John McCain's early July energy ads seemed to position him as the real deal. While Barack Obama did "I am just like you" positioning, McCain was selling himself as the guy with the plan...he didn't explain the plan but he was convincing to Dems, Reps and Indeps that he may have one. Voter studies of these commercials suggested he was moving Independents, Republicans and even a fair number of Democrats to considering him the energy guy.

His blaming of Obama for high gas prices undid much of that. But where is Obama?

Mediacurves tested a new Obama ad (results to be posted on Mediacurves Monday, August 4) which is a dud. In fact, Obama loses intensity of support among some Independents leaning to him prior to viewing the ad. Post testing suggested the commercial hurt more than helped among these folks.

Hey, if you can't move voters on energy with your a "carefully produced" commercials how will you motivate us "in real life". And one more thing...don't these guys test these things before throwing away bucks on air time?