The Only Bad Numbers for Clinton Are on the Calendar

[DemocratSinceBirth]

In fact, it’s hard to find a poll of the Democratic race where Clinton is anywhere but on top. Rasmussen Reports shows her leading nationally, in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida.

Not only that, as her lead has grown, she is also seen as the most electable Democrat—50% of Democratic voters say Clinton is Very Likely to win it all if she is nominated. Another 31% say she is Somewhat Likely to win. No other candidate, in either party, comes close to those numbers.

For the seven days ending October 21, 2007, Hillary Clinton earns 46% of the vote. Barack Obama is second at 24% followed by John Edwards at 11%. Bill Richardson attracts 3% while Dennis Kucinich at 3% and Joe Biden at 2%. Chris Dodd is at 1% and Mike Gravel a bit below that level while 9% of Likely Democratic Primary Voters are undecided (review history of weekly results).

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/2008_democratic_presidential_primary

[sakabatou]

1. She might win

But I still hate her politics.

[oasis]

2. I believe America is starting to get used to the idea of having a Hillary presidency.

She's smart, competent and unshakable.

[TwilightZone]

3. The Iowa poll numbers are probably the most surprising.

Personally, I didn't think she'd have a lead anywhere near this soon, if at all.

That being said, Iowa is difficult to predict, of course. In '04, most voters didn't make up their minds until the last few days.

[DU9598]

4. We won't again

Iowans make up their minds late. Last time I was John Edwards from the day he announced, so that was odd for me.

Hillary is running scared in Iowa ... and that is a good thing for her. If she does not campaign like she is down 10 points here, she will lose. But, all the time for Hillary here in Iowa will pay off for her in November if she is the nominee. Iowa is a purple state that is luckily turning more and more blue. Whomever the nominee is, the time spent here pre-caucus will help a lot.

[TwilightZone]

5. Frankly, I don't see any evidence that she's "running scared"

She's spending a lot of time in Iowa, but I don't think it's because she's "running scared". I think it's because she can afford to spend a lot of time there, from a tactical perspective. Her leads in some of the other early primary states are pretty significant, so they may not require quite as much attention.

[wyldwolf]

6. "running scared" is just so much rubbish from contenders and pretenders

[Cameron27]

7. Edwards is running scared in Iowa,

it shows in the way he's ratched up his attacks, and in the way Mudcat's out dredging for the 'bubba' vote. (his words, not mine)

[madfloridian]

8. Nice to have the hard decisions already made.

So we don't have to worry.