If 11 seemed like probably too much (and it did) how about 7? So says the USAT/CNN/Gallup Poll, at least among likely voters. Among registered voters, the lead is only 2 points.

In terms of the likely voters, the number indicates a 5-point convention bounce, which was the number I pegged as necessary for the convention to be deemed a success.

And clearly, it was:

the New York convention has reshaped views of the political landscape and the candidates in ways helpful to the GOP. Views of whether Bush has the personality and leadership qualities to be president improved by 6 points; those of Kerry declined by 14 points.

And the importance of terrorism — the major issue on which Bush has an advantage — surged. Voters now say terrorism is as important as the economy, and more important than the war in Iraq, in determining their vote. The president is preferred by 27 points over his challenger in handling terrorism, up from a 10-point edge last month. By 2-to-1, those surveyed say the chances of a terrorist attack against the USA would be less if Bush rather than Kerry were elected.

Read the bold section again.

Also, the number of voters actually voting for Kerry (as opposed to simply against Bush) remain a distinct minority:

The president is driving both sides of the ballot: eight of 10 of his supporters say they are voting for Bush; half of Kerry voters say they are voting against Bush.

Considering that turn-out may be the deciding factor in this race, these numbers shold hearten the Bush folks and should concern Camp Kerry.