That would be the big question -- and one that the Democrats need to deal with to win.

And they might have a hard time of it in states they need to win, like Arkansas and Tennessee.

Not that the GOP candidates have much positive to recommend them in the eyes of the swing voters.

Beyond Super Tuesday, there may be trouble for the Democrats. Swing voters perceive both front-runners as too liberal, though Mrs. Clinton has support in Arkansas because her husband remains popular. But here in Maury County, which has voted Democratic and Republican in the last three decades, none expressed enthusiasm for Mrs. Clinton.

Similar unease was voiced in Yell County, Ark., another place that has swung back and forth, where some were quick to say that Mr. ObamaÂ’s race was not prohibitive for them personally but could well be for others.

Only John Edwards, a fellow Southerner but now considered an also-ran, met with broad approval from independents who were interviewed in the Tennessee county; in Arkansas, Mrs. Clinton’s most ardent supporters in the undulating “Free State of Yell” — so called because of a history of electoral eccentricity — conceded that they knew plenty who were just as sharply opposed to her candidacy.

Former Bush voters disillusioned with the president said flatly they would not vote for Mr. Obama, while others expressed disappointment with the available choices. Meanwhile, Republicans, even those critical of Mr. Bush, said that the too-liberal Democratic choices left them more solidly than ever with their party, though none voiced great enthusiasm for the field.

Frankly, I hear stuff like that a lot this year from folks in Texas. There isn't great enthusiasm for any of the GOP candidates, but there is discomfort with and opposition to the remaining Democrats. That party has moved to the Left of the voters (something I hear from Republicans and Democrats), but the GOP candidates are all flawed and rather uninspiring.

Frankly, I think that this year we could see "None of the Above" win if that option were on the ballot -- because voters would like a different choice.

Posted by: Greg at 10:59 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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