There's an emergent consensus that Clinton's notoriety renders her current poll numbers a ceiling. Americans already know what they think of her, the theory goes, and so her support is currently maxed out. She's nowhere to go but down. But watch her announcement video. Support for Hillary's reputation may be at its peak, but the actual Hillary is a considerable more engaging, authoritative, interesting figure. She's going to be much better in practice than in theory, particularly if she can shed her cautious impulses and craft a platform featuring a few inspiring planks. I agree that Penn's spin is annoying, and the unceasing professionalism of the Clinton team may well smother the spontaneity and warmth the campaign needs to catch fire. But if, to steal a phrase, they let Hillary be Hillary, I think folks may be surprised how well she plays.
