Political Cortex: Brain Food for the Body Politic

Let's also recall that the CW said Patrick could not be competetive because AG Tom Reilly had already raised $3 million when Patrick had none. The CW later said Patrick was "too liberal" -- and his opponents agreed. The CW said that tax reduction was the winning issue, but Patrick was not for it. Patrick is also unapologetically prochoice and pro-marriage equality.  And he is African American.  

Now here is the kicker, and the reason for this diary.  Before the primary set the CW back on its heels, the CW said that Patrick could not win against the GOP candidate, Kerry Healey, the current Lt. Governor. But the poll showing Patrick up by 39 points out of the starting gate also shows just how wrong the CW can be. Indeed, sometimes the conventional wisdom is neither.

There is no question that polls are ephemera and are not to be confused with reality. It is early in the general election campaign, and much can and will happen between now and November. But, really, isn't it time to end the rediculous rounds of nay saying? The CW has been consistently wrong about Deval Patrick's chances with the electorate, and about the electorate itself. But we get it: the electorate is ready for change. The CW is not.

WCBS blogger John Keller says this:

Riding a wave of favorable publicity over his sweeping Democratic primary victory, gubernatorial candidate Deval Patrick has a commanding 39-point lead over Republican Kerry Healey in the first post-primary exclusive CBS4 Fast Track.

In the survey of 608 likely voters taken following the primary voting this week, Patrick won 64% support, easily outpacing Healey's 25%. Unenrolled candidate Christy Mihos had 5%, Green/Rainbow Party candidate Grace Ross, 1%, with 2% undecided.

Patrick swept every demographic category in the survey with the exception of Republicans and conservatives.

"These lopsided numbers reflect the glowing reviews Patrick received from primary voters for his campaign performance," said CBS4 political analyst Jon Keller. "They underscore the magnitude of the challenge Healey faces. So far, the prevailing voter mood seems to be a desire to try something new, and for now, it's Patrick who they're identifying as their preferred agent of change."

More about the survey can be found here.