[mountainfolk]

The Chris Wallace interview, actually grilling , of Rick Perry was tough but for Perry a very good outcome. I think Perry is back in the game with this FOX appearance and that if he continues to be as personable and intellectually agile as he came across to me he will make a good presidential opponent to Obama. Romney may be the establishment choice but it will take a solid conservative House and Senate to keep him on the straight and narrow and that is too iffy to chance. Cain looks good to me as well but I like the Perry governor experience as being more solid for the presidential office. We shall see if Perry remains confident and self assured as he projected this AM.

[Miss Marple]

Thanks for the report. I will watch the rerun this afternoon.

[TomGuy]

I think Perry is back in the game with this FOX appearance and that if he continues to be as personable and intellectually agile as he came across to me

In 2008, President Guliani or President Hillary Clinton were destined to win. McCain was DOA early in the campaign. Upstart Obama was at 20% behind Clinton's near 60%. In 2004, John Kerry was winning based on exit polls.

Lesson: Don't pay much attention to the polling this early in the election cycle.

Only about 6.1 million watched the debates and most of the debates were watched by the same viewers, not new viewers. In 2008, some 120 million voted.

Most people still are not paying much attention. Even the polling companies limit their 'selections' based on a core grouping of 300 to 1200 participants.

When the actual primaries start, people will pay more attention and the 'front runner' status may change significantly.