A while back we suggested that Mitt Romney's money and national standing as the guy who could beat Obama might be his trump card over a Massachusetts health care law he probably wishes he never signed.

Many smart observers believe the health care law in Massachusetts is too high a hurdle to cross for the former Governor. It's hard to deny how high that hurdle is, especially with high level and establishment-oriented enemies like the Wall Street Journal's editorial page. Combined with Romney's struggles at appearing likeable, it's a pretty harmful cocktail of unelectability. But that may all pale in comparison to conservatives overwhelming desire to beat Obama. 

The ABC News/Washington Post poll we reported on yesterday tells the story. Consider this part two of a very bad, no good poll for the Obama administration. From the WaPo write up:

"New Post-ABC numbers show Obama leading five of six potential Republican presidential rivals tested in the poll. But he is in a dead heat with former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, who formally announced his 2012 candidacy last week, making jobs and the economy the central issues in his campaign.  

Among all Americans, Obama and Romney are knotted at 47 percent each, and among registered voters, the former governor is numerically ahead, 49 percent to 46 percent.  

Overall, about six in 10 of those surveyed give Obama negative marks on the economy and the deficit. Significantly, nearly half strongly disapprove of his performance in these two crucial areas. Nearly two-thirds of political independents disapprove of the president’s handling of the economy, including — for the first time — a slim majority who do so strongly."

Romney beats Obama. The others don't. And that may be Romney's golden ticket.