Margery Eagan gushes over Deval Patrick, writing about his sincerity, his rags-to-riches success story, and his Clinton-like ability to make a one-on-one connection with voters. But...

Not that any of this means he’ll win even the primary.

The big problems for Deval Patrick? Gabrieli’s millions. Healey’s millions. Racism? Not a big factor, operatives say. But the liberal tag is. As one guy put it, “What does he offer your semi-employed middle-aged guy in Waltham?...

Probably true. The analysis of voting patterns across the state done by Commonwealth Magazine, and printed in the Globe last Sunday, puts it into context. But still, there's plenty of unpredictability left in Massachusetts voters. And Patrick does have a lot going for him.

Who knows? If Patrick gets past the primary and makes the critical swing to the center, he just might end up being the next governor with an eye on the White House.