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There is no way to objectively determine if the results of any poll are genuinely accurate for the population as a whole. All that can be said objectively is that any given poll MAY be accurate within its sample population for the questions asked, in the order asked, on the day and time asked. Therefore, I always am skeptical of polls, whether or not they are positive for my candidate or issue.

That said, Gephardt's best chance to advance his candidacy is to win Iowa. Anything less, and his candidacy is almost certainly doomed. The media will feed the "expectations" game with Dean and Clark, saying Dean didn't win by enough (if he wins), and Clark "did better than expected" if he comes in 3rd or better. Real votes don't matter to the media except insofar as they can manipulate public perceptions of the results.

I'm certain other FReepers have noticed that Clark is CNN's favorite candidate. He also seems to be the favorite of some NBC luminaries like Couric. He seems to fill the same role for the media this year as John McCain filled in 2000 — the dark-horse candidate who adds a dramatic plot-line to the early presidential primary season.