Obama appears to be losing momentum because his positions and statements appear poll driven, and inconsistent.
The antiwar underpinnings of his support lose credibility when he first states the "troop surge" didn't work and now in a contradictory, overly nuanced fashion appears to say it did work.

Jack Jones, Annapolis, USA

McCain/Palin are now the clear Rockstars and leading the msg of Change. For most Americans Obama's msg of "change" sounded too hollow. Obama and his yes-men also making the same blunder as Kerry in 04 in assuming middle-America shares their values. You can't win an election preaching to the choir.

john, Tokyo, Japan

Suddenly the republican base is "electrified". And how disturbing that this equates to sudden vitriol centred on the moment of conception and Sen Obama's religion. Even if you allow that these are important issues, they are not going to make the world - or America - a better place.

Peter, London,

Your American correspondents with Republican sympathies should learn that personal vitriol without political substance can only confirm a prevalent impression abroad that Obama is a decent man, while the Republicans (with McCain half with them, half against them) are the nasty party.

Anthony Price, London,

McCain and Palin, WOW! what a team to lead the free world, either could do the job with ease. Wish we had this caliber of real people to lead us in Australia, insteasd of the career liars we have.

Dave, Sydney, Australia

Sarah Palin has been carefully sheltered from the media but I believe she is now scheduled for a first interview since her selection. It will be interesting to hear her responses to unscripted questions. This is much more important then her ability to read a speach written for her.

Jim McCreary, Houston, TX, USA

We just have to hope that Palin isn't as stupid as she sounds - talking about God's plans. Bush with lipstick.

Chris, chesterfield, uk

The Obama campaign need to get serious abut this election. What is keeping him from making the point that apart from, insults, Sarah Palin has said nothing substantive? May be he should have picked Hillary after all. Denigrating her has its disadvantages!

Linodon Richards, Milpitas CA, United States

Republican's enjoy it while you can' it's only bounce and it will flat line again! Ordinary hard working americans are more intelligent than McCain thinks! The countries politic's needs to change not more of the same, and everybody knows it!

Rik, WGC, UK

mcCain chose palin after meeting her only once which says a lot .mcCain will probably win as america isnt ready for a black president or real change, they want things as they were in the past, but that is far gone, americans are choosing for the wrong reasons ignoring lessons of 8 years.

Heath, surrey, UK

Obama is impressive?
40% not voting in Senate, for Infanticide, Says he is muslim before remembring correct word is Christian, never worked across the aisle, is Chicago party hack, never drafted any legislation. Absolutely amazing!

Nona, New York City, USA

I think Obama is the best thing that has happend to America for a long time. It has people talking, discussing things, and that's good. I hear about Abortions, but nothing about CONTRACEPTIVES to prevent un-wanted pregnancies, hence no abortions? bringing up children is a responsibility.

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, UK

The government does not bring up the nations children, parents do. Out of tax provide schools Hospitals health care not give tax relief to big co-operations. Americans deserve good governance for their country. Health & education I can not imagine what good government don't want that for itscitizens

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, UK

Obama has lost what miniscule credibility he ever had by giving the copout explanation of "what he meant to say" regarding when asked what he considered to be the moment of conception. Obama is a fraud, an empty suit.

DB, Vancouver, USA,

well Obama is done. He brought up criticism of his Muslim faith. I think most people thought he was what he claimed even though his church embraces Islam and reports from his childhood had him praying with friends at the masque. But now that he let it slip we need to seriously question that.

chris, macomb, us

Governor Palin makes Barack Obama seem like a small insignificant boy. His entire campaign has been nothing but a self-centered love for himself. His arrogance is overbearing and immature. Our enemies pray he gets elected so they can walk all over our country. Fortunately he will not win it.

Steven Miller, New York , USA

McCain and Palin I believe will really change Washington.
Obama is all talk. Doesn't he know actions speak louder than words?

His so called "rock star" image has been crushed by a woman! He is probably seething right now.

They don't know what to do with Sarah Palin. lol

McCain-Palin '08!!!

Grace, California, USA

I am shocked by the disarray in the Obama camp following rabid attacks on Obama at the Republican convention. Its as if a gifted orator lost his voice and balance. This has allowed McCain-Palin (no pillars of family virtues) to establish a beach-head which could well decide this election.

Billoo Bhai, London, UK

Obama is admiting defeat.
When he is beaten, he will always "change" & his "change is for the worse.

Palin is a "real deal". A proven politician.
What America needs.

RST, Melbourne,

Sarah Palin has been under the Candidate Protection Program by the Republicans. Why won't she come out and be vetted?
It has only a week since her nomination, and Sarah Palin is already part of Troopergate, Bridgegate and, above all, Daughtergate. McCain did not vett the governor properly.

Madison Chua, Singapore, Singapore

The grotesquery of tautology and oxymoronicism spilling like rotting whale blubber from Obama's mouth escapes scorn and enquiry. How?

He positive spins his lily-livered failure to enlist - yet forbids opponents to score CV points. My 2-year old could share political toys better. A moral disgrace.

Paul, Manchester, UK

What hypocracy from Obama, and such a cry baby. They stole his issue of change? McCain-Palin offer real change, but in the way the country wants to go, not into socialism. Personality cult? It's all Obama has, he changes his mind on issues. He can't even attack her inexperience, he has less.

lawhite, Idaho, USA

If not for 'personality politics', Hillary would be the democrats' nominee. It appears that Obama is experiencing 'Bill Clinton Syndrome', which strikes a narcissistic politician when the spotlight swings onto someone else.

Kevin Finnerty, Atlanta, USA