Granted, there's absolutely no comparison between Clinton or Bush; and I could never stand to hear Clinton talk anyways. But we're not talking about us, we're not even talking about Republicans. The shift in poll numbers, up or down, really reflects the undecideds, the Rats, the independents, and the idiots.
The above, I think, is key to understanding this, and I would be interested in any pro or con on this. To me, Bush doesn't lose any of his Presidential Aura, but I'm not in any of the categories you mentioned. Maybe that's why some of us are having trouble seeing this?
And don't forget the newly recruited Mexicans, which I saw a poll last week that showed their interest (government freebies) in this election.