Gallup: Hillary's "Political Counselor's" Popularity Nears New High

[wyldwolf]

Who even knew they tracked presidential approval ratings -- after the president leaves office? In any case, the folks at Gallup report today that Bill Clinton's approval rating, more than six years after leaving office, is near an all-time high.

His 63% approval rating is his highest since February 1998, and just short of his high mark, 66%, set just prior to his inauguration in 1993. His average as president was 57%. His current mark is slightly above that of his wife, Hillary Clinton, which currently stands at 58%.

Meanwhile, another Gallup polls shows Sen. Clinton topping Sen. John McCain in a 2008 match for president, by three points, 50% vs. 47%, while Clinton trails Rudy Giuliani by two points, 48% vs. 50%.

Surprisingly, newcomer Sen. Barack Obama does nearly as well vs. McCain (tying with him at 48%), but trails Giuliani by a nine-point margin: 43% to 52%. Gallup attributes the latter falloff to Democratic defections. Why that is might produce interesting speculation.

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003546300
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/news_theswamp/2007/02/bill_clinton_is.html

Although the former president's role in his wife's campaign for president is not fully clear at this point, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton referred to her husband as her "full-time political counselor" in a speech in New Hampshire this weekend.

Polling info so people can spin it differently:

http://www.galluppoll.com/content/?ci=26578

[saltpoint]

1. I'm picturing Linda Tripp opening up the Post this morning and

seeing this story.

Politics has its winners and it has its losers.

[Alamom]

2. Thank you. Great article. n/t

[illinoisprogressive]

3. Some, I believe is nostalgia in reaction to the last 6 years. We always look back

in times of uncertainty and stress to easier, or even perceived easier times. Not to take away from anyone but, I think many are fearful of the future and have been thru alot with Bush so they look back and see the good parts of Bill. They forget some of the ongoing dramas. It's nice people love him but, they must look forward to the future and not stay stuck in the past as the answer to thier fears.

[Tellurian]

4. The Clintons' elicit confidence.. because they're proven winners..

Although, Obama is a fresh face. At the 11th hour on election night, we need to know a democrat will be the new president. The Clintons are in it to Win. At least we know if some unforeseen problem arises, they won't back down from a fight and won't stop until the Win is theirs/ours.

[wyldwolf]

9. couldn't agree more

[SaveElmer]

12. Right in target...nt

[SaveElmer]

11. Nostalgia implies a desire for a return to better times...

The 90's under Bill Clinton were certainly better times, so I would argue this is a look forward...an effort by many to resume the impressive progress that was made between 1993 and 2000. Progress that has been ended, and indeed reversed by the current cabal...

[William769]

5. She's been my choice since before she announced.

I'm with her till the very end. WTG Mrs. Clinton!

[Alamom]

6. I believe many people realize we need experience. We don't have

time for anyone who will need to learn or be tutored.....

We need someone who has been there and knows the pitfalls and the ropes.

At another time, someone less experienced would be ok.

We have never been in the kind of mess we are in now and we need someone who has been there before and did a better job than anyone has in a very long time.


Not nostalgia, but confidence. We know the Clintons and we know what they can & will do.



Although Hillary is brilliant and experienced in her own right, knowing Bill will be there in some capacity is a very big PLUS




edsp

[GeorgeGist]

7. And Clinton's legacy...

was Bush. Go figure.

[wyldwolf]

8. ...Punny. But I think his economy has a little to do with it.

[Colobo]

10. With Obama till the end

That's my position.

[oasis]

13. BC approval ratings "near an all-time high". America is awaking from its slumber.

:patriot:

[bigdarryl]

14. this is bullshit these polls mean nothing 11 months out

[Colobo]

15. After the first debates

Things will truly take shape.

[wyldwolf]

17. show me ONE instance where debates have "shaped" things

[wyldwolf]

16. 11 months out from what?