Posted on 06/21/2005 9:39:03 AM PDT by Tumbleweed_Connection
New York Sen. Hillary Clinton has reached personal best in terms of national popularity, with 52 percent of Americans now saying they view her favorably - and only 37 percent disagreeing.
That's a far cry from the way Americans viewed Mrs. Clinton four years ago, notes her one-time adviser Dick Morris, who recalls how seriously Pardongate and Furnituregate damaged her image in 2001, just as Hillary's Senate career was getting under way.
"Hillary went into free fall," he writes in Tuesday's New York Post. "Her favorability dropped to 44 percent that February, and to an all-time low of 39 percent in March."
So, what accounts for the dramatic improvement in Hillary's numbers?
Morris says his former client can thank the GOP.
"Hillary's move to the center including her frequent association, in public, with the likes of Newt Gingrich, Bill Frist and Rick Santorum is clearly paying dividends."
"It is also likely that Bill Clinton's constant appearances with President Bush Sr. and his highly visible efforts for the tsunami victims are helping rehabilitate his wife's image."
Detoxifying Mr. Clinton's image is a key element in the former first couple's campaign to reclaim the White House. And with Bush family members now referring to the ex-president as "Bubba", "Bro" and "Son," the Clintons' upcoming visit to Kennebunkport is sure to sound like a family affair.
Having her husband become an honorary Bushie has paid off big for Bill and Hill, says Morris:
"In the Fox News poll, 38 percent of voters, including the vast bulk of Democrats, said that they would be 'enthusiastic' about seeing Bill return to the White House as 'first husband.'"
Before the Clintons sway any more of the public, he advises:
"President Bush needs to get his father to pull back on his public bobsey-twins identification with Bill and Republicans need to let Gingrich et al. know of their displeasure with his new found best-buddy relationship with Hillary."
Morris hocking baloney again.
And the Klein book has backfired. Big time.
No. The Klein book has accomplished EXACTLY what was intended.
Baloney ? It's the obvious truth.
And the Klein book has backfired.
How so? Wasn't it released today?
Klein's book has nothing to do with the GOP.
52%? I dont believe it.
She's serging because for some time she's kept her mouth closed and stayed out of the limelight, quite patiently, while others have talked about her. If she runs for office she won't be able to do that! I HOPE!!!!!!!!!
these same polls showed Kerry winning in a landslide. Nothing obvious about this than the stench.
The more lurid accusations about rape and murder from the book have been repeated already. These are serious, libelous things to accuse someone of without evidence.
The public recoils at hatred and mudslinging. All the 'shrub' and 'chimp' and '*' stuff only made the Democrats look petty last year. Hatred is for the impotent.
It will be all downhill from here.
No polls ever showed Kerry winning in a landslide.
You know Dick Morris is right about things no more than 10% of the time. I really don't even listen when he goes on his rants.
I mean he is one to talk, he owes his entire career to a expose' of the Clintons. I make be mistaken but I think thats right isn't it?
I agree.
People need to calm down.
It's over 3 years away, and a lot can happen between now and then.
It doesn't mater how Hillary is perceived in NY. It matters how she's perceived in the rest of the country, which is far from favorably.
"Hillary's move to the center including her frequent association, in public, with the likes of Newt Gingrich, Bill Frist and Rick Santorum is clearly paying dividends."
? and I've got a bridge for sale.
about 80% of all polls showed Kerry leading.
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