Republicans need a reason to believe. Here's a few

Here we are, with under a week to go. I keep seeing the same reports: It's all over, and Obama's won.

I think Republicans need a booster, so let's do it up...

1. Polls ARE tightening--if you don't believe me, check for yourself. Gallup has a 2 POINT Obama lead among registered voters. This is down from 7-8 points only a few days ago. State polls follow the national polls, so let's see if some of the states follow suit. Momentum is self-fueling, and as Brand R faithful start to see some of the states on the map turning red, it could provide a lift. Not all the polls are that close, but most are less than 4-5 points at this stage.

2. Pennsylvania a hail mary?--Maybe not! McCain and Palin have parked themselves there, and it has Democrats nervous. Remember, Obama didn't do well here in the primary, and this is hardly a true blue state. Polls are somewhat fungible, and we have seen that the states follow the national polls. Therefore, a 9 point Obama lead here, could be 2-3 points by the end of the week. The Rendell/Casey machine could be worth a point or two in the end, but if McCain is going to win, he is going to need PA as a firewall. Could happen, looking better each day.

3. Joe the Plumber--It seems that "Obama the Socialist" is a message that is working. I am not sure if it really is, but at this point, hammer the message and hope it sticks. Could get you Ohio.

4. Natural tightening--This always happens. Some people always go back to the Devil they know. It's worth a couple of points.

5. Early polling results--According to Pew, Obama is only ahead 48-47%. That's HARDLY insurmountable. Remember, McCain can afford to lose Iowa, New Mexico, Virginia, and Colorado and STILL WIN, if he pulls Pennsylvania over. Heck, if he wins New Hampshire, he could afford to lose Nevada too, and still win the whole thing. Not as bad as it seems, right?

6. Speaking of New Hampshire--Do we really think THAT isn't a tossup state? McCain has great history of WINNING this state. Obama led in the polls and LOST that state during the primaries. NH is a tough state to predict, and while it is trending blue, it is by no means a lock.

7. People don't want single party rule. If McCain can hammer home the idea that a Reid/Pelosi/Obama triumverate would be devistating, he can pick up a couple of points.

Let's all get a grip here. The race is tight, and getting tighter. McCain may have run an absolutely abysmal campaign up to now, but the fact that he still has a shot at winning tells you something.