The trouble began when Clinton waffled on a debate question about Gov. Eliot Spitzer's plan to give driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. The story gained new life two days later when Clinton said it wasn't easy competing in "the all-boys' club" of presidential politics.

The political fallout from the episode remains unclear. Clinton sagged in a CNN national poll and a New Hampshire poll taken by Rasmussen, but preserved double-digit leads. She maintained a 21-point lead in yesterday's NBC/Wall Street Journal poll despite low marks for honesty, likability and sharing her positions on issues.

"You start off the campaign by saying you're the toughest one out there. And then you whine about everything?" said Joe Trippi, a John Edwards aide.