Rasmussen: McCain 47, Obama 46

Cross-posted at MyDD.

John McCain's negative attacks are beginning to work:

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows the race for the White House is tied with Barack Obama and John McCain each attracting 44% of the vote. However, when "leaners" are included, it’s McCain 47% and Obama 46%. This is the first time McCain has enjoyed even a statistically insignificant advantage of any sort since Obama clinched the Democratic nomination on June 3 (see recent daily results). Tracking Polls are released at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time each day.

What happened? McCain has opened up a lead among independents:

A week ago today, Obama had a three-percentage point lead and the candidates were even among unaffiliated voters. Today, McCain leads 52% to 37% among unaffiliateds.

The negative attacks have taken their toll on Obama favorables...especially among independents:

McCain is currently viewed favorably by 55% of the nation’s voters, Obama by 51%. That is the lowest rating for Obama since he wrapped up the nomination. Obama is viewed favorably by 83% of Democrats, 22% of Republicans, and 47% of unaffiliated voters. For McCain, the numbers are 87% favorable among Republicans, 26% among Democrats, and 61% among unaffiliated voters.

During the primaries, Hillary repeated warned that his numbers would start to fall when the GOP attack machine kicked into high gear. And now they have.

The Obama campaign cannot replicate their strategy of It's the same old Washington politics. The Washington politician is picking on me. Shame on the Washington politician. The Washington politician he is facing is a known--and respected--politician.

There's been some chatter lately about the need for Obama to bring in a fighter. I hope Obama heeds the call because Hope and Change aren't going to be enough in this election.