For what it's worth (or not) Rasmussen shows McCain leading all Democrats.

[Clarkie1]

This far out it pretty meaningless, but I was suprised to see Kerry's unfavorablity at 53%. I knew it was higher than before, but I wouldn't have guessed it was that high. I'm of the opinion that Clark would be our best chance against McCain if Clark should in fact decide to run. It's interesting to note at this point many voters still do not have an opinion of Clark.

Not surprisingly, Obama, Hillary, and Edwards with their relatively higher favorablity and media-hype poll higher than Kerry or Clark. I just don't see at this point how Kerry could possibly overcome a 53% unfavorable rating by Americans. Kerry is a very known quantity after his run in 08', and I think people's opinions about him are probably pretty fixed by now. Just my opinion of course.

Here's the article for what it's worth (or not):

Tue Dec 19th 2006 at 2:26 pm ET
rasmussenreports.com

Arizona Senator John McCain (R) crushes both Massachusetts Senator John Kerry (D) and General Wesley Clark (D) in hypothetical Election 2008 Presidential match-ups.

McCain leads Kerry by 18 points, 53% to 35%. That's very similar to the 53% to 36% edge McCain enjoyed in our previous poll on this match-up.

McCain also leads Clark by 18 points, 51% to 33%. This is the first time we've polled a McCain-Clark election. Against both these Democrats, McCain attracts votes from roughly one-of-every-four Democrats. He also leads these candidates by a 2-to-1 margin among unaffiliated voters.

Most voters (59%) have a favorable opinion of John McCain. Most (53%) also have an unfavorable opinion of John Kerry, the Democratic standard bearer in 2004. Clark is less well known than either and is currently viewed favorably by 39% of all voters.

When it comes to winning the GOP nomination, McCain is currently in second place behind former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Kerry and Clark are both far off the pace in the competition for the Democratic nomination.

So far, we have tested McCain against eight Democratic candidates (including Evan Bayh, who recently dropped out). McCain leads all eight, including four by double digits (this category includes Kerry, Clark, Bayh, and Vilsack). McCain holds single digit leads over Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, Barack Obama, and Al Gore.

http://www.political-news.org/breaking/34376/election-2008-mccain-crushes-kerry-and-clark.html

Also, Rasmussen has had Bush's approval at a measly 37% for several days (I'm surprised it's that high).

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/Bush_Job_Approval.htm

[IndianaGreen]

1. McCain's call for a troop surge in Iraq, and opposition to talking to Iran and Syria

puts him in that 12% that still supports Bush on Iraq. The more Americans become of McCain's position on the issues, the lower his poll numbers will go.

[Clarkie1]

2. I agree with you. Like I said, mostly meaningless at this point.

It's interesting though that Kerry is so well-known after running in 04', yet polls the lowest of all the most media-hyped Dems.

I'm not anti-Kerry, I just wish he would continue serving us in the senate and keep his dignity. I stand by my statement there is no way he can win the 08' nomination, and he can contribute to the debate in the senate. That's where he can serve the best. We are going to need a Democrat in that seat in the years to come! And no, I'm not saying this just because I'm a Clark supporter. I have no idea if Clark will even run. And I'll even freely admit that at this point he's a long-shot a best. I want candidates to run that have something new to bring to the table, but Kerry has nothing new. We've been there, done that, nothing personal. It's time for him to move on, the party to move on, and the country to move on. Just my opinion, not a Kerry-bash.

Although I freely admit, Kerry is not one of my favorite Democrats if I'm asked to pick favorites. Quite a ways down the list, in fact. I don't know the guy, so it's nothing personal, just how I feel about him as a potential presidential candidate. Does my personal opinion qualify as a "bash?'

[The Wielding Truth]

3. McCain used to stand against torture - now he wants to be president.

All this means is that the people who answered this poll don't know this guy.

[opihimoimoi]

4. The ole McLame is Toast once they start showing the photo of him humping Bushies leg

He represent OLD IDEAS and OLD WAYS....nothing exciting about the dude... Pubs better off with Gary Bauer or Mongo from Rockridge...

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

5. Ah, the pic I've embedded in my sig line, for the prevaricators among us.

MKJ

[Clarkie1]

6. Let me be the first to say

:puke:

[opihimoimoi]

17. How in the World did this man think hugging Bush is GOOD?

Blows my mind...

That tells us he puts Reason and Sanity aside when making Decisions...

If so...How in the World can we TRUST HIM???

Obviously, we CANNOT ..... The man has lost his way through the woods of Reason.

[BlueStater]

7. Asshole McCain has received nothing but positive coverage from the media

No one has really yet to call him out for his disgusting and despicable whoring for Bush. That's why his favorability is so high.

Contrast that with Kerry who, for some weird reason, is treated more harshly by the news sluts than any other Democrat.

At least I know John Kerry is twice the man McLame will ever be.

[wisteria]

8. Well there you go, if you believe the polls McCain wins, we can all just give up now

and get on with our lives.
Polls mean nothing now. Those who are first might end up last and those who are trailing may end up ahead. Average Americans aren't paying attention to all of this right now, those that respond, respond to the positive or negative hype.

[Tom Rinaldo]

9. All the polls really show is that we don't get to run against Bush next time.

The Republicans won't be saddled with him at the head of their ticket again. The rest pretty much reflects the relative publicity possible candidates have received.

[Clarkie1]

12. You're right. As I said, the poll is mostly meaningless at this point.

Of very little interest, except perhaps for some political junkies on those internet blogs....

[antiimperialist]

10. Rasmussen always has Bush at a 43% approval

or so...
don't listen to this guy. He's an ex Worldnetdaily columnist. He's a Republican.

[Clarkie1]

11. No he doesn't, it's been at 37% for awhile.

O.K., he's a Republican. That doesn't mean the poll is entirely bunk. McCain has a lot of name recognition at this point and people see him as this bi-partisan independent sort of hero. Of course, when he actually runs that perception is likely to change. Still, he is starting off with very high approval ratings. And, I think where Rasmussen has all the Dems right now sounds about right...right now.

[Robbins]

13. Polls

There are others showing him losing.So It Is not a done deal him winning despite what some would like to believe.

[SmellsLikeDeanSpirit]

14. Rasmussen had the 2004 election results in the battleground states exactly right

Even had the popular vote right. Pretty good poll considering the source.

[janx]

15. I have spoken with Dems and independents who will vote

for him, if he runs. The Republican party has gone so far to the right that McCain looks good--almost independent. I respect the man, too, but I'm afraid of the influence of the religious right upon him.

[Cameron27]

16. It's stunning that 1 in 4 Democrats would vote for him.

Whatever maverick status he had was lost when he started pandering to the fundie base of the party...and the wrap around bush hug? Who are these Dems and what are they thinking?:scared:

[Clarkie1]

18. They are "Reagan Democrats"

The want pragmatic bi-partisanship and a strong national defense, and that's what they see in McCain.