And Obama got a bounce, too, out of his convention, and it faded.

NPR: After Conventions, McCain Takes Lead In Some Polls

Bounces tend to occur when undecided voters switch to a candidate, but with so few truly undecided voters in our polls, there was little room for a bounce for Obama or McCain.

CNN: McCain, Obama deadlocked in presidential race

Obama received a double-digit bounce compared to August 2010 on his handling of both the wars in Iraq and on terrorism.

FORBES: Obama Helping Voters Feel 'Secure'

The bounce came after President Barack Obama met with congressional leaders at the White House for negotiations on the fiscal cliff.

FORBES: Markets Rewind: Apple, Facebook And Fiscal Cliff Front And Center - Forbes

To make matters worse for Mrs Clinton, the bounce in her poll numbers following revelations about Mr Obama's spiritual mentor has been short-lived.

ECONOMIST: The Democrats