battleground state in recent presidential elections. and with the michigan's economy in very bad shape, republicans beat democrats badly in the state winning the governor's race. how does that bode for president obama's chances to win the state in 2012? not bad. a new poll finds obama in solid shape against his potential republican challengers. only mitt romney, son of the state's former governor, keeps it close. isn't this fascinating? obama would beat romney, 47/43 out in michigan. but he crushes the rest of the field. and by the way, he may be running against the rest of the field. the president also beat mike huckabee by 12 points. 51/39. newt gingrey trails by 15%, deservedly so, 52/37. and sarah palin, not so well here. he beats here 56/35. that's a big margin. "hardball" will be right back. your window of opportunity is here. now until december 31st, you can enroll in an aarp medicarerx plan