Sen. John McCain gained a lead over his rival Sen. Barack Obama -- one that puts him beyond the statistical margin of error.

A USA Today-Gallup Poll shows McCain ahead of Obama, 50 percent to 46 percent.

For more insight on the bump in the polls for McCain, watch Quin Hillyer, associate editor for the Washington Examiner.

McCain and his running mate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin have spent much time in the media spotlight since her debut a little more than a week ago.

Much of the early talk about Palin centered on the question of whether or not she has enough experience to be "a heartbeat away" from the most powerful elected office in the world.

Current Vice President Dick Cheney believes she does.

Cheney told reporters in Rome on Monday that he "loved" Palin's speech, saying "her appearance at the convention was superb."

"Everybody brings a different set of experiences to the office and also a different kind of understanding with whoever the president is," Cheney said in response to a question about Palin's readiness.

As the candidates hit the trail again on Monday, Obama campaigns in the Michigan cities of Flint and Farmington Hills, while is running mate, Sen. Joe Biden campaigns in Green Bay, Wis., and Des Moines, Iowa.

Meanwhile, McCain and Palin campaign together in Lee's Summit, Mo.

Source: The Associated Press