Keller @ Large: Hillary Clinton's Likely Presidential Candidacy Well-Received In Boston
BOSTON (CBS) – Then-Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said in her 2007 YouTube video announcing her candidacy for president "Let the conversation begin," adding "I have a feeling it's going to be very interesting. "
You can say that again.
And she will say that again this Sunday, ending exactly zero suspense about her plans, but also kicking off a second try for the White House that was well-received among local voters who spoke to WBZ-TV on Friday.
"It's about time that we get a woman president," said one young woman. "So many countries have been there before, even third world countries."
But there are plenty of voters who don't like the former First Lady, senator and Secretary of State.
Her poll numbers have slipped in the wake of recent criticism of her email habits.
"That's gonna be a big problem for her," said one Clinton supporter. "It questions her trustworthiness."
No question, trust is something any successful candidate must cultivate. For some voters, Clinton's gender and experience create confidence.
"She's proven, tested," a voter said.
But then-Secretary Clinton's handling of the 2012 fatal attack on our diplomatic corps in Benghazi, Libya – and her angry response to sharp questioning about it during a congressional hearing in 2013 ("Was it because of a protest or was it because of some guys out for a walk one night who decided they'd go kill some Americans? What difference at this point does it make?") have shaken the confidence and trust of others.
Nearly one half of respondents in a recent poll said the affair would hurt her candidacy.
And there's one more potential problem, which doubles as one of her strengths – her famous last name.
"How different will she be from her husband?" wondered a male voter. "Are we just seeing the same families being elected to the White House?"