WHERE'S THE CANDIDATE? – AT 10:19 A.M. ET:  Democrats in early primary states are getting nervous about the absence of Hillary Clinton.  As the presumed Democratic presidential nominee in 2016, she should be out there showing the flag.  The only thing she's currently showing is a list of excuses and explanations.  From WaPo: 

In Iowa, Democrats want to see Hillary Rodham Clinton mingling in their neighborhood coffee shops, answering their questions and sharing laughs. In New Hampshire, they expect her on their living-room couches, listening to their tales of struggle. In South Carolina, they’re eager to hold hands with her and pray together.

And in each of the early presidential primary and caucus states, Democratic activists are asking the same question: Where is Hillary?

As Clinton slow-walks her way into the 2016 presidential race, many of the Democratic front-runner’s most active supporters are concerned that she’s not yet doing the kind of face-to-face politicking that is well underway by a cast of a dozen or more likely Republican candidates.

Clinton’s absence has stoked unease among her impatient supporters, who also worry about her reputation as someone uncomfortable with the nitty-gritty of retail campaigning.

“They’re anxious because so many Republican candidates are coming here, they’re flowing in, and it’s like a parade on the other side,” said New Hampshire state Sen. Lou D’Allesandro, a top Clinton backer in 2008. “Obviously she’s going to run. They’re hoping she’s going to be here so they can actually see her and engage with her and reinvigorate the campaign.”

COMMENT:  Some of these folks seem unaware that Hillary was been preoccupied with the Clinton family business – scandal.  And I suspect that some astute political observers are just waiting for the next scandal to hit, or for one of the current ones to blow up.

Will Hillary actually run?  All indications are that she will.  The general Clinton strategy when dealing with scandal is to let time pass, in the hope, usually correct, that the scandal will disappear from the media.  This time, though, that strategy may fail.  A presidential candidate is in a category all its own, and Clinton does not have the same appeal that candidate Obama did. 

There are also an apparently increasing number of "progressive" Democrats who are trying to drum up support for an Elizabeth Warren campaign.  But Warren knows that if she runs, and loses, the Clintons will finish her politically.  I doubt if Lizzie will take the plunge unless Hillary either drops out or is convicted of grand larceny. 

March 18, 2015