CAN SHE MAKE IT? – AT 9:46 A.M. ET:  Although some in the media, especially at CNN, greeted Hillary Clinton's announcement with unabashed joy, the nation seemed able to restrain itself.  I do not see fireworks going off.  And Andrew Malcolm, one of the best commentators around, wonders why Hillary really wants to be president.  From IBD: 

Sunday was not the best day for Hillary Clinton to launch her bid. It was the 16th anniversary of a Federal judge holding hubby Bill in contempt for misleading her about his sexual relationship with that woman, Ms. Lewinsky. A reminder of the tawdry scandals, stonewallings and ethical controversies that seem attracted to the Clintons like swarming barnyard insects.

And it's not the best position for Hillary Clinton to credibly argue that her lackluster State Department tenure, including the deadly, avoidable Benghazi incident, qualifies her to be commander-in-chief. "Does America want a third Obama term?” Ted Cruz asked needlessly.

Then as always there's history: Since FDR in 1944, U.S. voters have given the same party three consecutive White House terms only once, 1988 when Vice President George H.W. Bush won, in effect, a third Reagan term.

But Reagan was popular, 57% approval. Obama not so much (46%).

“It’s hard for any party to hang on to the White House for 12 years,” recently noted Hillary's husband, whose two-term legacy was inadequate to boost his own vice president to victory in 2000.

In her day-before-the-announcement announcement video Clinton explained: "Everyday Americans need a champion, and I want to be that champion.” Again with the "want."

In not the best choice of talking points, reminding Americans of the worst economic recovery since World War II, the ex-Obama cabinet member said: "Americans have fought their way back from tough economic times" under Obama.

Then, the woman who claimed to be "dead broke" with two mansions who's been demanding $300,000 plus a crudite assortment for every speech, added: "But the deck is still stacked in favor of those at the top.” Do ya think? And which millionaires would that be?

COMMENT:  Wonderfully stated, from Andrew.  Hillary has not yet been tested in combat against real Republicans.  There is nothing to suggest she'll do well.  But, as we know, that depends largely on which Hillary shows up.  I'm taking wagers.

April 13, 2015