CNN/USA Today poll shows public shift to Democrats

Just in case you missed the CNN/USA Today poll released yesterday, it showed that a Democrat would win 55% of the vote over George Bush if another Presidential vote were held. Of course, hypothetical polls have little meaning. There is no Presidential election until 2008 and George W. Bush will never appear on a ballot again. Theoretical Democrats have often run better in polls that real Democrats. If a poll showed a real live Democrat leading John McCain, then we might have a political realignment in the making.There was a relevant message for Democrats in the poll. Democrats led Republicans in public confidence concerning the ability to handle pocketbook issues like the economy, health care, gas prices and Social Security. The poll did not cover any hotton button social issues, but terrorism is still a weak point for Democrats. Voters still trust Republicans to lead the war of terrorism by a 49 to 38 percent margin. If Democrats can establish strong national security credentials and move to the center on social issues, we might see the Democratic Party become a governing majority once again.