The media is trying so hard to break conservative spirts.
Any poll now is nothing more than a popularity contest, polls ALWAYS change when the primary starts and the candidate's names get out more. McCain is only leading because most people know his name, that will change before the primary takes place.
A poll in 2005 is useless.
IMHO, your second point trumps your first. I believe that it is more of a name recognition contest at the moment. However, if we can use McVain as a stalking horse as the "front runner" to keep the media off the real candidate, I will not complain.