Hillary Clinton is in the ineviable postion of being the traditional media's presumptive Democratic candidate for the presidency and yet has fairly substantial negative numbers, even among her Democratic base. Strictly on an anecdotal level, I have yet to hear one person say that they are hoping that Clinton becomes the Democratic candidate. More distressing (especially considering the alternative), I've heard many people saying that they could not foresee bringing themselves to vote for Hillary, period.

I read the comments left here at C&L enough to know that many liberals simply find her too conservative for their taste and her backing of the Iraq War (until it became apparent that she was left on the sinking ship with just a few of the diehard rats) make her insupportable. Further, whenever I really question people about Hillary, they inevitably point out that she comes across as too politically calculating and less likable as Bill.

However you feel about Hillary, do not underestimate her intelligence. She knows that she needs to reach out to the Democrats, in a way that she hasn't yet. To that end, Hillary will be hosting a series of three live discussions on her website. Sign up to join in here.

Michael at BagNewsNotes analyzes her "I'm in it to win" announcement video here, and suggests that Hillary herself may be struggling with how much allusion she should make to her far more engaging husband when launching her own campaign.