Hints of a Bush Win

Democratic pollster Mark Mellman, in the latest edition of The Hill, seems to be laying the groundwork for excusing a Kerry defeat.

The article is here.

Based on all factors, economic, security and the Bush team's popularity numbers, he admits to the strength of the President:

So while Bush faces formidable obstacles, not the least of which is Kerry himself, the senator also faces a strong candidate. Bush is weaker than some other incumbents but much stronger than those who have been defeated.

In fact, he admits that "an expert forecasting model suggests that Bush will get 51.6 percent of the two-party vote".

All this from a very partisan voice. According to his bio, "Mellman is president of The Mellman Group and has worked for Democratic candidates and causes since 1982, including Sen. John Kerry this year".