Hillary in 2008

Posted over at Slate:

Don't stop thinkin' about tomorrow: A new CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll has renewed premature frenzy—on both sides of the aisle—about a possible Hillary Clinton presidential candidacy. A majority of respondents to yesterday's poll said they were either "very likely" or "somewhat likely" to cast a vote for the New York senator in 2008. More than half had a favorable view of Clinton, while 39 percent reported an unfavorable view. CNN suggests the poll sends "mixed messages" to the divisive politician.

I think you already know how I feel about Hillary. I think she's far more centrist and capable than the right would ever possibly appreciate.

As a woman, I'm thrilled that people are becoming more comfortable with the idea of a woman as the country's designated alpha male. ::smirk:: But I'm not sure this poll, and the dialogue surrounding it, is in spite of her gender. Part of it, of course, is something I hear frequently among non-Dems, "Makes you almost wish we could bring Bill Clinton back." Just almost?

But beyond, I think it's indicative of growing unhappiness with this particular administration and the right's heavy thumb on everything and everyone. If the current situation continues on course, I believe you could raise Richard Nixon from the dead and - except for the Diebold machines pre-programmed for Bush - he'd win hands down. Crap, I'd take Tricky Dick over Cushie Bush.

Yet I don't want Hillary in '08. I feel as favorable toward her as I would ::choke:: another run by John Kerry. Since Howard Dean can't run, I don't have a single candidate who's expressed interest that I could express interest in.

How about you? And how would you feel about Hillary making a bid for top dog in '08? Hillary might not be warm and fuzzy, but compare her to Dick Cheney (or even Lynne), and she looks a lot better.