Current polling, Obama vs. Romney

[Vosem]

Beyond any question, George W. Bush makes President Obama look great by contrast.

How many times do I have to point out that polling shows that as of early 2012 George W. Bush has a better approval rating than Barack Obama?

Politics is marketing... but for good reason Ford Motor Company gave up on the Edsel within two years. The GOP needs a new product.   

Not really. Their product was very successful in 2010, and it seems more likely than not they'll gain the Senate in 2012, although admittedly Obama is favored for reelection to the Presidency.

[Vosem]

At this point the safest bet on the 2012 election is a near replay of the 2008 election. President Obama would win everything that he won in 2008 except Indiana and the Second Congressional District of Nebraska without making any other gains.     

I would quibble on North Carolina

And on the downballot. Unlike 2008, where Democrats did well everywhere, this is going to be a victory for Obama personally, and only that. Republicans seem set to pickup 5 seats (Democrats will gain Maine; Republicans will gain MT, ND, NE, WI, and then take your pick of CT or VA), and run about even in the House, with perhaps minor Democratic gains.