Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin are the most admired women in the U.S., according to a new USA Today/Gallup Poll. The two were virtually tied, with Clinton selected by 16% and Palin 15% of those surveyed. Digesting the results, the press can't help but compare the two leaders. The L.A. Times gushed:

A Democrat and a Republican. A former senator and a former governor. Two polarizing politicians, both moms, both bestselling authors, both who lost their bids for one of the nation's top elected offices last year. Are American voters dropping a hint here?"

The poll immediately sparked interest in whether or not Clinton and Palin would ever square off in an election. Others mused on what the results say about the country, if anything at all:

• I Smell a Fight Brewing, writes Andrew Malcolm at The Los Angeles Times: "Not that public admiration necessarily translates to votes. But the results have to set off any political spectator's eager imagination about a future presidential ballot match-up between the pair who, though politically polar opposites, are both outspoken, both often underestimated and both beloved by their respective bases."

• Shows How Divided We Are, writes Susan Page at USA Today: "The close finish by Clinton, named by 16% in the open-ended survey, and Palin, named by 15%, reflects the nation's partisan divide. Clinton was cited by nearly 3 in 10 Democrats but only 6% of Republicans, Palin by a third of Republicans but less than 1% of Democrats."

• Let's Not Over-Analyze, writes Tom Kavanagh at Politics Daily: "Before anyone trumpets it as a resounding affirmation, it's worth noting that neither woman drew impressive numbers: just 16 percent of the 1,025 adults polled nationwide picked Clinton, and 15 percent chose Palin."

Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments or send an email to the author at jhudson at theatlantic dot com. You can share ideas for stories on the Open Wire.
John Hudson