2012 Presidential Matchups - Obama 46%, Perry 39% - Rasmussen

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2012/election_2012_presidential_election/2012_presidential_matchups

There are any number of opinion sources hyperventilating over this revelation this morning. It seems that the electorate is quickly catching on to Perry's lack of preparation for these debates and is colling to the idea of his presidency. As evidence, many cite that Rasmussen leans Republican and can often be depended upon to give revelations that support the GOP, so this must be accurate. Right?

Maybe. I don't give any more credence to this poll than I do the ones from Rasmussen in 2008 that showed Obama losing in 2008. They both serve what the Establishment GOP wants the storyline to be. In this case, this is part of the "kitchen sink" strategy now in force against anyone in Romney's way. The cynic class of the GOP, having spent last week casting doubt on Perry while holding Bachmann under water until her campaign was dead in the water, will tout this as evidence that Romney simply must be the nominee or Obama will repeat. While I admit that is indeed the case, this poll release is to bring the Tea-cons and the Birchers around to their way of thinking, as they could care less about electability.

Don't simply assume that because Rasmussen leans Republican that they were loathe to release this poll. I think it more likely that they were enlisted and are probably part of a 14-day plan to bring Perry down.