In a very large vote, a vast majority of our readers' perception of President Clinton has gotten worse since the beginning of his wife's campaign for the Presidency. A strong 60.4% think less of the former President while only 12.3% have a better opinion. There is no question but that Bill Clinton's controversial role in this campaign has turned off many Americans - some of whom considered themselves former supporters.

Starting in South Carolina with his divisive statements about Senator Obama, to his increasingly kind words about Republican Senator McCain, it is clear that the current campaign trail is not a popular path for Bill Clinton. It remains to be seen in the long term if he is able to rebuild his reputation once the campaign is over -- no matter what the result. His work with the Clinton Foundation has been undeniably impressive especially in the area of HIV/AIDS. Perhaps returning fully to that course would be an excellent way to remind voters of his good works -- and make the rest of us feel good about being Democrats. Indeed, as Nixon lawyer John Dean points out in his compelling book, BROKEN GOVERNMENT, former Democratic presidents statistically tend to go into philanthropic work. Republican presidents tend to cash-in with corporate advisory positions.

Still, former Presidents rarely fall so precipitously so quickly in public opinion as has Bill Clinton. Of course, we never have had a former First Lady run for office. History. Everywhere we turn.

Has Your Opinion of President Bill Clinton Changed Since the Beginning of the Campaign?

Gotten Worse 60.4%
Gotten Better 12.3%
No Change 27.4%