• by September 1, 2004

Hitwise today reported that traffic to the Bush and Kerry Web sites is spiking in key states with big blocks of undecided voters. These states include Ohio, Oregon, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Folks in 15 of the 17 battleground states are up to twice as likely to visit John Kerry's site than the total population of U.S. Web surfers, while those in 11 of the key up-for-grabs states are more likely to visit President George Bush's site, according to the provider of online intelligence and data.

Hitwise reported that in the battleground states of Oregon, Wisconsin and Ohio, surfers are 119 percent, 96 percent, and 67 percent more likely to visit johnkerry.com versus the total U.S. Internet-using population. In Arkansas, Ohio, and West Virginia, surfers are 101 percent, 100 percent, and 70 percent more likely to visit georgewbush.com.

"The 2004 presidential race will certainly be remembered for Senator John Kerry and President George W. Bush's unprecedented fight to win over a miniscule number of undecided voters in the 17 so-called battleground states," said Bill Tancer, vice president of research for Hitwise in statement. "Whether driven by extravagant ad spending or a pure desire for information about the candidates, the Hitwise data show that Kerry and Bush's sites are playing a more prominent role in states that are considered up for grabs."

As the Govinator made clear in his speech last night from the floor of the Republican Convention, the GOP is eager to embrace all of these undecided voters under a newly enlarged and inclusive tent. The beaming governor of Caleeforneeuh appeared to be a hit with the audience; his "girlie-men" comment prompted gales of laughter at the Garden.

Speaking of entertainment value, if you haven't visited jibjab.com at least once this political season, do so immediately. It's hilarious. I don't think it will make the difference for undecided voters, but it does a great job of poking fun at the candidates, their supporters, and views.

In New York this week, the GOP Convention is just about all anyone is talking about. Those of us who haven't left town are working like crazy. Certain parts of the city are, well, rather dead. I'm told there's no problem getting reservations at hot restaurants. But seemingly spontaneous protest actions and rallies have popped up at all hours. One can see bedraggled protesters and their brightly colored signs at various locations around the city, particularly near Union Square and, of course, as close to the Garden as they can get. A "March on the Media" is planned for tonight to bring attention to the media's uncritical coverage of Bush administration policies. It's unlikely to be anywhere near the size of Sunday's protest.

The persistent buzz of helicopters can be heard around the city, and a blimp is hanging in a sky as blue as a robin's egg today. The humidity has evaporated (thank goodness), and life rolls on. Welcome to September.