For all the circus goers. Latest ARG poll for candidates.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

I find it ludicrous that we're debating candidates for an election over 1 1/2 years away but, sadly, that's how the system works. Seeing as how one foot-in-the-mouth statement or some bit of dirt can end a candidacy.

But, for those that think that polls this far out are relevant...

http://americanresearchgroup.com/

[Deep13]

1. It's all name recognition at this point. nt

[jobycom]

2. A long campaign is good.

It gives us as a nation a chance to uncover genuine problems with candidates, and it forces candidates to talk about their ideas for longer, which helps to uncover weaknesses in the ideas, and lets the candidates better understand the implications of what they are planning. And it gives candidates a chance to overcome stupid gaffs early on.

Not that it has worked well the last two elections, but in general I think it is better than a short campaign--which lends itself more easily to complete manipulation by good advertising and PR.