The media is forcing him down our throats like they did McCain in 2000. We even got much of the same mantra -- he's the only one who can appeal to the moderates and beat Gore, doncha know? See how well that was a predictor of the eventual nominee?
Yes, no doubt the media is caught up with Rudy as they are with Obama. Your reference to McCain is interesting considering that Bush actually did lose the popular vote and probably did not appeal as much as he might have to the moderates (even with Compassionate Conservatism). Now many are complaining about Bush being too much of a RINO. I think people really want strong charismatic leadership at this point so I wouldn't discount all of the pro-Rudy polls. Many think there's been too much appeasement of liberals and respect Rudy's "in your face attitude" (despite his liberal social views). I'd very much like a candidate who can bring the GOP together because if we refuse, we're toast. I think that if it weren't for Rove's stategery, we would have lost in 2000 to the mushy middle.