The idea has been floated out there ever since the 2008 race but as President Obama's approval ratings continue to sink to all time lows and only 17% approve of his handling of the economy the calls have grown louder. Democrats smell defeat in the upcoming elections and many view Hillary as their best chance to win. Is it possible that we could see a coup on the Left this year, or will the party stick with its 2008 golden boy?
Recent polls conducted by Gallup, Rasmussen, ABC and Fox all show Barrack losing support fast. In head to head match-ups the president only beats Gingrich, losing to both Romney and "a generic Republican" in tight races. His approval ratings at all time lows, unemployment hovering around 9%, and a stockpile of ammo for the right to attack him with (i.e. broken promises, spending/debt) may be too much to overcome for re-election. Recently Obama has even come under fire from his own party; Democratic lawmakers and politicians have criticized him over his energy policy, job's bill, budget compromise, over regulation, and foreign policy in Iraq, Afghanistan and Israel. Both foreign and domestic officials and news analysts have blasted the president on being too worried about the election, putting off major decisions and spending more time at fundraisers than running the country.
As Obama's popularity with the public and his party decline, leaders are beginning to doubt his ability to pull out a win in 2012. Increasingly, Hillary is seen as the lefts only shot at victory. Barely losing to Barrack in the 2008 primaries, her time at Sec of State has been seen as relatively successful, making major strides recently in Myanmar, handling Libya and the Arab Spring, and most recently the protests in Russia, often cleaning up Obama's foreign policy mess. Its also given her the international experience the pres lacks.
Hillary is also viewed by many as more even keeled, able to keep a cool head and negotiate better outcomes. While firmly Liberal, she is not percieved as so contentiously socialist as Obama, one conservative blogger calling her older and more wise. Indeed, some conservatives even admit to preferring Clinton over Obama, saying that despite her Liberalness, her experience as a politician and ability to get things done are an improvement and are hopeful she will use them to work with the right to do what's best for the country and not just Democrats. Of course, her husbands willingness to negotiate, popularity, and influence are a big bonus. At the end of the day, the general sentiment of the right and many moderates is "anyone but Obama".
Officially, Hillary has denied any intention to run in 2012, but the opinion pages and blogs are full of rumors that speculate otherwise. It would be very tough, however, to steal the sitting president's nomination, and running as a third candidate guarantees a Republican win. Obama would have to step down and forego a second term and although in his 2008 victory speech he said he wouldn't run again if the economy wasn't fixed in his first term, don't expect an egomaniac and narcissist like Obama to step down, he thinks too highly of himself for that.
Democrats know it would be he'll getting her as the nominee, that's why we have the fastest rumor: Hillary replacing Widen as VP. It's been a popular topic this week, some saying its Obama's "savior" and best /only shot at a second term. While Dems would love it, I don't think there's a chance in he'll it'll happen. Obama couldn't have her eclipsing him and stealing the spotlight; she might end up more powerful as VP. Plus, its widely rumored that after a harsh 2008 primary race and 4 years as Sec of State Hillary doesn't really like Barrack. It might go both ways.
For now all we can do is follow the rumor mills. Bill is the one to watch, he tends to give away more than his wife. His website even has a poll asking if people want Hillary to run in 2012. If she did I predict a landslide win. Quite honestly, between Obama and the lackluster GOP field, she may be exactly what we need.
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