Decision ‘08

They Love Her, They Love Her Not

Hillary got mixed reviews from Iowa activists, according to Dan Balz of the Washington Post:

Widely admired and seen as strong and intelligent, Clinton nonetheless engenders substantial doubts among people who, by virtue of Iowa’s place at the front of the nominating calendar, could play an outsized role in selecting the next Democratic presidential nominee.

“Competent and capable, but she’s my fourth choice,” said Dale Hedgecoth, a carpenter at a local high school.

“Strong, but not it,” added Dona Howe, a first-grade teacher.

The 14 party activists were invited by The Washington Post to come together to talk about the presidential race. All are currently uncommitted. Their views are in no way a scientific sample, but as voters who pay especially close attention to presidential politics, they offer clues to the future in their impressions.

At the end of the conversation, these activists were asked whether they are leaning toward any particular candidates. Six said they are totally uncommitted. Of the other eight, three mentioned Clinton as one of the candidates they are looking at with the most interest.

Their opinions underscored what polls and strategists are saying: The Democratic race in Iowa is wide open.

And that’s good news for political bloggers, who are still reeling from the loss of so much great material when Kerry withdrew…

One Response to “They Love Her, They Love Her Not”

1 Fred Says:
January 29th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
It’s just hard to generate much enthusiasm for a campaign that revolves around the concept of, “it’s my turn.” Ask Bob Dole.