In an appearance in Iowa yesterday, Bill Clinton did what he's done a lot of for the past few months -- tell a crowd that Hillary is a really great person and would make a really great president.
From the LA Times:
"He mentioned a college friend who called and offered to campaign door-to-door for Hillary Clinton. The former president said he asked why the friend would be willing to do that. 'He said, 'Because I'm sick and tired of reading about what a polarizing figure she is. I have known her almost as long as you have and I have never known anybody who actually knew her who didn't like her, admire her, respect her and follow her wherever,' " Clinton said."
Although it would be better if Bill had actually behaved this way towards her during certain segments of his life, this is still nice. And we know that Bill is much beloved by many loyal Democrats. But aren't husbands supposed to say nice things about their wives? Isn't it pretty much discounted by voters, like your mother?
If Hillary has a likeability problem, or people don't trust her, it's just hard to believe that people will stop feeling how they do because Bill tells them she's really great. Not to mention the fact that he's said some variation of the same thing in about 100 different speeches at this point, so that even if it could have some effect it's pretty diluted.
UPDATE: A commenter points out that, overall at least, Bill is an undeniable asset. Today's NYT poll says that 44 percent of Democrats say his involvement makes them more likely to support Hillary, compared to 1 percent who feel the same about Oprah and Obama.
Comments (3)
When I think of Bill Clinton I am reminded of a snake oil salesman travelling from town to town. I am NOT buying his product.
From today's CBS poll -
Mr. Clinton's campaigning on his wife's behalf appears to benefit her: 44 percent said having the former president on the trail made them more likely to support Hillary Clinton. Meanwhile, only 1 percent said the same concerning Obama's most famous backer, talk-show host and entertainment mogul Oprah Winfrey - 80 percent said her support made no difference in their decision.
From today's CBS poll -
Mr. Clinton's campaigning on his wife's behalf appears to benefit her: 44 percent said having the former president on the trail made them more likely to support Hillary Clinton. Meanwhile, only 1 percent said the same concerning Obama's most famous backer, talk-show host and entertainment mogul Oprah Winfrey - 80 percent said her support made no difference in their decision.