[italianquaker]

There was an article in the NY Post about the support RG has from the religious groups and how it was surprisingly strong

[PAR35]

Given that the margin of error is going to be about 4%, it looks like both matchups show statistical ties.

[Clintonfatigued]

Fred Thompson hasn’t even announced and he’s running almost even. That’s very impressive on his part. When he enters, he may pull ahead, in spite of the political climate.

Rudy Giuliani also continues to show strength.

[fabrizio]

OK, liberals don’t like the idea of having to deal with Fred Thompson and are praying it’s Giuliani the GOP candidate...

[GovernmentIsTheProblem]

Interestingly, someone who is relatively unknown and not even an announced candidate is within striking distance of HRC.

[Bob J]

Considering Clinton’s negatives are close to 50%, I find these poll results to be incredible.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

[cotton1706]

Well isn’t that nice. Now can we have a state by state analysis please, since presidents are elected by the states individually, not collectively.

[edcoil]

Fred Thompson (R) vs. Hillary Clinton (D)

Fred Thompson (R) 44%

Hillary Clinton (D) 48%

Since Thompson is not even a declared candidate, this does not look good for Clinton.

[fhayek]

Don’t worry, the Beast will get a third party candidate (Michael Blomberg or some such) to tip the balance toward her.

[lesser_satan]

Her highest number is 48%, and there is no way it can go above that. Too many people hate her. The other thing to consider is turnout. Her presence in the race guarantees massive Republican turnout and low Dem turnout. The only way she can possibly win is if there is a strong center-right third party candidate.

[Buckeye Battle Cry]

At this stage, it is all pure name recognition. Once the Thompson campaign engages and gets their man in front of the people on a consistent basis, I suspect these numbers will change.

I have to admit, I relish the thought of a Fred and Hillary debate. Her nasally screech against his down home drawl and “common folk” speech patterns. The contrast will be delicious.

[Sooth2222]

I know Scott Rasmussen is about the most accurate pollster around, but that still may be like being the world's smartest dumb person.

I just hope Fred doesn't have too many more "Miss Teenage South Carolina" momments like he did at the VFW. At least he'll get unlimited retakes for his campaign ads.

[YdontUleaveLibs]

The point has already been made, Thompson is withing striking distance of HRC and this is without a formal announcement. I look forward to the coming days of the campaign when debates and townhall meetings start up. FDT will bury HRC she will be a footnote in history, the First Lady who became a senator and nothing else.

[drzz]

Go, go Rudy !

[nyyankeefan]

the most important part of all these numbers is the piaps losing!!!!

[roballen]

Wow, with only 14 months to go before the election, Fred might as well concede now. No chance he could make up 4% in that short a time. </sarc>

[Hazwaste]

From Time Magazine, April 30, 1979 regarding Carter vs. Reagan: Asked to choose between the two men as candidates for President, those questioned in the survey divided evenly, 42% for each man, with 16% undecided. In this test matching, Carter managed to better Reagan only in the Midwest, while losing the Northeast, the West and even his native South to the former California Governor.

I don't trust polls.

[stevem]

I think when Thompson starts repeating his message, he will pass Guiliani and clinton like they are nailed to the ground.

[kempo]

I will vote for whoever is running against Hillary. Defeating her is the main task for the next election.