This was despite the fact McCain was humiliated that day by their last-second decision not to unveil a plan due to campaign divisions, followed by Obama promptly announcing his. Despite a fresh batch of polls increasing Obama's leads in the battlegrounds. Despite more conservatives such as Christopher Buckley endorsing Obama. Despite his Virginia GOP chair comparing Obama to Bin Ladin in front of a Times reporter, and another case of a supporter shouting out "Kill him" about Obama at a McCain rally. Despite being mocked after leaks indicated his new middle-class focused plan centered on cuts to capitol gains taxes. Despite his latest stunt falling flat and being mostly ignored.
Why do they think he won? Because McCain managed to "dominate the news cycle".
McCain is cloning himself! Actually that would be the only way he could be president. One McCain for every hour of the day. That way they could all get plenty of sleep and bedrest.