Could he be following the Reagan mold? Looks like that’s the trend, and you can be sure that his reputation as a “straight talker” is the reason why. But as I’ll talk about later, that won’t be enough.

From Politico:

A new analysis of March polling data suggests that John McCain’s cross-party support surpasses that of either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton.

According to data provided by the Gallup Organization at Politico’s request, in a hypothetical contest between McCain and Obama, McCain wins 17 percent of Democrats and those leaning Democratic, while Obama wins 10 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaners.

In a potential contest with Clinton, McCain wins 14 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaners while Clinton wins 8 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaners.

By way of comparison, exit polls in 2004 reported that George W. Bush won 11 percent of Democrats and John F. Kerry won 6 percent of Republicans.

Interesting to see that whatever gains Obama makes over Hillary with Republicans gets erased when McCain gets more Democrats.

Perhaps we’re seeing more evidence that this prolonged primary season is hurting both candidates, in particular Obama?

Still more from Rasmussen:

Looking ahead to the General Election in November, John McCain continues to lead both potential Democratic opponents. McCain leads Barack Obama 51% to 41% and Hillary Clinton 51% to 41% (see recent daily results). McCain is now viewed favorably by 56% of voters nationwide and unfavorably by 41%. Obama’s reviews are 46% favorable and 52% unfavorable. For Clinton, those numbers are 44% favorable, 54% unfavorable (see recent daily results).

New polling released today shows that, in Oregon Obama leads McCain while McCain leads Clinton. In Missouri, McCain leads both Democrats.

From one point of view, Hillary can argue that this shows Obama hasn’t been able to distinguish himself from her, so she should stay in. On the other hand, this also bolsters the idea that the skirmishes between the Dems has given McCain time to stay above the fray and talk about the issues. Personally, I think you can believe both, but still think that if Hill doesn’t pull out big wins in Indiana, Oregon and North Carolina, there’s no sense in staying in this thing. But then again, they are the Clintons and this was supposed to be her year, so don’t be surprised if you see it go to the convention.

Going back to McCain, I do wonder how many of these Dems are going to stick around when they find out that McCain is pretty much a one-trick pony when it comes to being a candidate. He has no real health care plan, he has no real economic stimulus plan…all he has is a promise that he’ll work more closely with our allies.

And frankly, as a Dem who would consider voting for him in the Fall if Hill gets the nod, I’m not really enamored with McCain the candidate yet. Sure, the idea of McCain is intriguing, but I need to see a lot more before I can make up my mind.