Is Hillary Clinton ‘Likable Enough’?

In a 2008 Democratic debate between then-presidential hopeful Barack Obama and his opponent Hillary Clinton, the moderator raised the question of Clinton’s likability. Clinton responded, saying that the most important quality for voters to consider is who is ready to be president. Then Obama chimed in, saying that Clinton was “likable enough,” a remark he was roundly criticized for afterwards. But eight years later, the issue of likability continues to dog Hillary Clinton in this year’s presidential race. In the latest Washington Post/ABC News poll, Clinton is tied with Trump at fifty seven percent disapproval. In a New York Times/CBS News poll, sixty percent of respondents said she does not share their values. Is Clinton likable enough to win in the general election?