The Democrats regard her highly and 56 per cent of Americans have a favourable view of her. But Senator Hillary Clinton's chances at being President of the United States still seem slim. A new Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll found that Clinton would be beaten if she ran for President against Republican Senator John McCain.
As the time comes for Presidential candidates to be named for the 2008 elections, the poll is significant in its findings.
The fact that voters are very familiar with Clinton does not bar her from also having the highest unfavourability rating at 40 per cent.
McCain has a 50 per cent to 31 per cent favorable-unfavourable rating among the voters but is seen unfavourably by several within his own party.
Among the Republican probables, a strong contender is former New York mayor -- and 9/11 hero -- Rudolph W Giuliani. Two-thirds of Americans view him positively and, in a sweep of sorts, he is liked across party lines and by independents.
Clinton could still be a big early lead for the Democrats but, as the poll shows, it's still anybody's guess who will be the most popular Presidential candidate.
Photograph: Alex Wong/Getty Images
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