did, and he's gone down in disgrace. >> now, those assumptions gave a lid to trump and ben carson, because if you're a republican base voter and the democratic front-runner doesn't look like much competition, you might as well go with the guy you like the most. but two important things have happened since then. we've gotten a lot closer to the first nominating contest, when voters will actually have to pick a candidate. and over the past month, helped by a well-received "snl" appearance, a strong performance at the first democratic debate, and an impressive 11 hours of testimony before the benghazi committee, clinton has appeared to turn things around. in recent national polls, she now beats all of the top five gop contenders in head-to-head matchups. that renewed formidability as a candidate is the best thing establishment candidates like jeb bush and chris christie could ask for. joining me now, betsy woodruff, political reporter at the daily beast. and betsey, you cover this election and cover republicans and republican voters. do you cover my thesis that the