The Hiller Instinct: 7News-Suffolk Poll: Leader of the Pack

Howard Dean is the big winner in our poll and newcomer Wesley Clark will like our new numbers, too. But John Kerry won't.

Dean leads our poll, with 26 percent, Kerry's support has fallen to 17 percent, while Clark has broken into double digits, with 10 percent.

Four other Democrats, Joe Lieberman, John Edwards, Dick Gephardt and Dennis Kucinich are stuck in single digits. While the final three, Bob Graham, Al Sharpton and Carol Mosley-Braun, have no support.

How strong is Dean?

Prof. David Paleologos, Suffolk University Pollster
"He's opened up a lead beyond the margin of error here. It's sizable."

Our poll shows Dean's support is growing with more likely democratic voters viewing him favorably. And when we asked whether his lack of foreign policy experience disqualifies him from being president, 74 percent said no, just 19 percent yes, with seven percent undecided.

More than half of those polled believe Dean could be the next president…

Prof. David Paleologos
"It means he's crossed an important bridge right now. He's not only likable, he's electable and that's key."

If Dean falters, Wesley Clark is waiting.

Prof. David Paleologos
"On limited name recognition and popularity, he's already established himself as third in the head to head. And he's climbing fast."

While voters are evenly divided about whether Clark got into the democratic primary soon enough, nearly half say he is a viable candidate, which makes another candidate less viable…

Prof. David Paleologos
"It appears to be that Clark's rise has come at the expense of John Kerry."

According to our poll, New Hampshire will be a three-way race and that means seven candidates are already out of it.

Our poll also says John Kerry is in danger of falling out, as Wesley Clark parachutes in. To anyone whom says nothing has happened in the presidential race, this poll says plenty is happening right now.