Newsweek Poll: Giuliani 59-34 Over McCain

Some staggering numbers, if this is indeed accurate. I have a hunch those ancient photos of Rudy in drag at a press dinner aren't going to make any difference.

Maybe it is Giuliani time, after all. Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani has pulled far ahead of Arizona Sen. John McCain in a hypothetical head-to-head GOP presidential primary matchup, according to the latest NEWSWEEK Poll—beating McCain 59 percent to 34 percent. Giuliani's lead over former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is even more formidable (70 percent to 20 percent).

But perhaps the best news for the man once dubbed "America's Mayor" for his role in seeing New York through the 9/11 attacks is the lead he's opened up on his potential Democratic rivals for the White House. According to the survey, Giuliani outpolls Illinois Sen. Barack Obama by 5 points (48 percent to 43 percent), former senator John Edwards by 2 points (47 percent to 45 percent) and Sen. Hillary Clinton by 1 point (47 percent to 46 percent). Last month Clinton led Giuliani by 3 points (49 percent to 46 percent), as did Obama (47 percent to 44 percent). Thirteen percent of registered Democrats say they would cross party lines to support Giuliani, while only 4 percent of Republicans say they would do the same for Clinton. Perhaps more important, among independent voters, Giuliani leads Clinton 49 percent to 42 percent.

Inside the numbers.

Meanwhile, CPAC straw poll numbers are in, but take them with a huge grain of salt.

In the end, the first real primary ballots aren't cast for over 10 months anyway, an eternity in politics. But Giuliani is resonating with the party faithful, social issues notwithstanding.

UPDATE: More at Hot Air.