Public Puts Hillary Clinton Far Ahead of 2016 Contenders

The latest Reason-Rupe poll asked Americans what one person they would most like to see run for president in 2016. Without being given a list to choose from, Hillary Clinton was the most frequented name given at 22 percent. It is unclear from this data alone whether this result stems from Americans who want her to run and win and those who want her to run, and well, lose.

Hillary's 22 percent is far higher than the second highest vote-getter, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) who garnered a little more than three percent of open-ended responses. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie also came in a close 3rd also at three percent. Other names that hit the radar include Vice President Joe Biden, and former Texas Congressman Ron Paul with two percent respectively. Nevertheless, still more than half of Americans couldn't name any one American they wanted to run for president in 2016.

Republicans were most likely to say Marco Rubio (9 percent), Chris Christie (7 percent), and Hillary Clinton (6 percent) were their preferred 2016 presidential candidates. Independents mentioned Hillary Clinton (20 percent), Ron Paul (4 percent), and Marco Rubio (3 percent). Thirty-eight percent of Democrats mentioned Hillary Clinton, and 4 percent selected Joe Biden.

Tea partiers' top pick was Marco Rubio at 11 percent, but then Hillary Clinton garnered 9 percent, and Chris Christie and Ron Paul both tied at 5 percent.

It remains unclear whether Hillary Clinton made the Republicans and tea partiers' list out of genuine like for her as a candidate, or whether these respondents view her as a weak candidate and easier to beat.

Women were also more likely to mention Hillary (26 percent) than men (18 percent).

Americans who made the "Other" list include Paul Ryan, Bill Clinton, John Kerry, Gov. Bobby Jindal, Ted Nugent, Trump, Dr. Benjamin Carson, Senator Rand Paul, Jon Huntsman, Stephen Colbert, Michelle Obama, and Mayor Cory Booker.

It is a long way off from the next presidential election, but it won't be long until the overt campaign begins in full force.

Nationwide telephone poll conducted February 21-25 2013 interviewed 1002 adults on both mobile (502) and landline (500) phones, with a margin of error +/- 3.8%. Columns may not add up to 100% due to rounding. Full poll results found here. Full methodology can be found here.