Obama Surges with 14-point lead

The newest CBS poll:

Obama holds a more than 20-point edge when it comes to understanding voters' needs and problems, with 64 percent saying Obama does and 43 percent saying McCain does. 

The Republican nominee does hold a clear advantage on being seen as prepared to be president, as he has throughout the campaign. That measure does not appear to be boosting his support, however, perhaps because while 64 percent say McCain is prepared for the job, more than half say Obama is as well.

According to the poll, the lead has surged because of the massive swing of independent voters moving into Obama's column.  The latest set of attacks by the McCain/Palin beast has produced a nasty after taste in undecided voters' mouths.

McCain might come off two ways tomorrow at the debate in spite of this new set of news.  He may either come off as a fiery lasher with nothing left to lose, or as a defeated old pol with nowhere left to go.  I cannot see a scenario where McCain would dominate the debate with an eloquent, swift rhetorical victory.  He just doesn't have that in him at this point, especially it being on the economy.

To Obama, I say, be cautious of the cornered beast.

lhp