HuffPo's State Of The Race: Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, Bill Richardson

[wyldwolf]

Last December, I was doing MSNBC and everyone was asking about the 2008 race and my answer always started, "it's so early." Well, time passes and now it's not so early anymore. Our top candidates have been on the road and especially spending time in Iowa and New Hampshire. Tens of millions of dollars have been raised and now, everyone is on air in Iowa -- clearly timing has changed.

Let me set this one clear pre-amble. I am not working with, for or against anyone right now in terms of the nomination. I am calling it as I see it. I have friends, good friends, on the Hillary, Obama, Edwards, Dodd and Richardson campaigns. I respect all our candidates and strongly, STRONGLY, believe that each and every one of them are far, far better than anyone from the Republican side.

Having said that, let the muttering begin.

Barring a last minute entrance from Al Gore (more on that below), Senator Clinton is more than poised to be the nominee. In fact, smart money is already looking for how they can help her win in 2008.

Simply put, every national poll and now every state poll favors her. There is no evidence to the contrary. From the best online team, the best communications team, the single best fundraiser the Democratic Party has ever seen, top to bottom she has the staff to help her through any rough spots.

Can she win the general? Absolutely.

If I was a Clinton supporter and donor, I would be looking to help the women at Women's Voices. Women Vote. Maximizing that underperforming segment will help Senator Clinton a great deal.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-boyce/state-of-the-race-hillar_b_61274.html