Romney now is tied to or edges Obama in a WaPo/ABC poll. The great thing about Romney is (and probably the key factor in his popularity) is that he looks clean, hasn't gotten much media attention yet, and he's not leaking even the slightest idea what specifics he has decided to stand for.
Media interpretation of the economy at any given point drives the responses to a survey. If you read WaPo reporter Dan Balz's article on the poll, the actual numbers suggest a "yes, but" deal. The only sure-fire numbers show Palin tanking, in spite of her bus tour.
She is predictably unpopular with Democrats and most independents, but the new survey underscores the hurdles she would face if she became a candidate: 42 percent of Republicans say they’ve ruled out supporting her candidacy.
