And Republicans are in denial about it.

By MarkHalperin, October 26, 2015

A virulent strain of Clinton Derangement Syndrome, which scientists and Republicans thought had been wiped out at the end of the last century, is now afflicting millions of conservative Americans. Some Republicans so detest Hillary Clinton they are badly underestimating how likely she is, at this point in the campaign, to be America’s 45th president. Their denial is just as strong now as it was a month ago, before Clinton began a run of political victories that have enhanced her prospects, all while the roller derby/demolition derby that is the Republican nomination contest has continued to harm the GOP’s chances of winning back the White House.

To be sure, nothing ever happens in a linear or tidy fashion with the Clintons; she is certain to add more chapters to the Perils of Hillary saga before Election Day 2016. Bernie Sanders could still upend her in Iowa, New Hampshire, or both, which could throw the nomination battle into unadulterated bedlam. Even if Clinton is nominated, a strong Republican candidate could absolutely defeat her next November, with victory as simple as the party putting forth a nominee who is more likeable to voters and better on television. Indeed, many elite and grassroots Republicans believe Clinton’s personality, which they can’t stand, will keep her out of the Oval Office no matter what.

But October has been good to Clinton: a glittering debate performance, the decision of potential rival Joe Biden not to run (greatly simplifying her path to the nomination), the vanquishing of Republicans during her daylong Benghazi hearing, and a solid turn at the Iowa Democratic Party’s Jefferson-Jackson dinner Saturday night. All have improved Clinton’s odds of cruising into the White House 12 months hence, and have thrown into sharper relief some of the advantages she has had all along.

To state the obvious, Clinton faces two tasks to become commander-in-chief: get enough delegates to beat Sanders and then sew up 270 electoral votes. The more easily she can complete her first mission (especially compared to the wooly nomination battle of her eventual Republican opponent), the more easily achievable will be her second goal.

Here, then, are some of the advantages the Democratic front-runner has now, many of which have been ignored or discounted by the people who want to beat her so badly they can’t think straight:

Clinton has shown she can handle Sanders, despite his plucky persona, raw grassroots appeal, and authentic authenticity....

Sanders has shown he doesn’t quite understand how to play big moments in the big leagues.

Clinton is getting better at managing (and shaking off) the personal pang of her likability deficit.

Biden’s withdrawal means Clinton will lock up even more commitments from the Democratic establishment, giving her even more super-delegates and making it easier to bounce back if Sanders wins Iowa, New Hampshire, or both.

Clinton has massive support from labor unions.

Clinton could be the de facto Democratic nominee by Feb. 8.

Clinton's husband now seems fired up and ready to go

Clinton's campaign is much less tense and fractious than was the 2008 team.

Clinton's team at last is convincing rich Democrats to come around to the super-PAC game.

Clinton has a first-class opposition research team that is saving nuggets to use once Republicans pick their nominee

The Republican nominee is more likely to emerge bloodied, broke, and behind.

As the nominee, Clinton will effectively control the DNC and will exercise free rein over the convention.

Republicans are erroneously convinced they can beat Clinton solely with talk of Benghazi, e-mails, and other controversies that have nothing to do with the economy and the real lives of real people.

Clinton is ready for the debates.

Clinton's pollster knows how to find issues that test 80-20 or 70-30, and the candidate knows how to translate them on the stump.

Obama’s approval rating is holding at a level that would make Clinton’s path much easier.

Clinton's team is already thinking about general election targeting.

Clinton would inherit a considerable demographic edge in a general election.

Clinton would also inherit a considerable Electoral College edge in a general election.

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