Most people who vote cannot name more than a handful of Senators or Representatives. Hence, those who are very familiar to political junkies like us are completely unknown to the average voter. Thus, it is easy to overestimate the appeal of those who are generally unknowns though familiar to us.
This is why Guiliani and McCain have huge advantages.
I listen to man on the street things that are done on talk radio.
I'll bet no more than 10% know who Giuliani is.
Besides, a primary is for the benefit of the base. These are the political junkies and they do know who these folks are.
Even with 6 names, it will be easy to figure out for the slowest of the slow. I don't grant Giuliani any edge at all. McCain a bit of one.
Frist's name is on TV all the time. Gingrich is a bigger name than is McCain. Jeb Bush towers over all of them.
"General in the Army" is impressive no matter what name you put behind it.
And politicians are so hated, and the military, currently, is so loved.
Here's a bet:
If it's Giuliani or McCain who win the primaries, I'll buy you a cup of Starbuck's best. If it ain't, then you buy for me.
Deal?