This is the time of year when many politicos are suffering from poll-overdose. Each day we get a new tracking poll, a new national poll, a slew of regional polls and we look for the most minute details in each. The fact of the matter, though, is that in almost every poll of import the leader is within the margin of error.
Kerry's up in two straight polls in Ohio, who cares. Bush has been up recently in Florida, who cares. Bush is up a tiny bit nationally, who cares. In every case the result is within the margin of error and thus inconclusive at best, completely meaningless at worst.
This entire election is going to come down to turnout, enthusiasm and a belief about who can win. Even the weather is going to be important. What if it rains in Miami? Or if there is snow in Denver? The most minute detail could turn this election.
What we need now, it not more slogging through of polls, but a profound effort to raise the level of enthusiasm amongst the general public. Instead of spending our days pouring through newspapers, news sites and blogs, lets get out and bring back the old spirit of campaignin.
I'll be in Cleveland this weekend. Where will you be?