Are there some cheerful interpretations....

[LAS14]

.... of the fact that the RealClearPolitics averages of matchups between Clinton and all the Republican candidates mostly favor the Republicans?

[radical noodle]

1. I wonder if matchups of Obama to McCain in 2008

showed Obama winning? I kind of doubt it. It's way too early and honestly, the Republicans haven't been vetted except that now we know who are the biggest bullies.

[Treant]

2. Tons.

But the biggies:

1) It's too early. Most people aren't all that into it yet.

2) Trump (and the others) have mostly benefited from a real lack of vetting. That won't last.

3) Clinton has taken a preference hit in the Primaries. She'll rebound when Bernie is off the table (figure June).

[Cha]

7. Thank you.

[Chichiri]

3. It's months yet before such polls become reliable predictors.

I would say after the conventions, but the conventions are earlier this year than in past years, so I'm not sure how that will affect things.

[FrenchieCat]

4. Because most people don't know Sanders yet!

And although folks want to think there's nothing more to know, actually there's quite a bit, most of a quite devastating.

[jsmirman]

5. I don't think people grasp "the reality of this person being president" test

that's why McCain pretty much guaranteed himself an asskicking by choosing Palin.

Lot's of stuff that's fun and good theater in the primaries turns real ugly when hit with the light of the day.

[MSMITH33156]

6. So true

Hillary is also unique because she is a known quantity. You'll see much higher unfavorables, which hurts the polling.

If you wanted to guess at the general election, which it is very difficult to do, I would look at betting markets.

[obamanut2012]

8. And, well-known GOP have already said they will vote for HRC