The Lib-Dem Lashback

After a well choreographed performance on the first debate, the Liberal Democrats have surged ahead in the opinion polls. They are now roughly even with Labour and only four points behind the Conservatives.

For the first time, the two big hitters are looking worried about the Lib Dems. In the Chancellor's debates, all the venom and spite was spat between Darling and Osbourne - poor Cable wasn't deemed important enough to attack. This was true of the first debate, minus a paltry blow or two from Cameron.

And then, suddenly, on the 17th, two days after the debate, we see these results: Conservatives: 31
Labour: 28
Lib Dem: 32

For a party who has, on average, been trailing by around 20 points, this is a huge moment for them. The election result is now no longer clear cut. The Conservatives have the most to fear; in a hung parliament, the Liberal Democrats are unlikely to side with them.

So desperately, spitefully, and clearly with a growing sense of panic, Labour and the Conservatives have begun to hit out at the Liberal Democrats.

We've all heard by now Brown patronisingly calling the Lib Dem's economic policies "mistaken". Yes, Gordon, because after the economic crash and the recession, most people do listen to you on matters of economy.

Cameron's been coming out with a few gems; "I think what it shows is that our politics has hit such a low, that people are so desperate for something to change, that they are running towards anything that's different." Clearly desperation is pushing the Lib Dems ahead, not genuine support for their policies.

It's plain to see that the Liberal Democrats, that tiny third party, who nobody has ever taken seriously before, have got the alpha males running scared.

But after his rapid growth in the polls, Cameron and Brown are going to be looking to attack Clegg in the next debate. It's not going to be pretty.