Poll-itics: After trip, Obama still ahead, McCain smears had no effect

By GottaLaff

What are the words I'm looking for? Oh yes: Neener nanner. The latest CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll numbers:

According to the survey — the first national poll conducted entirely after the Democratic presidential candidate's trip to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Europe — the race for the White House has remained virtually unchanged since late June, with Obama holding a 51-44 percent edge over Sen. John McCain. In a similar poll conducted one month ago, Obama held a 5-point lead over the senator from Arizona , 50-45 percent.

So, he actually gained a some points? Or broke even? I remember Obama saying he thought he might even drop a couple. And really, what difference does it make? Poll results are at best, dubious. The only reason I'm posting this is to make the point that none of the predictions, optimistic, pessimistic, or in between, mattered.

But in what is good news for Obama, the poll suggests few of the McCain campaign's criticisms of the trip have stuck — especially charges Obama was presumptuously acting as if he had already won the election, and claims he nixed a visit with injured troops because members of the media could not accompany him.

Instead, more than two-thirds of voters surveyed said the trip was appropriate for a presidential candidate, and 72 percent think Obama cares abut veterans and the troops currently in Iraq.

Stick that up your smear campaign, J Sid.