Many on the left are crowing over the accession of Cindy Sheehan to a place of prominence in the current news cycle. Others even suggest that Cindy may herald a change in the American mood. It is against this backdrop that Rasmussen has released its latest poll results on the influence of Cindy Sheehan on the American political landscape.

Far from having the Republicans "in a sweaty panic," this poll suggests that little has changed:

In general, people see in Sheehan what they want to see. Opinion about her is largely based upon views of the War, rather than views about the woman herself. Democrats, by a 56% to 18% margin, have a favorable opinion. Republicans, by a 64% to 16% margin, have an unfavorable view. Those not affiliated with either major party are evenly divided.

This divide does not show up for people with family in Iraq:

Among those with family members who have served in the military, Sheehan is viewed favorably by 31% and unfavorably by 48%.

Given some of the things Cindy is saying I don't find that latter result particularly surprising.

As I have pointed out in the comment section, the polling data suggest a fairly evenly divided American public with firmly entrenched positions. Most Americans, I believe, are in a wait and see mode: The outcome of the constitutional process and elections in Iraq very much could be the watershed event that causes a major shift in public opinion.

If things go well then the Democratic Party, which has done nothing if not harp about how wrongheaded this war is, could likely take a beating in the next election cycle. If things turn sour, however, it is not clear how much political capital they will gain----nay-sayers don't make for good hero figures.