A new USA Today/CNN/Gallup Poll finds that most Americans say they will likely vote for Hillary Clinton in the 2008 presidential election.
The number of Americans who strongly support her is on the rise, while the number who strongly oppose her is on the decline.
Not surprisingly, there is a striking gender gap.
Almost 60% of women will likely vote for Clinton, compared to only 45% of men.
No doubt about it, Hillary Clinton as a candidate in the 2008 presidential election is going to add a whole new dimension to politics as we have always known it. I can't think of a more effective way to persuade large numbers of American women to get serious about paying attention to the predominantly male sport.
We'll also get the bonus of experiencing some very interesting private and public gender dramas. Many of these will be far easier on the American psyche with Hillary Clinton as the first female presidential candidate on a major party ticket. Remember when Geraldine Ferraro ran for Vice President and Americans got uncomfortable at the sight of her husband standing in the background?
That won't be a problem with Bill Clinton. There is no other man in the country so qualified to be America's first First Gentleman.
The man has been there, done that. He has nothing to prove. Thus, the all-consuming national concern for the welfare of the fragile male ego will be largely appeased, or at least more so than if any other woman were to run.
It's true that Condi Rice would not have to contend with the problem of a First Gentleman standing behind her, but America has never been ready for a single man as president, why would it suddenly be ready for a single woman?
Clinton's strongest supporters are under age 30, low income, and liberal, of course.
Eighty percent of her likely supporters are liberal, 58% moderate and 33% conservative.
Is there a Republican alive who could garner the likely support of 33% of liberals?
Why no, there is not.
___
Hat tip to Political Wire
