The American Spectator

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So does Dean's lead show any signs at all of eroding? No, not according to the numbers anyway. In fact, he seems to grow in strength with every attack launched at him by his rivals. But his early pugnacity has evolved into cocksure arrogance, and this will hurt him. His latest sound bite has it that all he needs to win the presidency is the Gore states plus New Hampshire. Don't count those chickens yet, Howard. Not a single vote has been cast in Dixville Notch.

And if Dean does fall victim to New Hampshire's attitude problem, who will profit? Last week, I listened to a talk by Tom Rath, Republican National Committeeman for New Hampshire and lay expert on the New Hampshire primary. According to the data he sees, John Edwards of all people has the greatest room for growth. If things turn ugly, Edwards' relatively high favorability and low unfavorability will make him a magnet for Democrat voters. I'm not sure I buy it, but the theory is sound.

The bottom line is, Dean looks like a sure winner. And that's a bad place to be two months shy of the New Hampshire primary.

topics:
John McCain, Bill Clinton, Law, NATO