Barack Obama’s campaign officials were publicly expecting between a 10 and 12 point bump coming out of the Democratic National Convention in Denver. These estimates are low, because of what is known as the “expectations game” in which you aim low and then blow everyone out of the water with how unbelievably awesome you are.

Today’s Rasmussen Poll puts Obama up three points over McCain. When the convention started, they were 46-46. They’re now 49-46. Apparently, I’m not the only one who was disappointed with the convention. In addition, according to the official analysis of the numbers…

There have been significant changes in perception of John McCain in the two days of polling since he named Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. Since then, 49% of Republicans voice a Very Favorable opinion of McCain. That’s up six percentage points from 43% just before the announcement. Also, 64% of unaffiliated voters now give positive reviews to McCain, up ten points since naming his running mate. (source)

My only consern at this point is that Gustav is looking more and more like Katrina II. If it hits New Orleans as a category 5, the Republicans won’t get anything out of their convention either. On the other hand, the coverage was 50/50 McCain/Obama Friday. On Saterday it’s 50/50 McCain/Gustav. No one’s even bothering to talk about Obama today with everything else that’s going on.

Game on.