Dems: Would you be mad at Hillary if she didn't run?

[The Mikado]

As the poster above me said, it depends on when she said she wasn't running. If it were in March? That's fine. If she did the "will she or won't she" dance until August? That would do lasting damage on the field as very few viable candidates would jump in, very few top-flight consultants would join their campaigns, very few volunteers would canvas for them, and very few big donors would open their wallets. Clinton has to make up her mind in the first quarter of 2015.

[The Mikado]

It's worth remembering the huge difference here between Clinton bowing out in February or March and her doing so in August or September. The latter would be truly devastating. The lost field recruiting, fundraising, organizational building, canvassing/volunteering, advertising, and, frankly, campaigning would cripple the remaining candidates, as all the big-name donors sit tight on their wallets until Clinton makes noises.

I fully expect Clinton to make her official announcement, whether in or out, by Valentine's Day. If she doesn't, either way, it's irresponsible to the party.