CNN Poll: Clinton, McCain, Giuliani in dead heat

A recent CNN poll has Hillary even with McCain at 47%, and topping Giuliani 48%-46%.

"Clinton's pollster, Mark Penn, said the numbers are no fluke. It's really a function of what you see with Sen. Clinton having such a strong win in New York, with her really seen as a leader in the Democratic Party, and she is seen as the most admired woman in America as well," Penn said.

The rosy surveys come at a key time.

Clinton is set to announce her presidential plans soon, and advisers have told the Daily News the key issue for her is whether she thinks she can win. That also has been the big hurdle for Democratic voters, who often wonder the same.
"I do think the electability issue is crumbling," Penn said. "If she's competitive or leading, let's take that issue off the table."

But skeptics abound, and some say any known Democrat would poll as well these days, thanks to the national mood that gave Democrats control of Congress in last month's election. "The Democratic wave has not crested," said University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato.

Sabato is right. With the recent takeover of Congress and low approval numbers for President Bush, a Democrat should be beating a Republican right now. But the election isn't right now.