Complicating matters even more, Clinton’s greatest strength as a candidate, which is the public’s favorable view of her experience and temperament, also comes with qualifications.

In the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, 36 percent of respondents said the number one issue that concerned them about Clinton was “her judgments and decisions in dealing with Syria, Iraq, and Libya.” Her use of a private email server while secretary of state was voters’ second biggest concern at 29 percent.

All of this highlights the ongoing dilemma Clinton faces. Her personal history and the cross-currents of this election in an evenly divided and highly partisan nation make it difficult for her to appeal to enough voters to lead her opponent by 10 points, let alone 50. Her biggest lead in the RCP national average, which came right after her convention in Philadelphia, was 7.9 percent.

Her task would be difficult for a great politician, let alone someone with Clinton’s baggage. To paraphrase then-Sen. Obama’s backhanded compliment of her during a debate in 2008: She’s likable enough. But just barely – and only because her opponent is even less likable in the eyes of so many voters. But she doesn’t need to win by 50 points, she only needs to win by one, and that X-factor — Donald Trump’s own baggage — is why she’s ahead at all.