Political death, that is, and of course, I am talking about percentages, not years.  (So no silly death-to-Obama accusations from you liberals, okay?)  Today, for the first time (to this writer's knowledge) in any poll of his presidency Obama's approval rating falls to 50%. Leaving aside the number itself, that it's the Rasmussen poll cannot be creating many happy campers at the White House.  First, Rasmussen polls only likely voters.  Second, his daily numbers actually are three-day running averages.  This means, mathematically, that Obama was below 50% on at least one day.  And third, there is Rasmussen's sterling reputation for accuracy.

If the 2012 presidential election were held today, President Obama and possible Republican nominee Mitt Romney would be all tied up at 45% each, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.

The president, seeking a second four-year term, beats another potential GOP rival, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, by six points - 48% to 42%