Democratic Presidential Contenders Focus on Iraq (3/3)

Political experts say Clinton has firmly established herself as the Democratic frontrunner in recent months by emphasizing her experience in government, first as First Lady during the presidency of her husband, Bill Clinton, and more recently as a U.S. Senator.

But analysts note that while Senator Clinton has long held a lead among Democrats in public opinion polls, she also continues to draw high unfavorable ratings from Republicans and independent voters. That could cause her problems in the general election if she winds up as the Democratic nominee.

Maurice Carroll directs public opinion surveys at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut.
"She is ahead and she has been ahead and she stays ahead without much change, there is no question that Mrs. Clinton is very, very popular among Democrats, still has a high number of negatives in the Quinnipiac poll and in everybody's polls."

In the latest Quinnipiac poll, Clinton narrowly beat the top Republican contenders for president, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Arizona Senator John McCain and former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson. Thompson is not in the race, but is expected to join it soon.