Diageo/Hotline Tracking Poll: The Early Line

Obama/Biden 48%

McCain/Palin 42%

Undec 9%

- McCain's image has rebounded among RVs. After seeing his favorable rating drop below 50% earlier this week, as well as his net rating fall to just +5%, McCain now has a fav/unfav of 53%/40%. The GOP nominee, however, is still well below Obama's 58%/36% rating. One week ago, in the survey completed 9/25, the candidates were nearly even, with ratings of 54%/38% and 54%/39%.

- Among Indies, McCain is also doing better. After dipping to a net rating of -5% on 9/28, McCain is back to where he was one week ago. The AZ Sen. now has a fav/unfav among Indies of 57%/33% -- last Fri., it was 55%/34%.

Today's Diageo/Hotline tracking poll, conducted 9/30-10/2 by FD, surveyed 909 RVs and has a margin of error of +/- 3.3%.

For subscribers, look to today's Latest Edition for full results and checkout Keys To The White House at any time to see how Obama and McCain are doing among key demographic groups.

(MATTHEW GOTTLIEB)