I decided to plot the national poll numbers against the major campaign events on a graph. The graph contains the TPM Tracker over the past 6 weeks. Please note the black line running through the data points are trend lines. Using those lines, Obama's support increased from 48.4% to about 51.5%. During the same time, McCain's support dropped from 43.8% to about 43.2%.



A larger version of the image can be seen here. The first major events (reflected in the first blue panel) in this time frame that moved the numbers are the trio of 1) McCain's 'campaign suspension, 2) the first debate and 3) the slow release of the Couric-Palin interview. Obama's numbers jump from 47.5% to 49.9% a 1.4% increase. At the same time, McCain dropped from 45.5% to 43.5%.

The second major event is the VP debate. Obama's numbers rose from 49.5% to 50.5%. McCain suffered a fall of about 1% point.

The third event is the second debate. Obama's numbers improved about 0.5% point. McCain's remained unchanged. 

There doesn't seem to be any effect for Obama from the third debate. McCain seems to have gained briefly after the debate.

The event that has created greatest single effect, so far, came after the Powell endorsement. Obama gained about 1.5% points. The effect lasted about 6 days.

Obama's infomercial has increased Obama's numbers by 1.5%. Obama began a 1.5% point drop 4 days prior to the infomercial, as the glow of the Powell endorsement faded. Simultaneously, McCain began a steep upward climb that was abruptly stopped by the infomercial.

The acute effects of all these events lasted approximately 5-6 days and in many cases begin a day before the event (probably a result of the pre-event hype). The infomercial was well timed as it reversed Obama negative trend and, if past is prologue, will allow the effect to peak on election day.

Let me know what you think.