Are current polls trends on nominee preference an indication of who should run?

[FrenchieCat]

I am asking because this is Dec 2006, and the first vote will be in January 2008.

Polls are referred to often here, and so I want to know, Should these various numerous polls affect which candidates decides to run, in your opinion?

[Mass]

1. Anybody who thinks they offer something other do not should run

After than, money raised, debates, and eventually primaries should decide.

Polls at this point are largely a reflect of name recognition and media buzz.

[On the Road]

2. AFAIC, Anyone Can Run

but canddiates with good name recognition who do poorly in early polls will probably do poorly in the primaries. Lieberman could've taken a hint in 2004.

[IA_Seth]

3. If I recall..

Liberman actually was leading most of the polls early on, and then sputtered once the race was actually underway...

I personally think the national polls at least say something about name recognition, but the polls here on DU at this point are little more than popularity contests and don't really say much about a candidates chances in the 'real' world.

[talk hard]

4. anybody can run

but not much point if there isn't the support there