Democrats show more team spirit

It could come down to the “excitement gap.”

A recent Pew Research Center for the People & the Press poll found that the presidential race could hinge on the difference in enthusiasm between supporters of the two major-party candidates.

Although there has been a lot of focus on whether Democrat Barack Obama can corral disappointed supporters of New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the bigger factor may prove to be the relatively tepid embrace of John McCain by Republicans.

In the last two elections, George W. Bush enjoyed relatively enthusiastic support among Republicans, with 3 out of 4 saying they were satisfied with their candidate, compared with two-thirds of Democrats saying they were satisfied with theirs.

Now, though, the table is turned, with only half of the Republicans saying they are satisfied, compared with 74% of Democrats.

Overall, 7 out of 10 Democrats told pollsters they were more interested in the campaign now than four years ago, compared with about half of the Republicans.

The poll also found a more engaged electorate at this stage than in past elections. In fact, 72% said they were giving the election “quite a lot” of thought, the highest percentage at this stage since 1988, and overall voter interest is “at record levels.”

Against that backdrop, the fight is on for undecided voters. Both McCain and Obama get the backing of 4 out of 5 of their respective party members. Independents, though, are evenly split, but nearly half say they could still change their minds.

Another interesting statistic: More than half of those polled gave Obama an A or B grade on his success in convincing them to support him. McCain? Only 32% gave him an A or B.

The full poll is available at .

-- Scott Martelle