Pres. Race Draws Closer

Democrats gather for their presidential nominating convention a week from Monday. Republicans convene the following week.

Meanwhile, the race between the parties' candidates is also closing in.

A new survey from the Pew Research Center this week shows Democrat Barack Obama's eight percent lead over Republican John McCain is now down to three percent. That's a statistical tie.

Analyst Steven Stark is covering the presidential race for the Boston Phoenix and RealClearPolitics.com. He says the close contest shouldn't come as a surprise.