This is from TPM
The new Gallup poll shows Hillary Clinton with a huge national lead for the Democratic nomination — indeed, it's almost a full majority. Hillary has 48%, Barack Obama 25%, John Edwards 13%, and no other candidate registers above two percent. With Al Gore added into the mix, Hillary is still way ahead: Clinton 42%, Obama 21%, Gore 15% and Edwards 11%. A third question narrows the choices down to just Hillary and Obama: Clinton 61%, Obama 34%.
Food for thought: Ok, I looked at this poll. Its early. It probably doesn't mean much. However, what on earth accounts for Hillary having such a big lead?
I wonder if its possible if Gallup is calling Republicans by accident or some of the independents (in reality Republicans) are simply voicing their choice for Hillary for tactical reasons: (on the flip)
- to deny the anti-war left their candidate in Obama
- to keep Hillary around as a lightning rod to stir up votes for their side , i.e, Democrats chomping at the bit to take on Katherine Harris last year to punish her for 2000 and GOPpers justifiably worried at losing a senate seat
- they fear change. Hillary is a known quantity, the heart of the Democratic Establishment, and they simply don't know how to deal with Obama except to call him naive or irresponsible, echoing HRC's talking points..
- They see how Hillary's been moving to the center on some things and fear a genuine persuasive liberal in Obama.
I think that if Hillary is the nominee she could be buried under the crap from the 90s despite how bad Bush is stinking up the joint with Iraq and his scandals.
Is it worth it for me, an Obama supporter, to worry like this about Hillary being up in the polls this early in the game? Am I being paranoid?