Hillary's Problem - Hillary Haters

The New York Times reports that Hillary Rodham Clinton faces a problem that has dogged her since her days as first lady: an entrenched bloc of voters simply do not like her:

One poll after another shows that roughly one of three New Yorkers has an unfavorable opinion of Mrs. Clinton, a statistic that has not changed since she took office in 2001.

Nationally, her standing is worse, even as her aides prepare for what is emerging as a possible bid for president in 2008. Roughly 4 of 10 Americans disapprove of her, according to a recent poll by the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.

The voters who disapprove of Mrs. Clinton are numerous and unshakable, and they have been around so long that they even have a name in political circles. Hillary haters.

Hillary may have nearly 100 percent name recognition, but at the same time she has consistently high negatives. If she is to have a chance in a national campaign she needs to find a way to put a dent in her negatives.

Hillary backers spin her consistent negatives - roughly one in three - in the 22 polls Quinnipiac University has conducted since 2001 as good news. They claim Quinnipiac's results demonstrate Hillary hasn't lost ground.

Hillary needs to think about running for Governor. We don't often elect sitting legislators to the presidency. Right Senator Kerry?

Thanks to Taegan Goddard's Political Wire for the tip.

Comments

[Card Carrying Hillary Hater]

I have never despised an American politician more, it's almost irrational. As First Lady, we heard she was a monster and a crook but she didn't really bother me until her Tammy Wynette act. No independent, capable woman would "stand by a man" so sleazy and deceitful as Bill Clinton - who allowed a chubby, psychotic teenager to seduce him in the oval office. But Hillary wanted NY as a stepping stone to her own presidency and knew she'd have neither without Bill. And the feminists love her! Go figure.

[scottfromca]

I have nothing against dykes, I just think Sen. Clinton should come clean with voters and let them know who she is so they can make an informed choice.

[scottfromca]

Hillary is a dyke, you know. It's common knowledge in DC circles.

[EdWonk]

If for some unfathomable reason Hillary, The Countess of Chappaqua, becomes President, I might move to Canada. I can think of nothing more catastrophic for the country than a Hillery Rodham Clinton Presidency. It' frightening.