Fair question? Is a majority of Hillary Rodham's support because of Bill?

[RiverStone]

This is a tough question to ask without sounding sexist; but my premise is based not on her gender, but on the fact she happens to be married to a very popular former President.

On her own merits, HRC deserves the accolades she has received as an accomplished Senator. Though IMHO, she would not have the same status as a presumptive front-runner (by the MSM - not DU) if she were not married to Bill.

Of course, much of what defines her and the unique experiences she has had are because she lived in the White House. That can't be separated from the person she is.

HRC is not in my top tier of DEM hopefuls for President, though I would vote for her if she was our party's nominee. It's ironic that the main solace I would take in her being chosen to represent our party is her connection to President Clinton, who I greatly admire.

When I wonder what defines the base of HRC's support, I have come to believe that a significant percentage of those folks see a vote for Hillary as two Clinton's for the price of one.

[movonne]

1. I think so...I'm not wild about her, but still like him...

[patrice]

2. What support?

I don't actually know anyone who personally supports her and I AM around a lot of Democrats.

[RiverStone]

7. That mysterious "base" the MSM refers to...

I am also around lots of DEMS patrice, and I share your experience - I know not one that supports her; though most would vote for her over any rethug in a national election.

Yet the MSM likes to report she's getting lots of support from somewhere (?), therein lies my question. Personally, I simply wonder if much of what she gets (in the way of support) comes from her close ties to hubby Bill.

:shrug:

[MadBadger]

13. Well can you blame the MSM? She is polling in the lead, so her support is coming from somewhere.

[patrice]

14. I even know a couple of Democratic leaders in the adjacent

county and I go to party breakfasts here in my own county. No one WANTS her, except maybe NOW (reminder to self: go to NOW events and see what's up).

[Deja Q]

3. Well, economic times were prosperous during his tenure as President.

Support by association.

[Bobbieo]

6. That is a very valid question

and is worth researching.

[jwirr]

4. I think some of it comes from women but I am not one of them.

[KittyWampus]

5. in the sense that Bill is a fundraising draw, and that money can translate into superficial support

yes.

[BlooInBloo]

8. Yes; at least a significant amount.

[BuyingThyme]

9. There's no question about that.

[whoneedstickets]

10. If it weren't for Bill, she wouldn't even be on the radar..

..a two-term Senator from NY? No major policy experience? Only one public office to which she was ever elected?

She's currently a factor because she raised a lot of cash, because she was First Lady. That's all she's got.

[patrice]

16. AIPAC = organization, organization, organization, organization . . . = Power

Sound similar to a certain nightmare all of us are enduring right now?

:grr:

[mitchum]

11. That's the Lurleen Wallace factor, but it's unfair...

HRC is quite capable of being her "own" corporate stooge

[hedgehog]

12. What,? No, of course not. Hillary is a smart lady who has lots of experience

and got to where she is today solely on her own merits. It has nothing to do with the fact that she is married to Bill Clinton. Why, based on your question, one would think she is tapping into the list of people who donated to him over the years.

Seriously, I think her most fervent supporters are behind her mostly because it drives right wingers berserk every time her name is mentioned!

[RaleighNCDUer]

15. Unfortunately, "Nyah, nyah, na nyah nah"

is not a winning electoral strategy.

[RiverStone]

18. And she will be standing behind the podium...

When the DEM debates begin in S.C. on Thursday. Tired, worn talking points will only go so far --- as will her connection to Bill. He seems alot more fresh on the stump then she does, even though he is not running (well, not really).

[TreasonousBastard]

17. Yeah-- what else would it come from? She's got a lot...

of qualifications and a pretty good resume on her own, but nothing so specioal to put her on the top of the heap without the Clinton fundraising machine and her name recognition.

Buying support is not the same as actually having support.