With polls down, Palin must get in touch with her "inner barracuda"

Despite the downward trend of polls, John McCain showed plenty of optimism this morning as he made the round of the news programs.

The latest New York Times/CBS poll shows Obama up nine points (49 - 40 percent) while a new national AP poll shows a seven point lead for the Democratic ticket (48 - 41 percent).

The significance of these polls?  McCain was ahead three weeks ago in an AP poll, while today's Times poll reflects the first time Obama has had a significant lead outside of the margin of error.

One game at a time

It's like entering the fourth quarter a touchdown or two behind. McCain sounded like a sportscaster who says, "Hold on folks, there's plenty of football left."

"Look, we're doing fine," McCain told Fox News. "We were up in the polls, and then we were down in the polls, and we were up in the polls, and down in the polls ... you know, we can't worry about the day-to-day tick-tock."

Air it out

It's not like they're anywhere close to needing a Franco Harris-like "Immaculate Reception."  Although it can be argued that this campaign has thrown up many Hail Mary's in the past couple months.  Regardless, we've still got 33 days to go.

"I think we're doing fine," McCain said discussing the state of the campaign.  "We've got a lot of work to do. I always love being the underdog, and I think we're going to be up late on election night. But I'm very happy with where we are."

Of course it is easier not to worry about it when you are leading the game, or the campaign.

Tonight's debate

As for the Palin-Biden showdown tonight, McCain offered a little criticism on the choice of moderators. PBS commentator Gwen Ifill is hosting the debate. The issue? It's just that book thing.  You know, the one she's written about black politicians including Barack Obama to be released on Inauguration Day.

"Frankly, I wish they had picked a moderator that isn't writing a book that is favorable to Barack Obama – I mean let's face it," said McCain. "But I have to have confidence that Gwen Ifill will treat this as the professional journalist that she is."

"I would imagine that there are other people out there who are not writing a book on Inauguration Day favorable to Sen. Obama," he added.

Do or die

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