Reply #55: Its just that 2008 is not 2004.

[rinsd]

One cannot brush off Hillary doing well in polls by referencing 2004 because of several factors

A) the "don't know" numbers are lower this time around (usually around 10 to 15% while in 2004 right up to IA it was 20 to 25%).

B) None of the candidates in 2004 topped 30% in national heats, let alone 40%

C) None of the candidates in 2004 had a lead greater than the don't know numbers.

D) Most of the candidates in 2004 struggled to top 20%. This year two have been above that all year. Edwards in 3rd has a higher percentage than some poll leaders did in 2004.

E) None of the candidate in 2004 had the name recognition of Hillary. In fact at this stage of the game the big 3 for the Dems have far better name recognition (90% or greater) than the field in 2004.