It's probably not much of a surprise, but a new poll  shows that Sarah Palin is now more popular than either Senators John McCain or Barack Obama:

Palin is viewed favorably by 58% of American voters. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 37% hold an unfavorable view of the self-described hockey mom.

The figures include 40% with a Very Favorable opinion of Palin and 18% with a Very Unfavorable view (full demographic crosstabs are available for Premium Members). Before her acceptance speech, Palin was viewed favorably by 52%. A week ago, 67% had never heard of her....

Perhaps most stunning is the fact that Palin’s favorable ratings are now a point higher than either man at the top of the Presidential tickets this year. As of Friday morning, Obama and McCain are each viewed favorably by 57% of voters. Biden is viewed favorably by 48%. 

Let's be blunt here: If John McCain wins the 2008 presidential race, it will be because Sarah Palin dragged him across the finish line. His speech last night -- a disappointing follow up to her Grand Slam -- put an exclamation mark on that.

I'm traveling, and woke up to a clock-radio set for the Glen Beck Show. One of the first things he said: Sarah Palin changed his mind Wednesday and persuaded him to vote for McCain. And then McCain came on last night and changed it back.

It will be interesting to see where the general poll numbers go from here. McCain/Palin seem to have gotten a bounce from her speech -- the latest numbers have the race tied up. I suspect that his efforts last night won't be as helpful.