Battleground: Polls, Social Security, Rove

A Pew poll yesterday found Obama leading McCain by just three points -- 46%-43%. It’s a downward trend in the poll for the presumptive Democratic nominee, who led McCain by eight points in June and five in July. The New York Times checks out how both McCain and Obama seem to be willing to talk about Social Security reform. Speaker Nancy Pelosi is considering softening her stance against additional offshore oil drilling. "One proposal under consideration would let states decide whether to permit new energy exploration off their coasts while possibly maintaining the drilling ban off the Pacific Coast, according to a House leadership aide who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of ongoing negotiations. Pelosi has long opposed lifting the drilling ban but has come under pressure from members of her own party -- including freshmen in tough reelection campaigns -- to allow a vote on offshore drilling. Adding to that, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama recently said that ... (link)