As Debate Approaches, Rudy Comes Down To Earth
Rudy Giuliani’s inevitable softening of support has been a bit swifter and deeper than I expected:
Quinnipiac polled 1,166 American voters between April 25 and May 1.
Compared to Quinnipiac’s last national poll in February, Mr. Giuliani fell to 27% from 40% — a huge tumble. Mr. Romney barely budged, going to 8% from 7%. Mr. McCain also barely budged, going to 19% from 18%. And Mr. Thompson burst onto the scene, coming in at 14%, having not been included in the last poll (and, as usual, stealing third place from Mr. Romney, despite not having lifted a finger).
So, the bad news for Mr. Giuliani is obvious: a big tumble, and the appearance that it has been caused almost entirely by Mr. Thompson stealing a big chunk of his support out from under him. The bad news for Mr. Romney is equally obvious: that he’s being overshadowed by a guy who’s not even in the race. As for the good news for Mr. Thompson: He’s doing great for a guy not doing anything.
Thus, the debate takes on added importance for the frontrunner – but how much good can you do yourself when you’re sharing a stage with nine others? The amount of time for substance will be near zilch. Only the underdogs stand to gain from such a crowded field, I would think…the best Rudy and McCain can do is hold steady, and as this latest poll shows, even that is going to be a chore until the crowd thins out some…
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