What would it take for voters to perceive Kerry had lost his momentum?

[kentuck]

Although I think it is unlikely, if he were to lose MI, WI, and WA and then go on to lose TN and VA, then he would definitely look as if he were in a downward slide. However, it will be difficult to see him losing in MI and VA, if we are to believe any of the current polls. But, as we all know, MI has been totally unpredictable for the last few elections. As for VA, if he were to win that, that would have to be considered a "Southern" state. After all, Richmond was the capital of the old "Confederacy".

But, if Kerry wins just a couple of states, he would still have to be considered the front-runner. He is still the Democrat to beat. The rest of us, that support someone else, still understand the reality of the present positioning. If Kerry is damaged enough by the Repubs and the media, for whatever reason, we still have 2 or 3 good candidates to step forward. And the Repubs understand that very well, in my opinion.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

1. An unexpected defeat

Which is why Politics is all about expectations.
Also, if he were to begin to win delegates at a slower pace than anyone else, but right now he's picking them up pretty quickly.

[isbister]

2. a significant string of unexpected defeats n/t

[boxster]

3. For one, he'd have to lose a few states.

So far, he's been pretty strong and most of his wins have been impressive margin-wise. An unexpected loss or three might begin to look like a trend, but the polls don't seem to show that as a likely possibility, at least in the next week or two.

If he shows a ton of strength in the south - starting with TN and VA - look out, because he'll be very hard to catch. He's also showing a lot of resiliency to the media attacks from the perspective of the polls.

Bad for me, 'cause I'm a Clark supporter, but I'm also a realist. Clark in the primary, ABB in the general election.

[kentuck]

4. I'm with you...

I think Clark would be the best man for our country, not just our Party, but if someone else is the nominee, I will not hesitate to fully support that person...ABB