GOP Primary Story Stars a Democratic Antagonist

"It was a cultural event that defined a generation, worthy of fond memories," the announcer says. "But worthy of a million of your tax dollars to build a museum? Hillary Clinton thinks so."

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The Republican White House hopefuls appear unmoved by charges that a bunch of men are being nasty to a woman. If anything, Bill Clinton's defense of his wife -- "these boys have been getting tough on her" -- has fired up the Republicans even more.

"You are the leader of the free world. You can't be a victim," said Kevin Madden, a spokesman for Romney. "You have to be a leader. Voters will be less likely to let her play a victim card."

Antipathy toward Clinton is hardly new for Republicans. During a McCain appearance in South Carolina on Monday, a woman in attendance used an unflattering term to describe Clinton in asking how Republicans could beat her next year. McCain offered to "give the translation" but still made clear he understood whom the questioner was referring to, referencing a poll showing him beating Clinton in a head-to-head matchup. "I respect Senator Clinton," he added.

But the increasingly routine bashing is also about the future as the candidates seek to prove to a depressed and frustrated Republican base that someone -- anyone -- can beat the disciplined, well-financed Hillary Clinton machine if she becomes the Democratic nominee.

"Everyone is trying out their best lines, trying out their best angles of attack, to show they should be the one to carry the Republican banner into battle against her," said Todd Harris, spokesman for former senator Fred D. Thompson (R-Tenn.).

"The Republicans clearly think Senator Clinton is the Democrat most likely to win the general election, which is why they are so obsessed with her," said Phil Singer, a spokesman for the Clinton campaign. "They know that if she wins, she'll end the war in Iraq and stop the other failed Bush policies."

Some Democrats worry that her presence at the top of the ticket could be the worst thing for their party, creating an automatic turnout boost for Republicans in some key state and local races. Advisers to former senator John Edwards (N.C.) and Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) note that Republicans are well versed in running anti-Clinton campaigns and argue that the GOP candidate might face a bigger challenge running against one of her rivals.

But Strimple said Republicans should worry that the increasing focus on Clinton is simply an attempt to distract attention from their own flaws.

"The use of Hillary Clinton allows every candidate to overcome the imperfections in their own candidacies," Strimple said.