign has been different. It has been going full bore for more than six months -- ever since Kerry wrapped up the Democratic nomination. But still, the Labor Day holiday is the last break before Election Day. It is a natural milepost on the way to decision.