Hillary's poll numbers

[motomonkey]

Hillary has some formidable strenghts including:

1.  Her popularity with the core of the Democratic base and traditional leadership is substantial.  This will work in her favor in getting super delagate commitments. 
2.  Her experience (including Bill's) will allow her to navigate the important back channels, power brokers and local political machines more effectively than any other candidate.
3.  Her popularity is strongest in larger markets with dominating media coverage ie. New York.  This has the effect of amplifying her message which makes her often seem like she is doing better than she really is.  If her message gets traction beyond her base this media advantage will be hard for competitors to overcome.
4.  Never underestimate Bill Clinton's political ability to read a situation and devise the perfect message and strategy to end up on top.  The "comeback kid" has the best instinctive political skills ever seen at the Presidential level.

That being said:

1.  Her numbers are retreating not climbing.
2.  She is still the most polarizing candidate in the race.  It appears the people that oppose her hate her more than the people who support her love her.  She needs strong, passionate supporters to overcome the negative noise that will only increase as her candicy moves forward.
3.  Obama is a rock star.  Democrats are suckers for rock stars.  Without Obama, Hillary would have been that "cause celeb" but for now, she has to watch the gushing from the bridesmaid position.
4.  She needs to fight without looking like a street fighter. 

In all, Hillary should be around for a long while, but I think Edwards is in a very good place as this plays out (assuming no Gore entrance).