I admit it--Gen. Clark is now the front runner for nomination

[CMT]

I am in Dr. Dean's corner, but I now have come to the conclusion that at this early stage that Gen. Clark has now emerged as the "front-runner" for the 2004 Democratic nomination. This is not to say that he will definitely get it. But in the few days since he has announced he has now taken leads in two national polls, the latest released today giving him a nine-point lead nationally over second place Dean.

Of course, it is Lieberman who appears to have been affected most since for much of the year he has led most polls nationally--even as he has been dropping like a rock most every place else. But this just goes to show how fickle the Democratic vote is right now. The real test will be if Clark will sustain this initial burst of popularity.

Of course, I'm actually happy that Dean is not running first in the polls. The front runner status has some positives, but at this early stage it also has lots of negatives such as constant sniping at by your primary competition. Oh, I'm sure Dean will still get that, but now it will, most probably, be divided between the Doctor and the General.

It's looking like the ride to the nomination will be like a rollercoaster. It should be fun to watch and participate in.