Obama edges McCain in latest AP poll

Jim, I agree, the fallibility that exists -- sample size, location, margin of error -- makes it little more than fodder.

What is interesting is that Clinton holds a slight edge (per that poll) among Democrats, and Obama scores slightly more favorably in a general poll. Of course that might not hold up in November -- clearly a possibility -- but the greater amount of doubt regarding Obama's electability seems to come from within the party.

I think this is where you and I have differed. My understanding is you believe Clinton is the more electable candidate, my opinion is that Obama has the better chance of pulling votes from McCain among moderate Republicans, and stands a greater chance of being elected.

Going beyond message, ideology, and policy are other factors for consideration. Among them; which of gender and race represents a bigger subset of the electorate that won't vote for a candidate on those grounds? Also, will whatever tide of animosity for the Clintons have a greater or lesser impact than, for example, Obama's familial ties to Islam? Does a tightly contested Democrat race result in a less-energized/split/disappointed Dem base that might hurt either candidate in November?

I agree. And also agree that there is a lot of room for debate.