Hillary's Comeback (posted October 2, 2000)
For the first time, First Lady Hillary Clinton has topped 50 percent in her New York Senate race polls. According to the New York Times, a new survey by Princeton Survey Research Associates for Newsday puts Mrs. Clinton at 52 percent compared to 42 percent for her Republican opponent Rick Lazio. This follows on the heels of a Quinnipiac University survey which found Mrs Clinton leading Lazio by 50 to 43 percent. A New York Times poll showed her leading Lazio by 48 to 39 percent. And a New York Daily News survey had her ahead by 48 to 43 percent.
What accounts for this Clinton comeback after weeks of languishing in the low 40s? First, in their initial television debate, Lazio came across as a bully trying to intimidate her. Second, the presence of Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman on the presidential ticket has boosted the fortunes of Mrs. Clinton. It may be the first time a vice presidential candidate has had coattails for another candidate.
Watch for Lazio to trim his aggressive style in future debates and attempt to suffocate his opponent with graciousness. There is little Lazio can do about the Lieberman bounce, but he can control his own behavior in the next debate.
