Zogby Poll: Equilibrium in the POTUS Race!  —  Brash McCain pick of AK Gov. Palin neutralizes historic Obama speech, stunts the Dems' convention bounce  —  UTICA, New York - Republican John McCain's surprise announcement Friday of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate …

Obama Campaign Behind Anti-Palin Smear Site?  —  Suddenly appearing among the Google search results for “sarah palin gay,” a web site titled: Sarah Palin Supports Gay Rights. … Interesting.  There's nothing else on the page.  This sure looks like the work of the dastardly right-wing anti-gay attack machine, doesn't it?

Poll: Voters uncertain on Palin  —  ST. PAUL — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin faces a getting-to-know-you process as the Republican vice presidential candidate, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds: Most Americans say they've never heard of her.  —  There is also wide uncertainty about whether she's qualified to be president.

McCain Gets $7 Million Bounce from Palin Pick  —  Sen. John McCain has taken in $7 million in contributions since announcing Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate, a top campaign aide said today.  —  The money bounce may owe to Palin's appeal with conservative donors, many of whom said privately …

Scholars question Palin credentials  —  John McCain was aiming to make history with his pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and historians say he succeeded.  —  Presidential scholars say she appears to be the least experienced, least credentialed person to join a major-party ticket in the modern era.

Choice stuns state politicians  —  John McCain's choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate stunned and divided Alaska political leaders on Friday.  Supporters said she was a shrewd choice, but others argued Palin has no business being a heartbeat away from the presidency.

MANIFESTLY UNSERIOUS.... At this point, I realize I'm belaboring the point.  “Sarah Palin is an awful choice for a running mate,” I can hear you saying, “We get it.”  —  But I can't help but think the magnitude of this mistake has not yet sunk in among political observers.

Gallup Daily: Obama Continues to Lead 49% to 41%  —  PRINCETON, NJ — Barack Obama maintains an eight percentage point lead over John McCain when registered voters nationwide are asked whom they would vote for in the presidential election if it were held today, according to the latest Gallup Poll Daily tracking figures.

Kristol: Gingrich on the Power of Authenticity  —  Newt Gingrich e-mailed me the following, which he gave me permission to share with the wider world:

Palin Makes Good First Impression: Is Viewed More Favorably than Biden  —  Sarah Palin has made a good first impression.  Before being named as John McCain's running mate, 67% of voters didn't know enough about the Alaska governor to have an opinion.  After her debut in Dayton and a rush …

Fowler Fouls: Hurricane is God's Favor to Democrats  —  Plus, it's totally funny!  —  On a plane from Denver to Charlotte following the Democrats' convention, I found myself seated behind former National Chairman of the Democratic National Committee Don Fowler and Congressman John Spratt of South Carolina.

Michael Moore: Hurricane Coming During GOP Convention ‘Proof There Is a God in Heaven’  —  Controversial filmmaker admits he's delighted to see a natural disaster potentially interfere with the Republican event.  —  Business & Media Institute  —  Sometime you really have wonder at what cost …

GOP'S RNC 'CANE PLAN  —  REPUBLICANS MIGHT DELAY AND TRANSFORM CONVENTION … Last updated: 8:02 pm  —  John McCain and the GOP are considering scrapping political speeches and turning their Minnesota convention into a “service program” to help victims of Hurricane Gustav, The Post has learned.