CNN just reported that while Dean slightly leads Kerry in questions about ideas, connection to voters and things like that, Kerry overwhelmingly leads in "can he beat Bush?"
I think electability
is indeed a big question, but isn't it a tad early to be certain on how to quantify it? My hunch is that if it comes down to Dean v. Kerry (or Edwards?), then both sides can trot out their reasons why they're the best choice. Then the electorate will have a real good chance to analyze that better than they can now.