We're still in the early silly season, but that hasn't stopped CNN from really stooping low. From the absurd tea party debate to their questionable personnel choices, they demonstrate again and again that their goal is to run to the right of Fox News.

The headline in the image above is a shining example. Americans optimistic about Hillary Clinton presidency? What presidency is that, exactly? Would that be the presidency that might have been, or is yet to be in the minds of Those Who Wish To Bait?

Nothing would make conservatives happier than to see the Democratic party split between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. They're drooling at the idea. Yes, there are various "Draft Hillary" initiatives all over the place, too. Why, there's a Facebook page with just over 2,000 fans! That must mean she's going to run, right?

From the CNN article under the link-baiting, inaccurate, stupid headline:

The Bloomberg survey released Friday showed 34 percent of those questioned said America would be superior under a Hillary Clinton administration, while 47 percent said it would be about the same and 13 percent said it would be worse. A quarter of respondents held similar wishful thoughts in a July poll. Clinton remains the most popular American political figure with nearly two-thirds of Americans holding a favorable view of the former first lady and New York senator. Half of the respondents felt the same way about President Barack Obama, who received the lowest job approval rating of his presidency, at 45 percent.

What a fascinating way to interpret a poll. Thirty-four percent say the country would be better while 62 percent say it would be the same or worse, yet based on the headline alone, you'd think she already declared her candidacy, won the nomination, had been elected, and had been governing for the last couple of years or so.

It's also no surprise to hear that the percentage rose between July and September on that question. Our foreign policy has been pretty stable over these last two months, while the economy and our domestic situation has taken a pounding over the debt ceiling debacle and high unemployment. If I were Hillary Clinton, I'd be grateful every day to not have to deal with all of that while fending off the wingnuts and crazypants Congress. She's got the best seat in the house.

It really seems like CNN is burying the lede on this story in a tea party fantasy about Hillary Clinton. This is the real story:

Former Massachusetts Gov. Romney received a 42 percent favorability rating while rivals Texas Gov. Perry and Rep. Ron Paul of Texas garnered 32 percent. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich received a 28 percent rating and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who is still mulling a bid for the White House, came in at 26 percent.

Oops. Saint Perry is slipping in all the polls after his Social Security gaffe at the debate, and Romney is gaining ground. Can't report that in the headline. Wouldn't be prudent.

Also? Hillary Clinton announced today that she will be stepping down as Secretary of State when Obama wins his second term, and has no intention of holding or seeking any public office. How about that, CNN? Might be time for pollsters to shut that question down, now.