ROMNEY BOOSTED BY NEW GALLUP POLL – AT 7:55 P.M. ET:  This is being written about an hour before tonight's Republican debate from Orlando (9 P.M. ET, on Fox).  Universally, across the web and on TV, pundits are saying how important this particular debate is, because there's going to be a lot of shaking out.  It's understood that Rick Perry will come out swinging, replying to the attacks on him.

A new Gallup poll just out gives comfort to Mitt Romney and outlines the challenge that Perry faces in proving that he's an electable candidate:

PRINCETON, NJ -- More registered voters say they would definitely vote for Mitt Romney or might consider doing so (62%) than say the same about his two main rivals in the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama (54%) and Republican Rick Perry (53%).

Though Romney currently receives the highest level of consideration among voters, more say they would "definitely vote for" Obama (33%) than say this about either Romney (21%) or Perry (20%). That may reflect the virtual certainty that Obama will be the Democratic candidate for president, while Republicans' loyalties are divided between their two leading contenders.

That dynamic is apparent in the higher percentage of Democratic registered voters who say they definitely would vote for Obama (70%) than of Republican registered voters who would definitely vote for either of the main Republican contenders (41% for Perry and 44% for Romney). Once the Republican nominee is decided, the percentage of Republicans who say they would definitely vote for that candidate should increase significantly.

COMMENT:  Voters, in my view, are looking for an economic leader, and that notion will probably grow as the economy weakens even further.  Just look at the panic in the markets today.  Romney might look better and better.  I say "might" because he can falter, or attacks on his record can take their toll.

Watch the debate.  Should be fascinating. 

And the lingering question:  Will Sarah Palin get in.  She could pull votes from Perry, enough to make Romney the frontrunner again. 

This ain't over.  It ain't even begun.

September 22, 2011