Seventy-seven percent (77%) of American adults say that New York Senator Hillary Clinton is at least somewhat likely to win the Democratic Presidential nomination in 2008. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that, among Democrats across the nation, 85% hold that view.

Forty-four percent (44%) of all adults, and 47% of all Democrats, say it is Very Likely that Clinton will be the eventual nominee.

Clinton currently leads by a large margin in national polling on the race. She has a somewhat smaller lead in Iowa which will open the voting season with its caucuses on January 3. A Rasmussen Reports analysis of Election 2008 notes that Hillary Clinton is the unifying theme of the entire campaign. Looking to the general election, Clinton is currently in a toss-up with Republican frontrunners Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson.

The survey, conducted in partnership with Fox Television Stations, Inc., also found that Americans are split as to whether they prefer a Presidential candidate with experience in business, experience in politics, or someone they agree with on the issues but with less experience. A plurality of Republicans prefer business experience, a plurality of Democrats prefer experience in politics, and a plurality of those not affiliated with either major party prefer someone they agree with on the issues (see crosstabs).

The survey also found that 6% of Americans would definitely vote for Stephen Colbert if he is on the ballot in 2008. Thirty-two percent (32%) would definitely vote against him. Those numbers are comparable to the poll results obtained in April for fellow comedian Jon Stewart. Colbert also defeats both Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich in head-to-head match-ups.

See survey questions and top-line results. Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.