By VictorM:

In an article in USA Today from February 14 (page 5A), they cover how enthusiastic the Democratic party is and how the low morale on the Republican side is so evident. They include results of polls that show a 52 to 39 percent party identification in favor of Dems. On questions about the views of the political parties, we have results like: which party can bring needed changes (Dems=58%, Reps=39%); able to manage the federal government effectively (Dems= 54%, Reps=38%), has most honest and ethical members in Congress (Dems=52%, Reps=41%). Anyway, you get the idea.

Then, they mention a USA Today/Gallup poll that shows John McCain leading Hillary Clinton by 1 and trailing Obama by 4, both within the margin of error. What's going on here? I would expect that both Hillary and Barack would hold significant leads over McCain.

Am I to assume that independents are overwhelmingly for McCain? I don't believed that for a second. Is it that enough Obama or Clinton supporters simply won't vote for the other if their candidate loses the Democratic primary? I don't buy this one either.

So, wise people, what is it?