Why Couldn’t Today be November 3?

Political Wire reports on a new poll which finds Obama leading in….North Carolina:

A new Public Policy Polling survey in North Carolina finds Sen. Barack Obama has taken the lead over Sen. John McCain for the first time, 47% to 45%.

Key finding: “Over the last year there’s been a strong relationship between the number of North Carolinians listing the economy as their biggest concern, and Obama’s standing in the polls. In January when just 39% of voters said it was their biggest issue John McCain led by 14 points. In August with it up to 48% Obama trailed by just three. Last week with 58% listing it number one the race was tied, and now with the number up to a record 64% Obama has taken a small lead. He is up 55-38 among respondents citing the economy as their main concern.”

Also not helping McCain: A dramatic decline in approval of running mate Sarah Palin.

Meanwhile, national polls are trending in an undeniably positive direction:

Sep 29: Gallup: Obama (D) 50%, McCain (R) 42%Pres ‘08
Sep 29: Hotline/Diageo: Obama (D) 47%, McCain (R) 42%Pres ‘08
Sep 29: Rasmussen: Obama (D) 50%, McCain (R) 45%Pres ‘08
Sep 29: Res. 2000: Obama (D) 51%, McCain (R) 42%