Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research

Stable Numbers for Rodham Clinton in 2008

July 18, 2005

Credit:The White House

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton keeps a steady level of public support in the United States, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 30 per cent of respondents say they would definitely vote for the former first lady in the 2008 presidential election.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton keeps a steady level of public support in the United States, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 30 per cent of respondents say they would definitely vote for the former first lady in the 2008 presidential election.

Rodham Clinton—a Democrat—was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000, defeating Republican Rick Lazio by 12 per cent. She ruled out a presidential bid in 2004. 62 per cent of respondents believe it is very or somewhat likely that Rodham Clinton will be the Democratic nominee in 2008.

In a January speech, Rodham Clinton called abortion a "sad, even tragic choice" and said the administration of former president Bill Clinton acted to reduce the number of abortions in the U.S. The statement was interpreted by some political observers as a shift to the right in preparation for a White House bid.

On Jul. 13, former president Clinton defended his wife's rationale, saying, "If you're a Democrat and you have sort of normal impulses, you're a sell-out. (...) But if (Republican Arizona senator) John McCain, who's Pro-Life, works with Hillary on global warming, he's a man of principle moving to the middle. It's nuts."

Neither of the two major political parties in the U.S. has ever nominated a woman for president. In 1984, New York congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro was Walter Mondale's vice-presidential nominee in the Democratic ticket.

Polling Data

If Hillary Rodham Clinton runs for president in 2008, would you vote for her?

 

Jul. 12

Jun. 28

Jun. 14

Definitely vote for her

30%

30%

30%

Definitely vote against her

35%

39%

36%

Depends on who she runs against

30%

25%

28%

How likely is it that senator Hillary Rodham Clinton will be the Democratic candidate for president in 2008?

Jul. 12

Jun. 28

Jun. 14

Very likely

28%

29%

31%

Somewhat likely

34%

35%

30%

Not very likely

19%

19%

20%

Not at all likely

10%

11%

9%

Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,000 American adults, conducted on Jul. 11 and Jul. 12, 2005. Margin of error is 3 per cent.