Is there no direct logical correlation between 'With the gap still of landslide proportions in most polls, Dole has been written off, correctly or otherwise, by the pundits.' and 'The pundits had written them off.', indicating neutrality?
With the gap still of landslide proportions in most polls, Dole has been written off, correctly or otherwise, by the pundits.###The pundits had written them off.