John Cherry

Republicans have a well-oiled propaganda machine to facilitate the fantasy of strength and popularity. The message is always the same -- whether the GOP wins or loses, it always wins.

In New York, Paterson is down 17 points in general election polling and a whopping 46 percent in a primary. Could it really be that bad for John Cherry in Michigan? Actually, yes.

If the Republicans win the governorship here, the national media will trumpet that as an Important Trend. And a sign of the president's impending doom in 2012.

The former actress is auditioning for a role in Washington but when you don't get asked to dance at Prom enough times, the invitations tend to dry up.

Unless Obama proves to Michiganders that he is committed to the state as it bleeds jobs due to government-mandated auto restructuring, 2010 could be a very good Republican year here.