Conventions Loom, Gap Narrows Between McCain, Obama

Aug. 21, 2008 -- Fresh polls indicate that Republican Sen. John McCain has caught up to his Democratic rival Sen. Barack Obama, who has led in surveys by as much as eight points.

Nearly identical numbers were reported in two separate polls, one by The New York Times and the other by The Wall Street Journal.

Both showed McCain gaining strength in significant categories and pulling virtually even with Obama. The Journal survey showed that Obama outpolled McCain 45 percent to 42 percent, but with a three point margin of error, it was considered to be a dead heat.

The surveys indicate that McCain is leading Obama on the key issue of preparedness, but voters had more enthusiasm for Obama's candidacy and greater strength on the economy.

The next milestone in the two campaigns that could affect the polls are the candidates' selection of their running mates.

On the Democratic side, Obama appears to have made a decision on his running mate, although it is unclear whether he's informed the candidate yet.