My Advice - Six Weeks Late - to Hillary Clinton

[lavender]

After seeing the latest Texas debate and listening to the comments of David Gergen on CNN - which were right on - I would like to offer this belated advice to Hillary Clinton.

When you're competing with someone who has captured the hearts and minds of even those who support you, don't policy wonk us to death. We love the details, we love the policy, but give us some of your personality, some of your fire. Because that's what these voters want - passion!

Hillary's two best campaign moments - the New Hampshire choke up and the close of the Texas debate. They all showed that the woman who many see to be calculating and a robot has a human side - she actually is a person with emotions. And, those moments were her most successful.

Where did those moments go in the intervening 6 weeks?

Gergen was right - a theme started emerging that she could have easily used. Words are powerful - as you know Obama is winning with them. Words inspire - it's the reason great oratory is so memorable. So change your words - and keep the same message. Change the word "work" to "fight." Be the "fighter" not the "worker." A "fighter" excites - a "worker" puts you to sleep.

Instead of "I will work 24/7 for you" - "I will fight 24/7 for you." Show your toughness - make it an attribute that makes you the best candidate for the democrats and independents who want their policies instituted. Be the fighter - not the lover and the inspirer - but the one who will roll up their sleeves and get the knock out punch for change. Worker is too mundane.

But, more than that Hillary - you should have used the message of inspiration that you gave in your closing. Where Obama's words have inspired and rely on hope he gives to others - use those words to your advantage. The close was great - a theme could have emerged. State that in your 35 years "fighting" for the American people - you have met so many Americans from so many walks of life. And in these meetings, in the stories you here and the lives you encounter, the American people have given you hope, have given you inspiration. Not like Obama who is using words to give others hope - turn it around - your work has introduced you to those people have given you inspiration that the perserverence and determination of the American people - despite all obstacles - have given you the inspiration that make you work, make you fight, make you resolved to make Washington, this country, and the ideals of our democracy work for we the people.

Instead you brainiaced people to death. And that is why you will lose.

 

[Problem Child]

Hillary's motto should be "you don't like me...you really don't like me."

And most people don't.

 

[lavender]

Hillary's motto should be "you don't like me...you really don't like me."

And most people don't.

She's had terrible handlers. She could have been very likeable. She's pissed me off numerous times - keeps pissing me off somewhat regularly.

I'm still not against her though.

 

[Problem Child]

She's had terrible handlers. She could have been very likeable. She's pissed me off numerous times - keeps pissing me off somewhat regularly.

I'm still not against her though.

I hate to say I knew this would happen, but I knew this would happen. Her negatives are and always have been way too high. That's why the Republicans are praying that she'll get the nomination.

We've all seen Hillary on the national stage since 1990. I think the opinions people have about her aren't going to be easily changed.

 

[leZilla]

HIllary Clinton is 6 weeks late??? Oh for the love of GOD.

*FREAKOUT*

 

[lavender]

I hate to say I knew this would happen, but I knew this would happen. Her negatives are and always have been way too high. That's why the Republicans are praying that she'll get the nomination.

We've all seen Hillary on the national stage since 1990. I think the opinions people have about her aren't going to be easily changed.

I'm still just in the denial phase of the fact that Edwards for some reason doesn't gain traction in the Democratic party.

Now, I'm just in the teeter tottering indecision of who I'm going to select on March 4. My heart is with Clinton and my mind with Obama.

 

[Problem Child]

I'm still just in the denial phase of the fact that Edwards for some reason doesn't gain traction in the Democratic party.

Now, I'm just in the teeter tottering indecision of who I'm going to select on March 4. My heart is with Clinton and my mind with Obama.

I don't know either. I liked Edwards better than the other two.

That's interesting about Obama/Clinton. I think most people are the other way around.

 

[lavender]

I don't know either. I liked Edwards better than the other two.

That's interesting about Obama/Clinton. I think most people are the other way around.

I know they are. The mind part with Obama is that I want to fucking win this election and I think he'll wipe the floor with McCain - double digit victory. Obama is poised with the rhetoric he has used so far in the primaries to easily bat down all of McCain's criticisms. It's going to be so easy. Don't be surprised if we aren't reminded nonstop about the Keating scandal in the national debates, this NYTimes story is bigger for what it reminds us about the hypocrisy of McCain's lobbyist and special interest stance than it is about any ridiculous alleged affair.

When was the last time McCain inspired anyone - the 80s? Early 90s?

Clinton - I think it's a woman thing, which sounds terrible, I know. I hear the criticisms and realize they are criticisms that I have heard my whole life, whether it be from my bosses, my peers, opposing counsel in the court room, people who have critiqued me in public speaking etc. Women have to walk a fine line between being emotional vs. too aggressive; too soft vs. too calculating; too motherly vs. too robotic.

Hillary Clinton is cast as the young girl in the class room who always raises her hand higher and says "me! me! I know the answer."

I guess there's an understanding there that is difficult to convey and people will just dismiss it as me voting for her because she is a woman. I think I understand her flaws better and can justify them. And I just have a thing for the policy wonk!

 

[Problem Child]

I just don't think Hillary is very honest. McCain did inspire me in 2000, but a lot of that was who he was running against. There are actually a lot of things I like about McCain, but then again I'm not a Rush Limbaugh Republican.

 

[lavender]

I just don't think Hillary is very honest. McCain did inspire me in 2000, but a lot of that was who he was running against. There are actually a lot of things I like about McCain, but then again I'm not a Rush Limbaugh Republican.

I never really liked McCain but I used to respect him. In 2000, I was appalled by what Bush did to McCain in South Carolina and I'm appalled at how the Republican party, generally, treats McCain. It's a really odd thing.

But, over the last eight years my respect for McCain has greatly dwindled. If you want to talk about honesty and integrity - McCain sold his to the devil in 2000 and kept selling it daily with his support of Bush. He truly had an opportunity over the last eight years to put his actions where has mouth has been - to be the anti-establishment Senator that he claims to be throughout his presidential candidacies. But no - he sat idly by and watched and supported this administration due abhorrent things!

At any point he could have disavowed himself - he could have played the Chuck Hagel role - or a number of other Republicans who have come out on different occasions against the acts of Bush.

People say that Hillary Clinton wants to be president worse than anyone and will do anything to be president. (Well - everyone knows Romney actually kinda took that title away from Clinton). But, if you look at the last 8 years the person that mantra really applies to is John McCain.

I kept looking for him to stand up at any point - I kept looking for him to really be the straight talker he proclaims to be - but NADA! And for that - his hands bear some of the dirt from this Presidency and the Republican bullshit that we have endured for the last 8 years. What he showed me is for all of his rhetoric - at the end of the day he's as partisan as the rest of them - he just takes a now unsubstantiated and sanctimonious stand.

Just wait until this New York Times article actually bears out. All those who say it's bullshit right now - wait until all these facts start making the mainstream media. His unequivocal denial has already been fact checked with previous deposition testimony to discover that the unequivocal denial is wrong - he has testified previously that he met with the head of certain companies and one of those CEOs has already confirmed it to a reporter. The lobbyists in his campaign that McCain says are no longer lobbyists or who don't influence him - are conducting their work from the fucking Straight Talk Express.

Look, I know they're all a bunch of dirty mother fuckers. But when you're dirty - don't try to con us all into thinking you are the Mother Theresa of DC fighting against corrupt Washington influences.

He has just disappointed me so much and I'm sick of his schtick because that's all it is - and no amount of earnesty and protestations of "straight talk" and "honesty" are going to rectify his RECORD over the last 8 years.

He had the change and he blew it - for one reason - to get the 08 Presidential nod.

Something I have noticed that is of interest - is how the Democrats treat McCain versus the way the Republicans treated Kerry. It still mystifies me that the Republicans get the military vote. A military man runs for President as a Democrat and the Republicans attack his career, attack his awards, decry everything he did for this country - while your dude sat with a silver spoon shoved up his ass.

This year, a Republican military man runs and the first thing each Democratic candidate says is that McCain is an American hero and praises his record.

The difference is just astounding to me - and demonstrates that the Republicans really don't give two shits about our soldiers and it's just talk talk talk.

 

[lavender]

Double post

 

[JazzManJim]

We love the details, we love the policy...

Obviously, you don't. Else she would be winning. I can't think of a single substantive policy that was really debated in any of the Democratic debates (and I watched all but two of them). Indeed, I bet you that not two registered Democrats in ten could tell you the differences between Obama and Clinton on national defense, health care, and taxes.

 

[Problem Child]

Your posts are too fucking long. That said, I can't really disagree with anything you said. I hated his sucking up to Bush as well, but I like most of his other positions that the Republican party hates.

Ron Paul got more money from the military than any other candidate, but the Republicans ridiculed him at every turn because he shined the light on their stupid war and their attack on the Constitution.

 

[Faneros]

I hate to say I knew this would happen, but I knew this would happen. Her negatives are and always have been way too high. That's why the Republicans are praying that she'll get the nomination.

We've all seen Hillary on the national stage since 1990. I think the opinions people have about her aren't going to be easily changed.

I agree with all you said above, but personally, I think she was out in front way too early. Like a horse race, taking that early lead, you get tired. I think people realized that they don't want someone like her running our country.

 

[leZilla]

I'd like to interrupt you with this message:

*FREAKOUT*

 

[modest mouse]

I had to poke my head in and observe the PC-Lavender political thread in its natural habitat. Its like looking through an old picture book, in the future.

To JazzManJim, Obama and Clinton are stunningly similar in policy. Personally I prefer Obama on trade and Healthcare as I find his stance more workable with Congress than Clintons. The similarity of their policy is part of the reason why so much energy has been focused on personality and looking presidential.

I've never much cared for Hillary Clinton and have grown to like Obama's desire to blend realistic liberal policy with the uplifting, positive rhetoric. BUt I do wish the tone of his rallies would take a step back, which I suspect it will once he locks up the nomination.

The good news is that McCain should get his fucking ass handed to him in November. I actually liked him quite a lot in 200 but he has since cozied up to Bush and the Republican machine (despite what conservative radio would like everyone to think). And no way in hell would I vote for a Republican with so many Supreme Court seats ready to roll over. My privacy rights mean too much for me to go that direction.

One thing about this cycle, the Dems put forth three of the more intelligent candidates we have seen in one primary in some time. Edwards doesnt completely register with me but I hope he keeps his voice in the mix.

 

[Problem Child]

One thing about this cycle, the Dems put forth three of the more intelligent candidates we have seen in one primary in some time. Edwards doesnt completely register with me but I hope he keeps his voice in the mix.

Hey Man!

Even the Dems "second tier" wasn't too bad, with Dodd, Biden and Richardson. Beats the hell out of the crap the Republicans shoveled up this election.

I think Obama will beat McCain because McCain really needs moderate/independent voters to win, and I think Obama will take most of them. Democrats should turn out way bigger than Republicans which obviously helps Obama.

OTOH, if Hillary is the nominee, the republicans will start dragging out all the old skeletons, plus shes got more of a record in the Senate for them to bash than Obama, plus Republicans just really and truly hate her, and I think they will turn out just as much to vote against her as to vote for McCain.

Most of the recent national polls I've seen have Obama beating McCain and Hillary losing to him narrowly, if I am remembering correctly.

 

[moana15]

McCain's suck up to the conservative wing of the Republican party rings hollow. You can tell he doesn't believe it. I don't think he should have to.

Regarding the differences between Clinton and Obama, I see some differences on the health care situation. It seems that Clinton's resembles what they are doing in Mass. where everyone must find and purchase health care. If a person remains uninsured, the uninsured person is penalized finanacially. Since those that are uninsured are usually those who can least afford it, the financial penalty would seem to be a smack in the face.

Obama's plan seems to provide some flexibility that recognizes that people who don't have insurance are there because maybe they work for employers who simply will not provide insurance coverage, or the plans that they could purchase are too expensive.

McCain wants to answer the problem with tax breaks for insurance coverage purchase, providing a positive instead of negative incentive for purchasing insurance. However, if you don't itemize...will the tax break will DO YOU ANY GOOD?

I've noticed that Clinton's issue stances reflect the expected rules of the game for a candidate.

And I don't buy the emotionality thing. The fako tears thing in New Hampshire...CNN went on and on about that and how it really worked and showed that Clinton has passion, blah blah blah. The tears were as rehearsed as her Xerox joke.

 

[modest mouse]

Hey Man!

Even the Dems "second tier" wasn't too bad, with Dodd, Biden and Richardson. Beats the hell out of the crap the Republicans shoveled up this election.

I think Obama will beat McCain because McCain really needs moderate/independent voters to win, and I think Obama will take most of them. Democrats should turn out way bigger than Republicans which obviously helps Obama.

OTOH, if Hillary is the nominee, the republicans will start dragging out all the old skeletons, plus shes got more of a record in the Senate for them to bash than Obama, plus Republicans just really and truly hate her, and I think they will turn out just as much to vote against her as to vote for McCain.

Most of the recent national polls I've seen have Obama beating McCain and Hillary losing to him narrowly, if I am remembering correctly.

Last time I read a break down of Novvember it had the scenario you are talking about. McCain could beat Clinton because of a favorable formula of electoral votes even if the popular vote was tight or even slightly in favor of Clinton. But Obama would have to truly fuck up (like stick his dick in Ann Coulter) to lose to Mccain. Its precisely because of what you mentioned, the fight for independents. I used to be in that mix but the moral agenda tied to the Republicans outweighs by smaller govt (which the Reps dont want anymore anyway) and small spending ideas. So I guess I consider myself a strong Dem now.

And yeah, Dodd, Biden, and others never even got started but were stronger candidates than the second-level Republicans. I honestly wonder if most Republicans saw the election as unwinnable because of Bush'l low approval and simply decided not to explore a campaign.

 

[zipman]

Some thoughts:

The biggest difference between Hillary and Obama is that Hillary's message is that she can get things done within the washington machine and Obama's message is that we need to change the washington machine. Considering the approval ratings of congress, Obama's message is going to resonate with more with many americans who are sick to death of the partisan politics and congressional bullshit that impacts their lives.

I think Richardson was the democratic candidate of experience, and yet he did poorly around the country. I think Hillary has been distorting, or at least picking and choosing the parts of her experience that people should focus on. She wants credit for the prosperity of the Clinton years which I don't think she had anything to do with and ignore the health care failure during the Clinton years which she was directly responsible for.

Hillary has done poorly when attacking precisely because she comes across as more of a republican when she does so. That was quite evident during the last debate when she made her "change you can xerox" comment. People are tired of that and it is characteristic of the way Bill and Hill wage election campaigns.

 

[Lasher]

I'm still confused as to what experience Hillary has? 7 years in the US Senate to Obama's 3? The disaster of leading Bill's Healthcare reforms to a quick painful death?

All she's done is emphasize in the mind's of the people who will decide this election that the last 15 years of bullshit partisanship sucked.

 

[zipman]

I'm still confused as to what experience Hillary has? 7 years in the US Senate to Obama's 3? The disaster of leading Bill's Healthcare reforms to a quick painful death?

All she's done is emphasize in the mind's of the people who will decide this election that the last 15 years of bullshit partisanship sucked.

Shen she said she had 35 years of experience driving change, she was referring to everything she has done since she graduated from law school.

I think she does count Bill's administration and truthfully, she probably was exposed to the workings of the white house (with regard to policy making and diplomacy) which could count as "experience" of some kind, although I think she is totally overemphasizing the role she played.

 

[Lasher]

I think she does count Bill's administration and truthfully, she probably was exposed to the workings of the white house (with regard to policy making and diplomacy) which could count as "experience" of some kind, although I think she is totally overemphasizing the role she played.

I'm sure that is what she's referring to, I'm just not sure it's the kind of thing you really want to bring attention to.

 

[zipman]

I'm sure that is what she's referring to, I'm just not sure it's the kind of thing you really want to bring attention to.

Personally I agree, but she's losing and she needs something to hang her hat on.

Her latest tirade/finger-wagging at Obama is a sign of her desperation. I think that one is going to backfire big time.

 

[Problem Child]

I'm still confused as to what experience Hillary has? 7 years in the US Senate to Obama's 3? The disaster of leading Bill's Healthcare reforms to a quick painful death?

All she's done is emphasize in the mind's of the people who will decide this election that the last 15 years of bullshit partisanship sucked.

She was a hell of a girl scout cookie salesperson.