Tracking Polls Show Razor-Thin Race

Both the Gallup and the Rasmussen tracking polls have the presidential candidates virtually tied.

Gallup’s Wednesday survey, which averages the results from three days, has Barack Obama leading John McCain 45 percent to 44 percent. Obama benefited from a strong day on Tuesday, which suggests that he could be getting a convention bounce, according to Gallup analyst Frank Newport. Tuesday’s poll had McCain ahead 46 percent to 44 percent. It was the Republican’s first lead in months.

In the Wednesday Rasmussen survey, the two candidates are tied at 44 percent. When leaners are included, McCain leads 47 percent to 46 percent. The Republican is has a higher favorability rating than the Democrat; McCain is seen favorably by 56 percent of voters while Obama is seen as favorble by 53 percent.