This morning I heard an interview with someone from the Gallup polling organization. He said, in effect, their poll gave it to Kerry, 53 to 37.

He also said that because a challenger comes in against an incumbent with a less-known aura or image, that it was particularly important for Kerry to make a good showing, and it was in fact expected that he would improve his image vis-a-vis Bush, but that the amount he picked up was extremely impressive.

Asked about what he thought made such an impression on Kerry's behalf, he thought it had to do with personal impression, and especially speaking ability, which was commented on by a large number of poll responders.

Dave Oesterreich