What's In Store For Hillary
"Yes, I think she will get kicked around by the press," Borger told Howard Kurtz. "I mean, Hillary Clinton has always been a polarizing figure. That's why so many people in the Democratic Party were looking for somebody else, perhaps in Barack Obama or somebody in a second tier. But I think Hillary Clinton knows and the people who work for her knows that she's not going to have an easy time of it. She's always had a tough time. And I think she's in for it."
If she's "in for it," though – and it sure looks like she might be – Clinton also has something going for her when it comes to the press. And that's the fact that "the contest for the White House is off to a breathtakingly fast start," as the New York Times put it. The early movement of big names like Clinton, Edwards and Obama makes it tough for less well known candidates to garner much press attention. Did you know that New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson – who has long been talked about as a viable presidential candidate – announced his candidacy this weekend? Didn't think so – everyone was too busy talking Hillary to pay much attention to his announcement. And don't get Dennis Kucinich started.
When it comes to politics, as John Kerry can attest, all press is not necessarily good press. But even if the press spends its time hammering Clinton, as Borger predicts, she still maintains the spotlight. And that means less attention for her rivals, and thus, ultimately, a smaller field of serious challengers to contend with.