Dean Barnett
2007-06-15 07:00:00.0
Current rank: Not ranked

WASHINGTON -

I have a new batch of polls, fresh out of the oven just for you! This one comes from a reputable unit, unlike ARG. The Wall Street Journal and NBC have Rudy Giuliani leading the pack at 29 percent, Fred Thompson placing a strong second at 20 percent, and Mitt Romney and John McCain tied at 14 percent.

In other words, this poll brings good news for everyone but McCain. Rudy has obviously reclaimed some of his early momentum with his strong performances during the last two debate shindigs. As far as presidential politics is concerned, Fred has been born on second base. Or maybe he shrewdly hit a double by running such a clever non-campaign. Either way, he’s starting from a position of strength. And Mitt now has national numbers that put him in easy shouting distance of the front-runner. If he wins in the early states, he’ll be a prohibitive favorite to go the distance.

As for McCain, I’m sure the one-time alleged front-runner didn’t envision himself being tied for third at this point in the campaign. Yesterday’s ridiculous and dishonest frontal attack on Romney was a gross violation of the 11th Commandment, and was unprecedentedly hostile campaigning for such an early date. I can’t see it doing anything to shore up doubts among the vast swaths of the Republican electorate who find McCain’s party loyalty a giant question mark. Then again, what do I know? I’m just the guy who was insisting that Romney would be formidable when he was tied with Brownback.