Want to know why the RATs had no bounce, and the GOP a big one?
Simple - the media.
Prior to the formal RAT convention, the Socialist media had been conducting a continous convention on their behalf. No bounce, because the public wasn't exposed to anything new.
Prior to the GOP convention, the Socialist media filtered and blocked the GOP message. A huge bounce resulted when the GOP was able to speak directly to the public for almost the first time.
Moral of the story?
Bush needs to pierce the Socialist media blockade by making and leading the news - meeting with Putin, going to Florida, announcing new initiatives, etc.
You are ABSOLUTELY correct on this.