The are different types of "negatives".
There is a huge difference between a "likeability" question that asks "Do you have a favorable impression of Jane Doe?" and a perceived competence question that asks, "Do you think that Jane Doe would make a good (President/airline pilot/surgeon)?"
I have a very good impression of my 93 year old aunt and I am certain that you would have one too.
Be that as it may, I would definitely answer that my 93 year old aunt would NOT make a good President or airline pilot or surgeon and you should too ..... No matter how much you may like her, personally.
Ask a Palin supporter if he/she has a "Favorable" impression of Sarah Palin and the answer will be, "Yes!!!!"
Ask that same Palin supporter if he/she believes that Sarah Palin would be a good brain surgeon for themselves and answer will be, "Hell, no!!!!"
Likewise, the large majority of Republicans "like" Sarah Palin and have a "Favorable" opinion of her while the vast majority of Democrats simply hate her guts.
On the other hand, even though they may "like" Sarah Palin, 58% of Republicans do not believe that she would make a good President.
At this point it’s possible for ANYONE to change their positive & negative impressions. That’s what primary season is for. I think having more choices is best. It will all sort itself out in the end. At this point ALL those thinking about running have internal polls and know what they need to work on. My guess is that polls will be all over the place at this point. In Hot Air’s monthly poll (which is probably almost all Republican voters who pay attention to politics) Sarah Palin comes out ahead, way ahead, every time. So time will tell. There’s room for everyone to support their preferred candidate.
Cindie