The political polls show McCain getting a big bounce from the convention and the choice of Palin. Indications are, however, that the increase was largely in Red states – ones that would have gone to the Republican ticket in any case. The best that McCain can hope for is that one or two of the marginal states turns to a safer state. On the basis of electoral votes, Obama will still be difficult to beat.

If no one makes any mistakes beforehand, the first real milestone will be the Sept. 26 debate where we can see McCain and Obama side by side. The first few polls after that encounter might show the direction of the election.

I don’t like it when politics preempts regular TV. TV is bad enough. I will, however, watch the debates. There will be a lot on the line.