Most people didn't hate Kerry. Realistically, most people probably hadn't heard of Kerry before he ran. We tend to vastly overestimate the political interest and knowledge of the majority of voters in this country.
Kerry did become a little bit of a source of ridicule, but to the average voter, there was no hatred or fear of Kerry. Maybe just the sense that he wasn't up to the job.
The hatred of Hillary isn't just confined to the far right. She creeps out men and women of all political stripes. If she can pull it off despite that, she'll have come from a far weaker position than Kerry ever had.
I agree with your assessment of the political sensibilities of Joe six-pack...I once related that most Americans approached voting like most men approach Christmas - ignore it until the last possible moment and then BAM! Powershop!
And I agree that sHrillary is a very controversial character. But don't think that won't stop the loonie left from:
1. Cheating
2. Closing ranks to consolidate power
3. Cheating
4. Holding their collective noses to vote for the be-otch
5. Cheating
Who knows? By 2008 they might even come up with an idea or two for their platform! ;'}