Barack Obama and John McCain have run even once again in the Gallup Daily Tracking poll (August 12-14, 2690 RV, MoE +/- 2%) -- tied at 44% each for the third time in the last two weeks. According to Gallup, Obama has averaged a 3-point lead since securing the nomination in early June, and just two days ago Obama's advantage was at 6 points.

That is a large drop in two days, and Gallup suggests the narrowing of the numbers could be due to Obama's absence on the campaign trail this week. Another possibility -- which could be somewhat related to the first -- is the conflict between Russia and Georgia. McCain's admitted strength is his foreign policy experience, and he has been speaking up about the conflict on the trail since it was first reported a week ago. Obama has issued statements on it as well, though he has made no public appearances this week.

Both candidates' numbers have dropped over the last 10 days in the RCP Average (their August 5 numbers are highlighted in the chart below). Obama currently leads by 3.5 points in the RCP National Average, though his 45.2% average is his lowest since securing the nomination. Likewise, McCain's 41.7% puts him below 42% for the first time this month, after about 10 days of sub-42% in late July.