Sanders just might be the most popular politician in America

[Whiskeytide]

49. The fact that her "unlikeability" is...

... is falsely manufactured by the media and the right - over 25 years - doesn't mean it's not a problem in the upcoming election.

I live in the deep red South. I know a lot of republicans and independents (at least self professed independents), and we talk politics all the time.

I know very few actual Trump supporters. They're here - all around me judging by the yard signs and bumper stickers- but I don't associate with them and have little interaction with them concerning politics.

Many Republicans I know detest Trump - but will grudgingly vote for him because they detest Clinton more.

Many independents detest Trump, but can't bring themselves to vote for Clinton because they also don't like her. They are unable to articulate a substantive reason for not liking her, but "not like her" they do. Our conversations usually end with them exclaiming "I just DON'T, okay". I've gotten through to about 4 of them - made them think at least - and I'll keep trying, but I don't think I'll flip Alabama with my efforts this election. Maybe they'll stay home. But the dislike is soooooo deeply rooted it's a little unnerving.

My point is that southern independents are not likely to flip to her in significant numbers - and that comes down to her likeability (fair or not). I'm not sure how that might play out with the independents elsewhere, but I would guess there is an impact with them as well, to some degree.

I suspect Clinton's performance in the debates will be critical because - for the first time - she will have a chance to demonstrate the mythology of her likeability problems to the voters just now tuning in. Those are the voters she needs to reach. We will vote for her, and the republicans will vote for the Cheato. "The middle" will actually decide this election. And whether or not they "like" her matters.