LifetimeTV has a new poll out reporting women’s attitudes on the presidential candidates. The big story? If she’s not careful, Hillary Clinton, to borrow a self-destructive line Barack Obama used back in New Hampshire, may be slipping into the “likeable enough” range among women:
Hillary Clinton was the only candidate who registered a significant net change in public opinion since January: 26% of women surveyed said they like her less now compared to just 15% who said they like her more. Still, 55% said their opinion of Clinton has not changed. Women who said they like Clinton more now largely pointed to aspects of her personality (67%)—noting that she is tough or a fighter. Likewise, those whose opinion of her declined also pointed to her personal traits (67%)—namely saying that she is dishonest.
What, specifically, is causing her dip? Hubby Bill.
Six percent cited Bill Clinton as the reason their opinion of Hillary has improved; but more than double (15%) said their view of Senator Clinton declined because of her husband.
Among the many stories to be written if she does not win this primary—how she lost the black vote; her primary warrant for running as being “in it to win it”; her inability to look past or plan beyond Super Tuesday; the millions wasted on consultants—will be the story at the heart of the first major female candidate for president: Failing to yank in the leash on the Big Dog.
–Tom Schaller
