In my opinion, it is much, much, much too early to be using polls to predict or entertain results of the 2012 election. They are mostly for use by political campaigns and do not represent how the election might go in reality.

There is so much more water to pass under the bridge. Polls using Obama versus anyone, at this point, will reflect the country's dissatisfaction with the economy or their personal situation at the time of the poll. Again, MUCH too early for taking these seriously unless you are in the BUSINESS of poliltics. There will be missteps, and mis quotes and in todays internet world much "flaming", etc to come.

As to the nomination, again my favorite continiues to be Romney. He will for sure have an uphill battle, but for me at this point (well in front of any debates or discussions) he would be a man I would trust in the oval office.

If you look back at any election cycle, at this point...so far in front of the election day....you will find lots of names of folks who "looked good" but were not even in the running when "push came to shove". That is not a knock on Perry by any stretch...as I said, lots of time and for me, I am more familiar with Romney at this point.