Both the Newsweek and the Gallup/CNN/USA Today polls are causing some heartburn for conservatives, as they appear to show that John Kerry has closed the gap with President Bush and the race is neck and neck. But note that the Rasmussen poll taken between 9/30 and 10/2 shows Bush at 49, Kerry at 45 and Bush's job approval rating at 53%. And as discussed this morning, the LA Times shows that Bush's favorables actually improved after the debate. (For the best assortment of polls, the place to go is www.realclearpolitics.com).

So it's not a time to panic; it's a time to wait and see. To me, it seems clear that Bush is going to come back strong on Friday night in the domestic debate; Kerry, by contrast, may have a hard time connecting with the "ordinary" people in the room. It will be interesting to see if he talks down to them . . . Let the Democrats get excited now; it may be their last chance.

And for more encouraging good news, check out www.DaschlevThune.com. The latest Rasmussen poll in South Dakota shows Thune ahead of Daschle, 50-45 -- despite the predictable left wing coverage by the Argus.