Obama rises in polls

Barack Obama did well in most polls closing the gap with Hillary Clinton especially in the Harris and Rasmussen surveys.

However, even more important than the barometers of who people favor at the moment, are the indications of who people disfavor or would not consider voting for.

Tracking studies have shown that voters who strongly dislike candidates rarely get converted later on down the line when it's time to vote.

In this category, the latest polls show Obama is very well-positioned.

Opponents of Barack, and not necessarily the other candidates, may try to counter his high favorability ratings with negative attacks. This could be more intense closer to election day when independent committees may launch attack ads on television.

To counter these attacks, the campaign and supporters will use rapid response counterattacks. The response was be quick and sufficient but not prolonged. Otherwise one ends up allowing the opponents to frame the issues of the campaign focusing on some perceived negative attributes of the candidate.

After responding to attacks, the best thing is to go on the offensive with substantive issues of comparison between the candidates, especially since Obama has promised not to mudsling himself.